The Bluestone Review 2020

The Bluestone Review 2020

Interview with Ellen Elmes

A Feature with Local Artist, Ellen Elmes Interviewed by Sidney E. Smith

Ellen Elmes is an acclaimed artist known for her Appalachian inspired murals and watercolor paintings. Immortalizing the history of our region, Mrs. Elmes captures the heart of rural communities through personal connections and expe- riences. S.S: When did you first realize your love for art? Was it an “ah-ha” moment? If so, could you describe it? E.E.: In a round-about way, it was an “ah-ha” moment. Since I can remember, I have always loved to paint and draw. However, in the 4th grade I had a teacher who kept asking me to draw things for her - I didn’t really like her very much, and wondered why she wanted me to create all of this for her. It is like I had a moment of realization - she kept asking me to create things because I COULD draw. That made me think, well, maybe I was actually pretty good. S.S.: In your bio, it states that you are inspired by the songs and music of Carter and Ralph Stanley. Why/how does their music inspire you? E.E.: That came about because I was commissioned to do a series of canvas paintings at Clintwood, VA for a Stanley Brother’s convention. When I had that commission, a friend, who is a writer and a commissioner, advised me to listen to the music. What happened is – at the time, I lived away from town, and I would put on their CDs while driving to-and-from. He advised me to not just be concerned with the words, but revel in the feel of the music. I really tried to do that, and I found that the brothers really brought out their longing for the mountains, human emotions in regard to death, and so much more. Their ability to bring out so many feelings and such spiritual depth in their music is truly fascinating. S.S.: According to religious beliefs, a labyrinth is an ancient symbol relating to wholeness. Your new book is titled, An Appalachian Labyrinth: Painting to the Cen- ter. How would you describe your journey to the center of the labyrinth? Have you reached a sense of wholeness? E.E.: I wrote about my journey, because living in these mountains, this region, for 50 years now - the environment and the people have been my inspirations. My many experiences here are permanently linked to my story. I was writing my last draft of the book at an artist retreat in Georgia, and in fact, I happened to finish the last chapter when I left that retreat. A friend at the retreat asked me to stop by their church for a flower show they were having, and as I was walking to my car, I saw a little sign that said something along the lines of, “flower labyrinth, journey to the center!” I was very interested, and so I actually walked to the center of the labyrinth they had built. I realized, as I was walking out of the labyrinth, that I had found the title to my book. Being in the labyrinth made me realize that my art is what has made me whole. The center of the labyrinth was my past and coming out of the labyrinth was my ability to

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