All About Ellen
Education
Techniques
Hi, I’m Ellen Klamon. I’m a lifelong artist. I studied art as a young person at Maryville University and have practiced my art throughout my adult life. Yes, I took time out to raise two children, but me being an artist is always the thread that pulls me steadily through all of my life responsibilities and endeavors. I started out as a printer, working in two dimensional art. Later I started learning and working on metalsmithing techniques, which has lead me on an adventure with its many processes. You are the beneficiary of this progress through time and technique both in my artwork and in the art jewelry I make. I find that my artistic expression is fully satisfied by working both in two and three dimensional art.
Biography
1977 BFA Maryville University in Printmaking and Drawing
1980-1990 Studied metalsmithing with Gwen Springett
1990-1992 Studied metalsmithing with John Baltrushunas at Maryville University
1989 Established Ellements as a business name for a line of jewelry
2006 Established HouseCalls as a business name for a home staging and interior design service.
My jewelry is fabricated from flat sheets of metal and round wires that have been cut, formed, folded, textured, and then soldered together. Semi-precious stones are then added with rivets or fabricated settings. If I don't add stones I color the metal through enameling. It is an involved process no matter how I go with finishes, giving an eclectic look and lots of color.
With my two dimensional work I use varied techniques, favoring pastels, ecaustic painting, and block printing. Its all about what inspires me and what will be the best technique to tell my story.
Other Things I Do
I work with real estate agents and homeowners alike, using their furniture, making decorating suggestions, and offering names of handymen, painters, cleaners, etc. I also help the transition from the old house to the new with guidelines for placement of furniture, paint choices, and decisions on what to keep and what to discard.
Volunteer Endeavors
Thirteen Squared
13 Squared was founded by a group of thirteen women artists for the express purpose of giving back to the local arts community. Every two years we produce and sell our own artwork in a local gallery. At the same time we pull together 100+ small works of art from local women artists. The proceeds from both these events have been donated to various organizations over the years.
Society for Midwest Metalsmiths
Served as Show Chair for SMM for seven years and producing the most prestigious jewelry only art show and sale in the St. Louis are. I've been responsible for organizing the committee members to their various tasks, show identity, promotion, and overall smooth running of the show. This years show is October 14 and 15, 2016. Check my calendar for location.
Juried Member
Best of Missouri Hands
The Best of Missouri Hands is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and recognition of Missouri’s artists and artisans. BOMH currently has approximately 400 members representative of artists, arts educators, the general public, businesses and organizations. Juried membership represents a diverse range of art forms and mediums, all of which exhibit the highest level of artistic quality and craftsmanship.
