Short Bio
Ellen Lustig is a multi-faceted artist and composer working in various media to create her dynamic installations. Ellen’s light sculptures are a fabrication of acrylic etchings enhanced by LEDs and music, producing what feels like an all- immersive voluminous 3d space. Her animation series includes digitally rendered passages that mimic the designs seen in her sculptures and also have the effect of an other-worldly landscape. A graduate of California college of the arts in Oakland, California, Lustig has spent decades as a caricature artist, ceramic sculptor, mural painter, and puppet maker, creating unique pieces that are sought after nationwide. In addition to numerous one woman and group shows with her sculptures and paintings, she dedicates time by regularly teaching art to cancer patients and their families in hospitals and wellness centers such as Gilda’s club of Chicago. Ellen can also be found playing blues keyboards at open mic nights in Chicago and the suburbs.
Statement
“Zofs” are multi-media sculptures which are digitally designed on a 3D computer platform, embossed and cut acrylic forms, with LED programmable light surrounding the shapes. Experience the voluptuous sculptures as they appear to undulate in provocative and multi-colored response to surrounding sound.
The forms created in the sculptures evolved from a life-long fascination of bulbous, anthropomorphic, and animated forms. I have revisited these natural whimsical forms though out my entire career as an artist as expressed in my paintings and sculptures. I find that working in digital media enhances these forms in a new realm that is exciting and sensuous.
Each flat laser cut sculpture is designed using wire-frame mesh, providing an interplay of light and color, so as to create perceived 3D organic and voluminous forms. The viewer becomes mesmerized by the continual variations of shapes that change the static form. The ever changing color also intensifies the effect of an optical illusion. Although the forms are created from a flat hard surface, the visual effect creates soft protruding forms.
Biography
I have enjoyed a long and successful career as a multi-faceted artist. I have been creating art since my early childhood. I studied painting formally starting at the age of 10. At the age of 13, I fell in love with surrealism and from that point on would incorporate quirky themes with identifiable imagery in my paintings. Over time, I added whimsey and cartoonish color to my palette which resulted in Pop Surrealism paintings. My paintings have been displayed in galleries and private collections nationally.
Resume / CV
