Interview
Agnieszka Elliott
Agnieszka (Aga) Elliott is a nationally and internationally recognized wildlife artist, drawing inspiration from artists like Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders, who not only are naturalists, but who successfully capture wildlife, and their natural environments, through realism. Aga believes that wildlife art has the potential to inspire viewers to conversation and education, inevitably leading to increased awareness of our planet’s natural heritage. Working exclusively in oils, she aims to portray animals in their moments of beauty. Aga is involved with organizations such as The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, Artists for Conservation, and INVICTA Wildlife Fund. Aga’s hope is to promote appreciation of the creatures that share our world, in the hope that they will not be lost to us forever.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I grew up in Krakow, Poland and my very first steps into the world of creativity was working for my father as a Graphic Designer, in my hometown. I fell in love with the creative process and working with people and bringing their ideas to life. I did a little bit of drawing here and there but mostly for fun. In the 90's I decided to move to US where I worked as a Marketing Coordinator for almost a decade. In my spare time, I got back to drawing and took a couple of watercolor workshops, which sparked my interest in color. I believe this was my pivotal time, where I was able to reflect on what truly excites me and that was the force behind my artistic journey. Without any formal art education and with a curious and open mind, I decided to pursue art and find my own unique voice as an artist. I weathered many storms that brought self-doubt, but the passion for creating never went away. I faced those storms head on by seeking feedback from artists that I respect and admire, by taking classes and workshops to further my technique and skills, and I practiced.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My art revolves around conservation and carries an important message about the relationship between humans and the natural world, and hopefully has a chance to bridge the gap between us and nature. I try to foster the sense of wonder and inspire action in individuals to recognize their role in protecting the environment. I try to empower the animals in my paintings by highlighting the incredible diversity of life on Earth, by showcasing their unique characters, personality, and beauty. By reminding us of their incredible value and the delicate balance of ecosystem they contribute to, I underscore the fact that harming one species or habitat can have catastrophic consequences for others, including humans. I do not try to bash anyone over the head with my beliefs...on the contrary, I try to tell stories through my art that make people arrive at their own conclusions.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“Yes, I always plan in advance. Working with oils and understanding the relationships between my subjects and the viewer requires a great deal of forethought.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“The most significant "flavor of the day" in the art world is AI...which in my opinion, removes much of the soul from art and provides a very superficial rendition of pop-culture subjects. I do not subscribe to AI generated art, nor do I consider it to be art in the way that I interpret art. However, I do recognize that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and to each his or her own.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“My process begins with not only choosing my subject, but asking myself: WHY am I painting this specific animal? Is there a message behind the painting and how can I convey it to the viewer? What sensations can I voyeuristically invoke in the viewer? Once set on my intention, I begin a rough sketch that I later transfer to my linen. Before blocking in major colors, I start with the eyes - that allows me to build my connection with the animal. From big brushes and bold strokes, I progress to smaller brushes to add intricate details. Working exclusively with oils, I aim to create a bond between the viewer and the beauty of the natural world by evoking emotions and curiosity. My subjects never look directly at the viewer, which I believe allows the viewer to see the world from the subject’s point of view. I love working on stretched Belgian linen or linen mounted onto a gatorboard. I always focus on the chemistries of my medium and the surface to ensure the longevity of my pieces.”
“My art revolves around conservation and carries an important message about the relationship between humans and the natural world, and hopefully has a chance to bridge the gap between us and nature.”
What does your art mean to you?
“My art is my teacher. It empowers me to be a better person, to be an environmental steward, to touch hearts and minds. It definitely stirs feelings of hope, wonder and concern for our wildlife and our planet. My art is also the tool that I use to project my view of conservation to the world...it speaks on behalf of me to people and helps them to develop connections to our natural heritage.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“This is such a hard question...because of the emotional aspect of my process, I feel a connection to all of my pieces..one might as well ask "which is my favorite child"! There are so many pieces that have helped me to develop personal relationships with my clients and wildlife photographers around the world that is difficult for me to choose a favorite.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In 2021, I was selected as a finalist for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year competition with my piece "Locked On". In 2022, my piece "One Turtle's Journey" was selected for Artists for Conservation's virtual exhibit, and my piece "Hero of Ndumo" was selected for the their live exhibit at VanDusen botanical gardens in Vancouver. In 2023, my piece "Phantom" has been selected for Artists for Conservation's 25th anniversary live exhibit in Vancouver, CA in September 2023.”
Website: www.papillonfineart.com
Instagram: @papillonfineart
