Other Worldly Art by Ellen Porteus

Ellen Porteus is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates vibrant worlds within everyday spaces.

Words: Cardia Speziale I Photography: Laura May Grogan

Ellen Porteus is currently undergoing a residency at KSR Gallery in Melbourne. Photo: Laura May Grogan

‘I’ve never been a hustler or a business-minded person but my approach has always been to make the best art I can, try to get better at it and hopefully attract people who connect with what I’m making,’ says Ellen Porteus. Photo: Laura May Grogan

‘The lows are worth it for the good stuff - like when I have a really good idea, or get into a really good creative flow, or get a really exciting opportunity, or have someone tell me that my work means something to them.’ Photo: Laura May Grogan

‘I’m hungry for the kind of creating that feels good and fun and natural — this experimentation led me to develop a style and voice that is really authentic to me.’ Photo: Laura May Grogan

‘I was so young when I started this career, and had no idea what I was doing. I’ve made a lot of mistakes! I have so much energy for making art and this can be a blessing and a curse.’ Photo: Laura May Grogan

A multi-disciplinary artist based in Collingwood, Melbourne, Ellen Porteus’ vibrant animations, illustrations and installations are bustling with wit, visual metaphor and wordplay. Having collaborated with brands such as Nike, Disney, Adidas, Spotify and Instagram, Ellen is now preparing for her first solo exhibition in four years — an otherworldly experience that is well worth the wait.

With a reputation for creating colourful installations and playful themes, Ellen credits much of her success to a profound passion for creativity and “youthful naivety” about what it would take to make a viable career as a full-time artist.

‘I wanted to do something where I could be myself and express myself,’ she says. ‘For as long as I can remember, I’ve been someone who tries different things. I’m hungry for the kind of creating that feels good and fun and natural — this experimentation led me to develop a style and voice that is really authentic to me.’

After studying visual communication and commencing her career as a graphic designer, Ellen eventually received an enquiry to create a double page spread for The New York Times, who had come across her personal work online. ‘I was so excited that there were people out there who wanted to pay money for my art, so I quit my job, moved to Melbourne and have worked as a full-time artist ever since.’

Ellen speaks openly and honestly about the highs and lows of her career, and the importance of understanding ones own energetic and creative capacity. ‘I’ve burned out so many times but what really made me change was realising that I need to have good energy to make good work,’ she says. ‘Now I say “no” to things and I prioritise sleep, exercise and therapy.’ To aspiring artists who aren’t sure where to begin or if they’re ready to take the plunge, Ellen’s resounding advice is simply to ‘pursue what excites you, and let it guide where you go.’

‘I love creating worlds in spaces.’ Photo: Laura May Grogan

‘I think it’s important to be a bit naive and not overthink things because it will always lead you to doubt yourself.’ Photo: Laura May Grogan

“I didn’t think an art career was possible. I thought to be an artist you’d probably have to be able to paint realistic portraits like in the Archibald. I always had difficulty drawing anything realistic and just loved drawing little cartoons!”

— ELLEN PORTEUS

‘She’s On Another Planet is based on a narrative where the groundskeeper- the sole human inhabitant of this imaginary planet- tries to change her chaotic environment to be what she thinks is right, leading to more and more chaos. She learns that she ultimately has no control and has to accept the environment in all its chaos and messiness. It’s a metaphoric story about how we try to change or hide parts of ourselves to our own detriment’. Photo: Laura May Grogan

As someone who describes herself as having one foot in reality and the rest of her body in an imaginary land, Ellen’s work is a sensory overload in the best possible way.

Her forthcoming solo exhibition She’s On Another Planet is a vibrant and striking collection of artworks, installations and animations that showcase a parallel between the evolution of the natural environment and the evolution of ourselves. It promises to be a thought provoking and visually stunning event, giving viewers the opportunity to engage with Ellen’s imaginative world on a personal level.

‘It’s a metaphoric story about how we try to change or hide parts of ourselves to our own detriment,’ describes Ellen.

The exhibition is inspired by the artist’s recent trip to Magnetic Island; a tropical paradise located roughly 10 kilometres offshore from Townsville, Queensland. ‘Big, bright bugs would buzz past me on my hikes. Geckos would plaster my bedroom walls. The ocean was home to microscopic jellyfish that cause extreme pain and, apparently, a sense of existential doom,’ she explains. ‘While I was there, I began to conceptualise the island like a person who has grown and evolved, like we all do, in response to our environment. I began to think about what our inner worlds look like, and started to draw it. This is where She’s On Another Planet was born.’

She’s On Another Planet is showing from the 3rd to the 17th of March at KSR Gallery in Melbourne.

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ELLEN PORTEUS