I’m so excited to introduce you all to Ellie of Ellie Creations Studio! I’ve gotten to know her a little bit and have seen her beautiful work and it was my pleasure to find out more about her. Keep reading to get to know Ellie for yourself.

Hi Ellie! Thank you so much for your time and agreeing to be The Curated Notebook’s February Feature. Why don’t you tell a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m honored to be featured, thank you for giving my art a voice. I’m Ellie and I have two daughters, my 5 year old Ari and my 3 year old Estelle, and we live in Switzerland in the flat lands between Bern and Zurich.

I love Switzerland! My family and I lived there a few years ago and we really want to go back someday.

Well I grew up here but left at 18 to pursue my nursing degree. Then almost ten years later, I moved to the United States and got married and had my first daughter. I really loved living there; the US became the first place that I felt truly accepted and connected to like minded people.

How did you end up back in Switzerland?

5 years later our family moved back to my homeland here in Europe. Unfortunately my marriage fell apart and I’ve experienced a sort of reversed culture shock. But I’m grateful for my family who have supported me so much as a single mama. 

So it’s been a crazy few years for you. How does your artwork fit into all this?

Thinking back I think my first love for painting erupted in Kindergarten. I always loved painting in school, and I was usually encouraged to paint different subjects. Later in life, I found out that my Dad had been a painter at heart but he never fully expressed it. He very sadly took his own life when I was only 6 years old, so I didn’t know he had this passion.

Oh wow, I’m sorry. You are so positive and your art is so light and dream-like, I never would have imagined this sort of painful past. Has painting helped you through these trials?

For the past few years now God had been notching my heart strongly to just go for it! I had different seasons before where I picked up the brush but always put it back down. But this time, something was different. After my separation, I would be wide awake night after night and I just started painting. But, to my surprise, it wasn’t dark or depressing art but floral subjects with bright colors, full of hope. I think working through my pain and emotions reconnected me to my childhood and to my father’s passions.

So how do you go from painting in the middle of the night to doing it professionally?

I started my Instagram account about a year ago, that’s when l started selling my art. I’d sold some art at an exposition years ago but I just wasn’t fully committed then. I still work part-time as a nurse now but I’m able to commit to both now.

How would you describe your artistic style?

My style leans towards a vintage feel, I love doing floral and angelic art. It’s my desire that every piece I create will bring peace, healing and hope to the people that will own my paintings. That’s why I listen to worship when I paint and I pray over every piece. It really is art from my heart and soul.

That is really beautiful, to create a peaceful environment while you paint so that the painting carries that to the people who purchase it. You said you listen to worship while you paint, what else inspires you?

I love nature. Flowers, of course, but also sunrises and sunsets. Observing the sky with my daughters inspires me so often.

Do you involve your daughters in your work ever?

Well, my daughters give me the most honest feedback regarding my paintings. They also love to make art together with me! God has been really challenging me to not be afraid of painting with them and it’s been a freeing process!

It sounds like your faith is really important to you. Is that why you paint angels?

For the angel paintings, I honestly sense angels moving all around me and protecting me. This is how I make them visual.

Well, I’ve been following you almost since I first started blogging and you always have inspiring words and beautiful pieces to share. What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you first started?

Honestly, I think I’m just learning as I go. There’s the business side that requires paperwork and organization and that’s really hard but important. Building a website too, that stuff takes time but you just have to learn and grow. I’m in a mentorship program right now and that has helped me so much!

Speaking of mentoring, do you have any advice for other artists?

I would encourage everyone to just do it. A big part of being creative is facing your fears. You have to come out of hiding; share your art on Instagram or Facebook or wherever, just share your gift with the world.

I really relate to that, just putting yourself out there and taking a chance. Social media can be a rough place, though.

Yes, it can be good and bad. Posting my art has helped me to overcome and it’s blessed me with wonderful connection–like you, Elizabeth– but it can also be distracting. Don’t waste time comparing yourself to other people or artists. Find your niche, do something different, do just what’s in your heart.

I’ve loved connecting with you, too! That is the great part of taking that chance, you get to be inspired by other people’s work and stories. Last question: what do you hope for the future of your business?

Just to grow. I’d love to paint much more and have my own studio space (preferably in a beautiful warm barn). I’m working on my own website and hopefully one day, I could host workshops or retreats to help women connect to their hearts and souls.

That sounds amazing. I’ve absolutely loved getting to know you and hear a little of your story, thank you for being so open.

If you’re interested in purchasing some of Ellie’s art or getting to know more about her, you can find her on Instagram at @elliecreationsstudio and Facebook.