It's Tuesday! We are back with another insightful interview for Chats with Makers. This week, Ellie Doidge has been answering our questions and discussing her mixed media artworks.
We are happy to hear that Ellie has taken lockdown as an opportunity to start her own business and push her art! Hopefully you will find her as inspiring as we do.
What is your practice and where do you find inspiration?
I have always been interested in capturing texture through my art practice. I absolutely love using mixed media techniques to imply surface. During this lockdown period, I have spent a fair amount of time walking on the beach and have been getting lots of inspiration from the pebbles, shells and small things in life.
When did your business first start and what made you do it?
Art with Ellie is actually only a few months old! I decided to start my own business during lockdown. As life slowed down I was finding that I have a lot more time on my hands and therefore the perfect opportunity to concentrate on my own art practice. I have always wanted to start up my own business but have never found the time.
You teach :) How can someone join one of your classes?
I work part time as an Art teacher in a secondary school and have also secured a job as an ArtNight artist. Due to current situations, I haven’t been able to run my first session yet. Details of when sessions will be back up and running again will be available on their website. ArtNight evenings are fun and creative!
How do you create your work from start to finish?
My work is produced with a variety of mixed media techniques. Sometimes I paint the pebbles directly onto the paper with acrylic paint and other times I will create textured mono prints. I love combining techniques together so I may flick ink at the pebbles or work back into them with Posca pens to add extra pattern and detail.
Which digital platforms and programmes have helped shape your business?
Instagram has been a fantastic platform to shape my business. There is a real sense of an Art community online and it has been such a pleasure to make connections with other fantastic makers, all of which want to support each other.
What tips would you give people on painting? Any materials you would recommend?
My advice to anyone starting out with painting is to not worry too much about the outcome to start off with, it’s all about the process. Get creative and be free with your paint application. Learn about the paint and find your own style.
Do you have any advice for those looking to start their own business?
I think the key to starting your own business is self confidence and self belief. You’ve got to just put yourself out there without doubting your own ability.
Any future projects or plans in the pipeline?
I have a lot of exciting plans in the pipeline for Art with Ellie. My main plan is to take part in physical markets in my local area. I am also planning to take part in Brighton’s fantastic open house event next year.
Ellie can work to your specific requirements, if you have a colour palette in mind or a particular pebble stack, she takes commissions! Head to her Etsy page to see and buy her work. Thank you Ellie.