Meet Ellen Nelson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Nelson. 

Hi Ellen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Throughout my whole life, I wanted to be an artist. After graduating from Kalamazoo Public Schools in 2009, I received 100% of the Kalamazoo Promise. This was a sizable factor in my then pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan and starting my career right away as a full-time artist after graduating in 2013. That summer, I started renting my small studio in the Park Trades Center in downtown Kalamazoo, where I dove right into what would become several different series of large oil paintings. I also met a lot of wonderful artists there, whose community and support I appreciate to this day. I still have my little studio at the Park Trades, although I primarily work from home now. 

Over the years, through applying to art shows, hosting my own shows, and making lots of valuable community ties, I’ve been fortunate in developing lots of clients, interesting commissions, a number of murals, and some quality friendships. 

Life as an artist has definitely had its ups and downs, but has been very rewarding so far! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been a lot of bumps and curves on the road of this journey! In my experience, becoming a fine artist does not happen overnight. I’ve had to learn a lot about not only my craft but how to run a business. There have been entire years (especially in the beginning) through which my earnings barely covered expenses. Living in a society in which one’s value as a person is determined by their earning capabilities/productivity, being a freelance artist can take its toll on one’s mental health. Some of my biggest struggles have been in reconciling my (at times) disappointing household financial contributions and numerous par-for-the-course rejections with the gravity of my vocation and learning how to accept help from others without feelings of guilt. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Taken from my artist statement: “My work as an artist draws heavily from my experiences in grappling with the unknown. Inspired by the mystical within the ordinary and driven by a passion for understanding, my oil paintings seek to find the beauty, truth, and meaning in the chaotic patterns of everyday life. 

I use colors, patterns, and objects that are nostalgic, joyful, or powerful, with the hope that my final pieces will offer viewers moments of respite from the weight of the world.” 

In all of my work, I am most proud of how it has evolved and the thread that still runs through each piece, despite my changing vision. It’s hard to explain, but I put my entire self into each piece, and I think it shows. When my work makes people think, start conversations, or simply makes people happy, each moment of joy and hardship is ultimately worth it. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m in a couple of book clubs, so I read a lot and usually learn something valuable about our world with each book and discussion. I am learning Spanish on Duolingo, recently trained for a half-marathon with Ifit, read the New York Times, and true to the stereotype, I love true-crime podcasts. I also receive daily meditations in my email from the Center for Action and Contemplation. If I’m streaming a TV show, it’s likely a 70s sitcom. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.EllenNelsonArtist.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellennelsonartist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellennelsonartist