If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of Ellen Porteus’ mind looks like, wonder no more. From bold, bright colours to cartoonish creatures and entire worlds of fantastical creations, Ellen’s street art opens a portal into her imagination – a place where possibilities are endless. We caught up with the clever artist to chat about all things street art, personal style, and what it’s like to stay true to yourself in an industry dominated by men.

Do you have a favourite medium you like to work with? For me, painting is my favourite because of the physicality, and there’s something meditative about getting into the flow of painting that I love. I’m busting to work with textiles – I love tapestries and soft sculptures. I’m completely useless at sewing, so is this a fleeting idea or a commitment to a whole new skillset? Only time will tell!

How do you stay true to your own unique style and resist conforming to trending aesthetics or traditional forms? I think I’m able to stay true to my artistic style because I fully enjoy immersing myself in the world I’ve created. Sharing this world and having people resonate with it is so special. Creating art makes me so happy because I feel truly myself – I’m not trying to be trendy or traditional or anything else.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ELLEN PORTEUS (@ellenporteus)

Street art has traditionally been a male-dominated corner of the art world – what has your experience been like in this field as a woman? Does it feel like things are changing? I feel like I have to work incredibly hard to be taken seriously in the art world, beyond just the street art sphere. Society holds unconscious biases against women – it’s far more insidious than overt sexism, so it’s hard to quantify. But just take a look at the current highest paid living artists – why is it still so skewed? I believe we’re just more willing to look at the artistic output of men and see “creative genius”. To succeed, you have to be the exception to the rule.

Because I’m a female artist and my work is so cute, I’ve seen grown men feel embarrassed to say that they like it. I’ve been told I’d be more successful if I added some grit or grunge or edge to my aesthetic. I’ve been told to tone down the pink a thousand times. If I were a man, would my work be seen as cool and transgressive? That’s something I’ve wondered a few times!

I have seen attitudes change in the street art world, which evolves much faster than the traditional art world. Thanks to the incredible quality of work by female and gender diverse artists, I’m seeing much more representation than ever. People with platforms championing a diverse range of artists – such as Wall to Wall Festival – goes a long way to advancing the culture.

Wall to Wall Festival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – how do you think the culture surrounding street art has evolved over the last decade? The street art world is made up of people of all backgrounds – it’s incredibly community-based and collaborative. Every street artist I’ve met has been extremely hard working, passionate and resilient. For some artists, like myself, murals are one part of their art practice. For others, it’s their main focus – they might spend most of their year travelling and painting on streets around the world.

Based on my interactions, I believe that most people in the public now have an appreciation for the art form. However mainstream it becomes, some people will always hate it because of the blurry line between legality and illegality, and the crossover of graffiti culture and street art culture. But art isn’t meant to please everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ELLEN PORTEUS (@ellenporteus)

What can attendees expect from the work you’ll have on display at Wall to Wall? My work will be featuring some characters and narrative elements I’ve used a lot in my work, but I’ve never painted at a large scale! You’ll be able to see up close how a really interesting mix of artists create their pieces as they paint them, which is always fascinating to me.

If you could choose anything in the world as your canvas to create on, what would it be? I’d love to create a huge water fountain in a city square. I also love painting interior spaces, so painting the entirety of the inside of a multi-story building would be really fun!

Do you have a favourite piece of yours that you’ve made? Whatever I’m currently working on! Right now, I’m making a series of wall sculpture pieces that I’m really enjoying.

What advice would you give to people wanting to make art in the scope you currently are? It’s so cheesy but be true to yourself and be persistent!

To see Ellen’s work in the flesh, head on over to Wall to Wall Festival at the Mordi Village Industrial Precinct this April 5th and 6th.