Ellen Hofrath I was invited by Natalie to introduce myself in her wonderful magazine to share my story and my work with you all.
That's still a challenge for me, as even though I “do art,” it's tough for me to call myself an artist. My way was never was a straight one. I've never studied art. So I don't want to take anything away from professional artists” My intention for my art is to affect the lives of others in a positive way. I want to support people in finding their way and getting aligned with their true soul and being. I consider myself a healer and empath and this is a great way to express my gift and do my work. I have learned that my paintings touch people in unexpected, even mystical ways. The moment they stand in front of the canvas it clicks, you can see it. One of the most requests is “do you mind if I move it around?” Everyone finds their own approach and sees something different. I find my inspiration in dreams and visions and often in scents. I often dream repeatedly of a picture until I actually paint it. Sometimes I paint feelings or emotions; sometimes it's just a flow of colors that create a specific mood. In my entire life I've had a creative streak that I expressed in decorating, cooking, baking and my professional life. Sometimes I wrote, but only for myself. I was never drawn to any kind of crafts or art. In 2012 my life was turned upside down and it was the best thing that ever happened: I had a burn out. During rehabilitation I was advised to try art therapy. Yay - not! I proceeded with much doubt. This course saved and changed my life. All kinds of materials and techniques were offered and we were encouraged to try anything and everything. I didn't get to be a great artist there; but I learned to change my approach to the work and the results improved in more than one ways than one. It was the first time I lived the phrase. “the journey is the destination.” After the therapy ended one of my first forays was into an art store and I spent a lot of money on supplies. Most of them I only used once. But I kept on trying. I also started to read about techniques and watched online videos. So I finally found my way of expression: Fluid Painting. It was a hard road for me to adapt to something I have so little influence in. Yes, I choose materials, I choose which the mix and technique. But in Fluid Painting you never really know the outcome. Too many factors have an influence. Even the room temperature while drying can change everything or ruin it. It took me about a year to find my place. As my confidence grew I became more comfortable and started my Instagram account, I received very positive feedback, which pushed me to do much more. In 2019 I decided to take a Sabbatical and focus on my artsy side to find out what is there for me. Early on I was invited to join an EU-Project for artists. They picked me because of what they saw on Instagram. I've learned a lot, received a lot of unexpected recognition and even was invited to join a worldwide online auction house and they picked 3 of my paintings. Then I started to sell paintings outside my family and friends, earning real money, something I never expected. I got some commissions and had exhibitions in several cafés and restaurants, and started small workshops. The workshops often turn out as a kind of therapy. My clients start opening up, especially when they started with “I can't do art” and I talk to them about getting rid of their need for perfection. This open their emotional gates. I value and love those moments. All this encouraged me to try out more. Digital Art, photography and writing (articles, poems, etc.), as well as doing crafts like wind chimes, and other decorations. The sky is the limit and I go with the flow, wherever the universe wants me to be. I feel really uneasy when somebody calls me an artist. I feel uncomfortable, almost like an imposter. I say automatically, “Oh, that's so nice of you, but I'm not really an artist. I mean I never studied...” Maybe, someday I will be able to just take it as it's meant without excusing myself for making beautiful things without the “proper” education. Just because I can. I consider myself an inspired person and inspiration to me is the key. The impulse comes, hours or even days before I start. It starts with either the colors or the technique, and I want to show emotion or provoke it. It’s pretty much the same when I have a commission or a given topic. It's often the acrylic colors that tell me what they want to be. The ideas for my other works mostly come from inspiration. I read something on Social Media or find a piece of wood, new crystals or I tear apart an old necklace and think about what to do with it and the pearls might eventually be a wall hanging a day later. Inspiration is everywhere. There is barely a limit for me. Okay, there is one: My non-existant studio. I work in the living room of my apartment. That limits the size of the canvases as well as specific techniques and forces me to clean up every time I do something. But even that isn't always negative, it makes me focus on what I do and find alternative ways of getting where I want to go. Well, okay I must admit, there is one more: I can't do delicate pieces. I wanted to make jewelry too... But all those tiny little bits and pieces? Bah, no thanks. Not for me. Those miniature works drive me crazy. I like big and bold. I would love to have a studio or at least an apartment with an extra room. I can't apply for public grants, but I'm working on it. Maybe next year I might be able to afford it. I have so many ideas about what I could do there. But like many, Covid hurt my sales. People can't come into my apartment to look at my work or order. I can't do workshops. The cafés and restaurants where my paintings were exhibited are closed. So I must find creative alternatives. That’s why I’m doing more decorative and smaller things now. I'm still enjoying what I do. I love the scent of the paint, the sensation of having it sticking on me, seeing myself with some green and gold all over my face. I live for that. Watching people interact with my work is the most wonderful feeling in the world. They tell me something is happening, there is contact, my magic works. You may reach Ellen at : bunteinspirationen@gmail.com on Instagram: ellenberlin1 Bio: Ellen Hofrath-Stovall was born in 1965 She is living in Berlin/Germany 2 Daughters, 3 grandchildren single Painting since 2012, self-educated several exhibitions in cafes and restaurants Reproduction of all or any part of material of Ellen Hofrath©, including previous posts, without the express written permission from Planet Starz, Inc. is strictly forbidden. Part 2 continues with Ellen's Monthly Column "With the Eyes of an Artist" |
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