We recently connected with Ellen Kantro and have shared our conversation below.
Ellen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Most of what I have learned has been trial and error plus a dash of experimentation. I started painting before there was an explosion of online classes and tutorials. I think I would have taken more workshops with artists whose work I admire. There is no doubt that would have accelerated my ability to develop more quickly.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My path to becoming an abstract artist took many turns. Discouraged from attending art school in favor of a more traditional route, I focused on my other passion: musical theatre. I was a touring stage manager for several years. Then after a minor injury that sidelined me for a short time, I got a job as a graphic designer which led to user interface design and life on the corporate track, culminating in a variety of creative roles as a corporate executive for a Fortune 100 company.
Later, I transitioned from the structured world of business to the dynamic realm of abstract art. Many people have told me that my paintings have an urban vibe, which when I think about it, makes sense when over the course of my past and present experience. My work often has unconventional textures and techniques, and I usually incorporate found materials into my work that creates that feeling of urban grit. Old maps, torn posters, discarded packing and construction materials, find their way into my pieces that add elements of surprise and discovery for the viewer.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being my own “boss”. I paint what I want, when I want. One rewarding element to being an artist is knowing that there are really no obstacles to creating work. Only those that I might place there myself. I don’t paint what I think will sell. I paint what I want to see and feel knowing that there are collectors out there who share my aesthetic. The challenge is helping them find me.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
Are they still a thing? My view has not changed. As I’ve said before the vast majority of people don’t understand them and I may very well be among them, but it seems to me that purchasing what is in essence a file, does not sound very enjoyable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellenkantro.com
- Instagram: @ellenkantroart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-kantro
