From a young age Ele has been fascinated by working with paper and the layers of history that can be hidden and revealed when working with it.

Background: As a child and student Ele spent many hours making little houses, inspired by the lit up dolls houses and models that her grandfather made from found materials. She also spent time reading her father and grandfather’s Lepidopterology and Ornothology books which have gone on to inspire her layered collage pieces.

Inspiration: Ele takes inspiration from many sources including the models created by her grandfather, the magical book pieces by Justin Rowe, Su Blackwell and Emma Taylor, Rachel Whiteread’s vast cast sculptural works, visual works by Anne Harild, captivating photography by Judith Jones and paintings by Charlotte Brisland. Other influences include the collage artists Huw Griffith, Michelle Thompson and Sue Williams A’Court and the early collage pieces by Liza Giles.

Education and early career: After studying Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art & Design and Newcastle University, Ele went on to work in the art world for several years, firstly for the Art Fund and then for a London Art Consultancy. Ele then went on to set up her first art studio in 2010, whilst also teaching art at a leading London Prep School. Following a move to Somerset with her young family in 2015, she now works from her home studio set in the beautiful countryside. 

Ele loves recreating places and buildings that are sentimental to her clients and each of her house light boxes are hand made with great care and attention to detail. The variety of making her house pieces alongside creating delicate watercolour drawings for the original collage pieces provides a variety of creative challenges, all exploring the fragile nature of human experience.