My Aesthetic is to capture, reveal and creatively express the spirit of African Americans and people of color

I am Helen Ellis – a Jersey girl, born and raised in “Brick City” aka Newark, NJ, now living in Massachusetts. Newark’s public housing hood provided few opportunities to see and cultivate appreciation for the natural beauty of the world. My world was small; instead of grass there was asphalt, instead of trees, concrete; and the harsh reality of poverty that few can truly understand. For me, escape was mandatory. My imagination became my playground and I read voraciously. My passion for creating art began as a youngster and yes, I loved finger painting! I found comfort and solace in art. I could draw almost anything by the time I finished elementary school. In 9th grade, after submission of a portfolio and sitting for a live-drawing test, I was accepted into Newark Arts High School. I majored in fine art and went on to develop my skills in painting with acrylics, oils, watercolors and delved into sculpture. Years later, I continued my arts education through completing an illustration course at Rutgers University.

I believe that being an artist is something that one is born to do. I find tremendous joy and creative expression through my artwork. I relish solitude; but had few solitary moments to focus on my artwork as I raised my children. After a long hiatus, I have returned to my first love: painting. Evocative portraits of people of color are my niche, as well as landscapes. I am working hard to master my materials and increase my knowledge base of techniques. Recently, mixed media and collage were added to my artistic repertoire. My work has been publicly shown in New Jersey, Connecticut [at Mitchell College, New London], and now in California. I am a member of “Black Girls who paint”.

I am blessed to share my life with my husband Andrew, and we have 4 grown children.

My Aesthetic is to capture, reveal and creatively express the spirit of African Americans and people of color. Flashing eyes that reflect the soul…. thousand kilowatt smiles….style and glamour….. images both ethereal and sublime. Brushes and canvas are my lens to express the intensity, resilience and beauty of the African American experience.