Ellen Lazarus

I am a printmaker and collage artist with an interest in exploring color, shape, line, and space. My prints are monotypes, which are one-of-a-kind. I like to experiment with different techniques and designs, so there is great variety in my monotypes.  There is nothing more thrilling for me than seeing my print as I lift the paper from the press. I love the element of the unexpected which is inherent in creating monotypes.

One of my artistic goals is to convey my joy in the creative process. I start with a blank printing plate, and I do not have a preconceived plan for each piece. With the exception of specific calls for entry, I am not trying to send any “messages” or social commentary to the viewer. Rather, I simply want to impart the magic and joy of making art. I hope my viewer will get drawn into my colors and their combinations in my pieces. I love to explore linear , circular and geometric  shapes in a variety of size, thickness, transparency, and direction.

My initial step is to create  colors by mixing several water-based inks together , and then I usually choose a roller to create my first mark on my plate. The color and shape of that mark determine what I will add next. It is a process of discovery as I add different elements to complete my plate before running it through the press. I also weigh which kind of paper to use: smooth, textured, pure white, cream, etc. All these decisions give shape to my work. I use both a traditional printing press as well as Gelli plates, sometimes in combination. Additionally, I may add hand coloring with pencil, graphite, pen, paint and/ or marker.

In addition to using rollers and different kinds of brushes, I have a variety of materials in my toolbox to enhance the images I create. I love experimenting with different kinds of mark-making tools, such as wire, mesh, stencils, hand-carved rubber stamps, and other found objects.

I also create collages and three-dimensional pieces such as Artist’s Books. As with monotypes, my collages begin with a single image or paper and then I search for each additional component as I complete my creative journey. My monotypes often serve as backgrounds for my collages, and cut and torn pieces of my less successful monotypes are often incorporated into a new collage. Many of my collages include tissue paper, washi tapes, paint, alcohol inks, markers, and pencils, as well as found imagery from magazines, maps, old letters, etc.

I enjoy the process of making art almost as much as viewing my finished work. With many of my pieces, I have a difficult time declaring the artwork finished  because it becomes a part  of me and  I don't like saying goodbye.  That is why it brings me so much pleasure to introduce my art to others, so they can say hello to my work.