I love sharing artists and their stories here on Lilt Blog, especially so when it is someone special to me. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by creative and ambitious people in my life, and today I want to share with your the work of my good friend Elysia Nagel.
Working from her Melbourne studio, Elysia creates abstract art full of colour, texture and movement, As well as beautiful photography prints of nature and flowers in bloom. Her work is experimental and bold, and the perfect addition to any modern interior.
Today I interview Elysia about her artworks, processes, and inspirations… Read on below.
Can you tell us a little about yourself, your background and what led you to becoming an artist?
Born and bred in Gippsland and living on Phillip Island, embedded a strong love for nature within my soul. Nature has always been my biggest influence, inspiring me to paint over fifty pieces, also capturing thousands of artistic photographs.
I view myself as a self-taught artist as, I only completed the first year of my Bachelor of Visual Arts, my subjects being Photography, Print Making and Art History.
After my first year, I deferred for 12 months to live in Scotland. Upon returning home, I moved to Phillip Island where I immersed myself into the prominent local art scene. This is where my art life truly began.
How would you describe your work?
My paintings are an expression of colour, texture and movement. I describe it as abstract art.
My photography is a reinvention of objects in the environment, taking an ordinary everyday element of nature and turn it into an interesting piece of art.
Can you give us some insight into your process? How do you create your artworks?
I tend to be quite spontaneous when I’m painting. I like to utilise more of my body, rather than traditional easel painting. Normally I will lay my canvas flat on the ground or up against a wall, then apply a base layer to my canvas, and go with the flow of the paint. I don’t usually set out with a clear idea in mind, but my process usually involves a lot of vigorous and sweeping brush strokes, along with distorted forms, exaggeration, texture and bold colours. I am however, experimenting with more control at the moment, which is evident in some of my recent works. Currently, I’m enjoying acrylic, for spilling and dripping paint down the canvas, somewhat, a visual meditation.
My photography process is quite different. On daily walks with my greyhound I always have my camera with me. I scan my environment for colour, texture, shape, form and pattern. Each walk seems to present something new that I haven’t noticed before. I will then go back to my studio space to experiment with the images digitally, by changing the shape, colour, composition or orientation of the object to create an interesting artwork.
What does a day in the office/studio look like for you?
Due to COVID, my full time Executive Assistant role was reduced to part time hours and then was made redundant at the end of October last year.
I have been fortunate enough to have been given a wonderful opportunity to invest and focus primarily on my art. I feel that having a couple of days free a week has allowed me to creatively be inspired and motivated to create art.
I walk every afternoon, (my husband and I have a rescue greyhound, who is very routine orientated, especially when it comes to walk time) this has influenced my process immensely. I walk, take photos, return home to upload onto my laptop, and go from there. I love experimenting with different design elements whilst digitally enhancing my images. Just by applying the simplest changes to an image, I can create something else entirely from the object I’ve photographed.
When it comes to my painting, every day is different. I’m so spontaneous with my painting that I could literally spend a whole day creating or just a couple of hours.
What inspires your artworks?
My philosophy has always been about studying the everyday, mundane item/object in our environment and turn it in to an interesting, conversational, emotive piece of art work.
I express myself by going out into nature and looking at the simple objects in the environment and creating something different by using the elements of design to change the shape, colour or the orientation of the object. I don’t believe my art needs to necessarily be beautiful all the time, I do believe that it needs to be able to generate discussion around the piece being much more than just a “boring” item
The end result is always to achieve interesting, conversational and emotive pieces of art work. Through my art, I aim to encourage a different perspective and help conceptualise a guide to view the world differently. My aim is to create discussion and generate appreciation for design elements. I love to create an experience and invite the viewer to interpret their own ideas about my work.
What are some resources you use for inspiration?
My afternoon walks are my main source of inspiration. Nature is always providing me with great content and ideas.
What challenges/positives have you faced during COVID? / How have you stayed creative and pivoted during this crazy year?
My photography work has really come to the fore recently. Being at home more often, has rekindled my passion for going out into nature to photograph seemingly ordinary objects and turn them into pieces of art. Having the extra time to invest in my ideas and dreams has kept me busy and more motivated than ever. My love for creating art has been reignited and I couldn’t be happier.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
I am always inspired by artists who are fearless and push boundaries. I aspire to be like Vicki Lee, she is such an inspiration to me. Vicki always creates an experience beyond the physical with her art. She is never afraid to put her work out there with confidence and individuality.
What would your dream project/collaboration be?
I would love to collaborate with Vicki Lee. Both stand in front of a HUGE canvas and just throw paint at it.
What are some of your favourite pastimes?
I love yoga, it’s such an amazing way for me to stay mentally and physically healthy. I love walking the hound, especially when we go on weekend family walks, I think this is also one of her favourite things too! Spending time with family and friends has always been important to me, watching my nieces and nephews grow into beautiful young souls is the best!
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
Eckersley’s or Dean’s Art. I know, so cliché. But I do. I love browsing in any art store, let’s be honest!
I’m also a big fan of active/loungewear. Some of my favourite Aussie brands are BOD by Rachael Finch, Elka Collective and Elwood.
What’s next for Art by Elysia?
I have recently launched my business Art by Elysia and website – www.artbyelysia.com, so I have been quite busy producing paintings for clients and focusing on creating more photography series to add to my site.
My aim for 2021 is to focus on developing my skills and to push the boundaries. The aim of my game is to have fun!