
Ellie Lasthiotaki
Hometown: Crete
Based in: Singapore
Hometown: Crete
Based in: Singapore
I grew up in Greece but having lived in many different countries, I have been influenced by many different traditions of art. Through my studies in my BA and MA I had the chance to get familiar with the works of amazing artists from the classical and byzantine era to renaissance and modern times. Many of my works are attune to moments in nature and my childhood experiences in the island of Crete, the beautiful light of the mesmerising sun, the heavenly beaches, the gold of the byzantine iconography. I love painting what emotionally and visually strike my interest from landscapes and shorelines to abstract ideas and feelings. I do not set boundaries on what to paint and allow myself to be free to chance, spontaneity and light. Sometimes, the crushing waves highlight some kind of energy and that conveys a sense of vitality and in a way envelops ,myself and perhaps the viewer into his own world of water and waves.I love that crushing sound, the colours, the pebbles, but at the same time I appreciate and relish the diversity and beauty of this world. Chance and the unexpected has played an important role in my life and that is why I integrate these components in my artistic journey to take anyone to unknown paths, to unexpected surprises.
I have had solo exhibitions in Singapore and many group exhibitions around the world since 2015. I have works currently exhibiting and represented in U concept Gallery in Shanghai , Gallery1819 in Singapore and many collaborations with highly esteemed online galleries in Europe, South East Asia and Japan. One of my works has been a finalist at the International Artist Grand prize competition in A.R.T Taipei 2019 and a lot of my works are in private collections around the world.
What inspires you?
My inspiration mainly comes from my emotions and there are moments that the colours are so intense in my mind that I just have to use them. I prefer to create beautiful scenes, to inspire positive feelings. There is so much ugliness that I choose to focus on the beauty surrounding the world and people's souls.
Describe your creative process.
Most of the times I visualise some ideas which I then start working on. Most of the times I work on different projects at the same time, projects where I use different materials. I love exploring during my creative hours.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
soothing, mesmerising, positive
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
El Greco, William Blake Turner, Helen Frankenthaler
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
the paints
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Don't postpone for tomorrow what you can do today.
Where do you go for inspiration?
My roots, the sea, the trees, the people I love, my own inexplicable with words emotions.