Interview
Ellie Goodliffe
Ellie is an amateur artist exploring paint, pen, pencil, digital, photography and mixed medias. She appreciates any forms simple or complex which invokes an emotional response triggering deep thought. She’s an MSc ale brewer with a BSc degree in biology. Ellie is a sister, wife and mother.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art was my favorite subject during my early school years. Making an unapologetic mess was not only forgiven but even praised, providing freedom to express myself. Growing up in a troubled home made having an outlet essential for my sanity. Using scrap paper, a byro pen, and cheap, scratchy pencils drawing became my passion. I found joy in replicating images I admired, including anime and popular cartoon characters. Over the years, part-time jobs allowed me to invest in better artist tools while experience gave me the confidence to try new and original ideas. Adult life and responsibilities did not escape me of course. With my full-time profession as quality assurance team leader and brewer I am able to find time to be inspired, creatively explore and produce work I am proud of.”
What inspires you?
“I find inspiration in so many things. However, in the last few years nature and biology are at the forefront. I love taking the opportunity to capture the natural world from skies and water to the microbiological landscape of mold and bacteria through photography. I feel my biological degree and in particular my interest in the human body and pathology gives me a unique edge on the art scene.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Like most, the key for me is variety. However, the artwork I chose to feature here is one of five in my ‘Illness Series’ aimed to provoke an internal reminder that we are all fragile beings. As we blunder around our lives endeavoring to be happy, love and be loved, survive and thrive we knock ourselves with very little remorse or apology. The bruises left behind are the window displays of the incredible battle in the war of healing happening in real time. We take for granted this biological process and I would like to bring it forward - even for a single moment.”
How would you describe your work?
“Depending on the mood in which I find myself, my work can be colourful, fun and uplifting or it may be deeply thought provoking and dark. For this feature, I combined the two - Bruises are colourful and almost galaxy-like in nature with their swirly blues, purples and reds. Meanwhile, their causes are usually born through accidents, mistakes, and pain - really highlighting the fragility of the human skin and capillaries beneath.”
Which artists influence you most?
“My sister, April. Although younger than me and despite learning from me, she really pushes the creative boundaries. More famously, when I was eleven or twelve I saw Cornelia Park’s ‘Cold Dark Matter’ installation at the Tate while on a school trip. I have never forgotten how that piece made me feel and how much it inspired me.”
What is your creative process like?
“In the past, I would have absorbed some inspiration from whatever and quickly, spontaneously, and very chaotically translated it to paper leaving a trail of messy paint marks, stained skin, and destroyed t-shirts. Today, I am much more particular and methodical. This was partly shaped by maturity, practice and time restrictions. I still can be inspired by many things and topics but I am likely to think more deeply about its executions and potential impact. Once an idea takes hold, I will think about which is the most appropriate media, and then lay them out. Instead of finishing a piece quickly, I will take my time - walk away and come back.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe, probably like most artists, that art is so tightly integrated into our society that it would be hard to imagine a world without it. Most roles in society are mistakenly a form of art such as architecture, illustrators and graphic designers. While others are more subtle but require a certain creativity as with teachers, managers and caregivers. I feel art in society will only grow and further evolve - especially with the increasing awareness around mental health and utilization of methods like art therapy.”
Website: zealous.co/elliegoodliffe
Instagram: @elliegoodliffe
