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. 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 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. 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 printmaking. I hope my viewer will get drawn into my colors and their combinations in my pieces. I love to explore linear and circular shapes in a variety of size, thickness, transparency, and direction.

When I go into my studio, I look at the large array of colors of inks- will today be a combination of intense bright colors to reflect a beautiful day outside, or will I be drawn to the muted colors of the fog over the lake? I create  colors by mixing several inks together , and then I usually choose a roller to create my first mark on my plate. That color and shape of the 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.

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. An everyday kitchen tool like a spatula can create such wonderful design.

In additional to my monotypes, I also create collages and three-dimensional pieces such as Artist’s Books. I take pleasure in using cut and torn pieces of my less successful monotypes in my collages. As with monotypes, my collages begin with a single image or  paper and then I search for each additional  piece as I complete my creative journey.

Since the Pandemic began in NY in March 2020,  it has been challenging to keep positive. My artwork colors have reflected my mood on any given day, ranging from bright pastels to a painted black box. I feel very fortunate to have my artwork to give me focus during these unprecedented and disheartening times. In spite of the bleak realities today and going forward for an unknown amount of time, I hope that my artwork reflects my general upbeat outlook on life and the future, and that the viewer benefits from this positive perspective.

 May, 2024 : The Pandemic may be over, but the state of the world is equally scary at this moment in time. My artwork continues to provide refuge for me. I continue to be positive in my outlook and I allow my artwork to reinforce this perspective.