Ellen Tongzhou Zhao
Inking the Mind
Inking the Mind
Welcome to the wonderful world of imagination. My art resides at the confluence of opposing forces and diverging paths. It's the fusion of traditional brush pen ink with contemporary writing instruments, bridging the chasm between the audacious and the meticulous. Above all, I believe that art should be within grasp, unfiltered, and spontaneous. I unearth a profound connection with the immediacy of drawing.
In my drawings, you'll embark on a non-linear odyssey, adorned by thematic branches and, at times, seemingly enigmatic connections. I traverse from the abstract to the figurative, journeying from the ephemeral to the liminal, and sometimes to the absurd.
Within my work, I hope you’ll find a childlike playfulness dancing alongside a deeper, more existential current. This juxtaposition crafts a unique realm where texture and ambiguity flourish.
For me, the quintessence of unadulterated expression lies in immediacy, in the decisive stroke, and in the simplicity of materials. It's art that remains within reach yet exudes profound significance, a testament to the potency of simplicity and the allure of the ineffable.
My artistic journey spans China, the USA, France, and now Canada. I began exploring art at age 5, transitioning from Chinese painting to 'Western' styles. After relocating to New York City, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Cooper Union. At 24, I embraced graphic design in France, contributing to prestigious institutions like the Louvre. Now, in Montreal, I live with my family, continuing my artistic exploration.
Please check out links below and connect with me :)