ELLIE JAKEMAN
Ellie Jakeman is an artist deeply connected to her home town of Blackpool. After studying at Blackpool School of Art and Manchester Metropolitan University, Ellie became an Art and Design Lecturer, developing curriculum across Fine Art, Print, Fashion and Textile Design.
Ellie tells us about her processes of creating a painting, work as a freelance artist and studio life in Blackpool.
Q: Can you tell us about your Artistic background/education?
My interest in visual and creative arts began at the tender age of four, when I declared my intention to become an artist. This passion never waned; in fact, it grew even stronger over the years. I completed my education after pursuing Art and Design academia and a teacher training programme all while channelling my enthusiasm and passion for various aspects of the arts into many subject-specific areas.
Q. Do you work in a studio or from home?
I am fortunate to have a studio at home, which I use every day. I have three stations, Painting, Textiles and Illustration. However around the periphery are shelves and boxes stacked high with an an eclectic mix of books, shells, seaweed, rocks, old crockery, threads and fabrics, interesting finds from walks, etc.
Q. Who are your Art Influencers? inspirations?
My greatest inspiration comes from nature, which I photograph and sketch extensively. I focus on both the intentional and incidental details: the languid lines and architectural structure of trees and plants, organic shapes, light filtering through leaves and petals, cast shadows, dappled light, buds, blooms, and the spectrum of colour on a single petal or leaf. Birds, their plumage, animals, and the human form also heavily influence my work.
I've also been incredibly fortunate to visit magnificent art galleries and exhibitions worldwide, which has been a continuous source of inspiration and motivation for my own creations.
Particular favourite artists include Lucian Freud, Jenny Saville, Alan McGowan, John William Waterhouse, Edward Hornel, Alphonse Mucha, John Ruskin, J. M. W. Turner. Adolph Bouguereau, John Singer Sargent, Nick Alm, Mary Cassat, Claire Basler, Kathe Kollwitz, Bridget Riley etc.....
Q. What helps get you in "the zone'? music? out in nature? quiet?
I love the quiet of my studio. If I do play music it is usually classical or the sounds of nature.
Q. Do you still keep a sketchbook? How often do you use it and do you travel with it?
I have used a sketchbook in various forms for over 45 years they are essential for capturing thoughts, ideas, testing out techniques, mixed media, developing designs, reflecting, journaling. I have been known to sketch on, envelopes, napkins any piece of paper in front of me. I do travel with my sketchbook as I very often sketch on site.
Q. Where does a piece of work begin for you? Can you describe your process?
I usually find inspiration whilst out in nature, so I take many photographs of organic and natural forms, plants, shells, trees etc. If I have my sketchbook, I will sketch on site then continue investigating colour, texture, line and composition in my studio
Q. What technique do you prefer to use?
I am fortunate to have an arsenal of artistic skills under my belt as being an Art and Design lecturer for over 20 years has enabled me to try many techniques. My favourite media is compressed charcoal and inks when working on organic subjects and the human form. I do use watercolour and acrylic paints when creating work for my commissions.
I specialize in large-scale community murals, particularly for hospitals and local hospices. I believe that transforming spaces with vibrant colours and light can offer patients, visitors, and even staff a much-needed respite from the difficult realities of illness.
Q. What are your most important artists tools?
I have an utter weakness for brushes, I have a lot of paint brushes! However I am equally at home working in inks using a kabab stick or twigs. Sometimes experimenting with unconventional equipment can produce surprising results.
My students and I used to enjoy a fantastic brush-making class. They had complete freedom to use anything they could find—twigs, leaves, straw, feathers, and so on—to create mark-making tools. After crafting their tools, they would then use them to produce a catalogue of unique marks and textures. It was always a very creative and enjoyable activity.
Q What are your favourite materials?
Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Golden and Liquitex Watercolour paint, Inks, Inktense pencils, Acrylic paint and Compressed Charcoal. I do like using mixed media on more flowing pieces and try to explore paper surfaces.
Q. What are you currently working on?
I have upcoming murals to design and paint, I am always making hand made cards, and commissions are on going and then in the new year I am thinking about a series of related paintings, challenging organic scale and using an analytical eye to make them semi abstract.
Q. Where can we see more of your work online or in person?
Instagram : elliej_rosebird_studios
Email: elainej@talk21.com
I am also excited to start our collaboration with Watercolour Wednesdays on ARTdiscount platforms!
