Artist statement
I am an artist, writer and therapeutic facilitator. I am currently experimenting with oil paint and cold wax medium to create textured layers of narrative within my paintings. I am inspired by nature, especially the sea, and therapeutic processes. I often include asemic writing (writing with no meaning) and poetry in my work. I also create papercuts.
Extended Bio
Creative Career
2010 – Pres Therapeutic Writing Facilitator
Workshops are aimed at enabling people to explore and express their own unique writing voice with increasing confidence in a nurturing group environment with an emphasis on sharing.
2012 – Pres Labyrinth Facilitator
Facilitation of labyrinth walks at public events and walks combined with writing for wellbeing.
2017 Year-long Writer- in-Residence, The Flourish Project at The Barn, Banchory
This project emphasised writing outdoors to enhance wellbeing. Elaine created an art installation of words hung in the trees in the Wild Garden. She also collaborated with artist Fenneke Wolters-Sinke for visual poetry, and choreographer, Mhairi Allan for a series of workshops combining writing with movement.
Jan 2017 Inspiration Point Writer-In-Residence at Charles Michie’s Pharmacy, Aberdeen
A two-week residency to expand local awareness of pathways into, and opportunities for, creativity within Aberdeen city.
Nov 2015 Community Out Of Bounds Residency – Words Into Glass
Collaboration with glass artist, Jane Ronie focused on exploring the possibilities of combining writing and fused glass art. Included an open studio event to share resultant work with the public.
Exhibitions
Mar - Apr 2024 Solo Exhibition at The Foyer Gallery, The Phoenix Centre, Newton Dee Village, Aberdeen.
Mar 2018 Flourish Project Exhibition at The Barn, Banchory
A community exhibition for participants alongside Elaine’s own work featuring cyanotypes, artist’s books, poetry sculptures and erasure poetry exploring the links between time spent in nature, writing and wellbeing.
NEOS (North East Open Studios) Events - participant in 2015, 2016, 2018 & 2021.
The Inverarity Gallery, Banffshire - participant in a number of group exhibitions.
Awards
2017 VACMA Award
To facilitate the development of new work combining the written word with visual elements. This included a residency at Cove Park and 1-to-1 tuition with artist Brigid Collins.
