Congratulations to artist Elaine Clarfield Gitalis, our latest ArtResin Winner! Based in Toronto, ON, Elaine creates abstract pieces with some stylized representational motifs: "Originally a textile artist, I have worked in most media. At present I mainly work in acrylic, on canvas or panel, with some mixed media such as collage."
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
No, although in the autumn the leaf colours are magnificent in Canada and sometimes they are inspirations for colour choices.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
I graduated with honours from The Ontario College of Art but continued learning through workshops, videos and online courses.This has been ongoing.
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
Yes, I am a full-time artist.
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
What ever the medium I am working in, I take great please in its unique tactile qualities. (I delight in the viscosity of resin’s liquid state to it’s final shiny & hard finish.)
How did you discover resin?
I have seen many resin coated pieces of art through the years that were beautiful but would not use it myself because of the VOC’s…..when I discovered ArtResin I “dove in”).
How has resin impacted your artwork?
The resin finish of my artwork has elevated the pieces to a higher level both visually and adds a greater permanency.
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
This question has been asked of me multiple times throughout my career and I used to try & give an explanation. At this point the only way I can describe how I get inspired is “divine inspiration”….other worldly?!
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
Again this question is difficult to answer. I guess it’s a drive to make something from almost nothing….a canvas and paint. Another important motivation is to give joy to others by providing them with unique and beautiful images that they in turn choose to live with.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
I believe that the act of creating art helps in other areas of life such as “brain-health" & problem solving. Also, during difficult moments it’s a wonderful distraction. This last fact was very true during the pandemic.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
I hope people feel joy and perhaps more……what they themselves can bring to viewing the art.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?
The answer is multilayered. I feel great joy by the very act of creating new visions and this is in itself success. However when someone feels that they “need” to have and then live with one of my paintings then that exemplifies great success.
What's your favourite resin tip you'd like to share with our readers?
Prepare EVERYTHING needed before beginning to resin a painting, including wipes. (saw a terrific video on this on the ArtResin website!)
Where do you sell your work?
My work is sold through galleries in both Canada and the US. and also from studio visits.
Congratulations on your win, Elaine!
To see more of Elaine's art:
Visit her website: www.elaineart.com
Follow her on Instagram: @elaine_clarfield_gitalis
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have shared the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: Celebrating 10 Years As The Original Epoxy For Resin Art!
