Ellen Carver

Artist Statement

My love of materials: handmade papers, fiber, beads-essentially, an eclectic mixture of medium-combined with the influence of my collection of quilts and folk art studies, led me slowly through a series of starts and stops...but always a creative journey to new and exciting places.

From the familiar to the unknown, I move to a fresh and intense focus on color, shapes and spaces...and always, pattern and texture. My canvases increased in size over the years and allow me to become completely immersed in what I am creating...and what I create becomes environmental.

My canvases, evolved from realistic imagery to abstractions, also begin to tell a story: they become a reflection of my life and who I am. I try not to intellectualize my work...to read too much into what I am doing. My demand for myself is for excellence in execution, both on and off the canvas. I am a profoundly private person, but my artwork often gives me away.

Like me, my artwork holds secrets and, hopefully, delightful surprises. What you see at first glance is not always what is. The more you look at my work the more you see and learn. If I keep the viewer engaged...and involved, I have accomplished something important.