Elf Evans

As an artist, Photographer/Abstract Painter, I seem to
have very different approaches to the end result of my work(s).
One might observe the two being very extreme examples of
creative expression. I do admit the freeform environment
associated with Abstract Expressionism attracts my attention,
and has since first seeing the work of artists from the “New
York School in the early '60s”.For me their abandonment of
conventional ideas about, “what art should be and look like”
clearly was exciting and to say the least inspiring enough for
me to choose to join the fray. Working at the County Art
Museum in L.A. (LACMA) was my springboard, thus
propelling me into Hollywood Art Centre School for two years,
later to Santa Monica City College pursuing skills in how to
paint, “or throw paint against the canvas”.

Your seeing sides of my complicated way of seeing life's
values through the splashes of my gut-driven paint drippings
and fine-tuned painterly concepts about chasing the light
fantastic. You be the critic, analyst, collector you want to be
and I'll continue to do as I do. I hope what you see says
something about both of us.
!!
Elf Evans – Fine Artist

This image from my balcony in Bellevue of the brilliant sunset, formatted Triptych style is for the contemporary collector, with a modern style of decorating. I eagerly await future comments. I now live in France and truly miss the different views from my old studion in Washington State. The scenes here in France offer such a completely "old world" opportunity to visualize lifes changes, through the eyes of past generations successes and failures. Living in Saint Malo offeres the proximity to the English Channel, similarly to my closeness with the Puget Sound in America. I do thrive in being near water. My son is named Ocean.

I actually want to hear about your thoughts on presenting an image in this format, don't be shy, bashful or non commital sing out with your thoughts.

EVENT
MAP
REVIEWS
COMMENTS
Exhibition Detail
Caroline Caux Evans, Elf Evans, Olivier Filleul
2 Brushes 1 Chisel & 1 Lens
L'office de Tourisme - Dinard France
2, Boulevard Feart
02 99 46 94 12
35800 Dinard
Bretagne
France


Monday 17th May - Sunday 30th May
Opening:
Monday 17th May 10:00 - 20:00

Ken's Glass,Elf Evans

Elf Evans Abstract Painter





Looking at the fine examples of “Abstract Expressionist Art” painted and sculpted by
outstanding Artists in the '60s, while working at Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
certainly set the stage for me to become one like them. I found comfort in knowing
not every hair had to be in place, as the realists would have it. Not strict attention to rigid
dogma spewed out from the lecture halls of many Art Schools, Galleries, and recognized
Museums. But, being one's self and allowing the chips to fall where they may, was good
enough for Pollock, de Kooning, and all the others I became inspired by.

I studied for a while in southern California at Hollywood Art Centre School, and met some
fine artists, that mostly were pursuing a traditional path along their journeys. I was really
interested in splashing, dripping, throwing my paints on the canvases and then standing
back to see where the dust would settle. The freedom of having something in my mind
that could only be explained during the process of doing and usually not concerned with
an outcome that would please anybody else, was the object of my part to show how I was
feeling, thinking, seeing, doing, exploring, painting, giving, taking, dealing with internal
waves of emotion wanting release upon canvases.

Now some forty five years later, I seem to be returning to my roots of thinking more of
Piet Mondrian, and his works using reduced clutter, primary colours, and spacial relations
conveying strong and sensitive meanings.

My current Abstract Paintings are part of a series, “LIM = Less Is More”, some with only
one colour on the canvas i.e. white on white, black on white, primary on white, etc. The space
around the paint is just as important to me as the paint in most instances. How it comes
into existence is of key importance, supporting or being supported by the colours it is
sharing space with. I know this is over simplification, so just look at the work and form
your own opinions, similar to what I did while working at LACMA.

Have Fun.

elf

What am I wanting to cause to Happen...


As an artist, Photographer/Abstract Painter, I seem to have very different approaches to the
end result of my work(s). One might observe the two being very extreme examples of creative
expression. I do admit the freeform environment associated with Abstract Expressionism attracts my
attention, and has since first seeing the work of artists from the “New York School in the early '60s”.
For me their abandonment of conventional ideas about, “what art should be and look like” clearly was
exciting and to say the least inspiring enough for me to choose to join the fray. Working at the County
Art Museum in L.A. (LACMA) was my springboard, thus propelling me into Hollywood Art Centre
School for two years, later to Santa Monica City College pursuing skills in how to paint, “or throw
paint against the canvas”.
Photography, on the other hand has come into my life strictly for purposes of clarifying the
the meanings learned in Art School, though sorely missed as a painter, more times than not. I use all
of the elements composition, perspective, shadow, shading, line, colours, texture, design, and countless
more in my “Styll Lyfe” and other camera work. Lighting being the most elegant and often illusive
ingredient to manage.
Your seeing sides of my complicated way of seeing life's values through the splashes of my
gut driven paint drippings and fine tuned painterly concepts about chasing the light fantastic. You be
the critic, analyst, collector you want to be and I'll continue to do as I do. Hope what you see says
something about both of us.


Elf Evans – Picture Maker

Elf Evans – Photo Maker




Elf Evans began his artistic career in Santa Monica, California as an Abstract Expressionist Painter inspired by artists from the New York School of painting. He attended Hollywood Art Centre School on the GI Bill, and also studied commercial photography at Santa Monica City College. Working as an assistant to such fine photographers as Andrew “Andy” Strauss in Los Angeles, and later for Jeff Hicks in Los Gatos, California has helped Elf develop his unique “Styll Lyfe” style of studio compositions.

Colour and lighting are the immediate methods of distinguishing his techniques from other photographers. And since moving to France in 2008 he has continued to exhibit, impress and strive for the ever illusive best possible ingredients for his compositions....much like a talented 'chef' choosing the right elements for a fine meal.

A key feature of his work is not to overcrowd his images with too many features, thus allowing the viewer to use their mind, eyes, and intellect to guide them around his spacial compositions. The paintings of Piet Mondrian often appear to have influenced Elf by his use of primary colours, and understated placement of models in his work(s). Working often with Mannequin Heads and Musical Instruments to convey meanings far beyond the typical floral arranging ideas employed by many, he brings to life the energy hidden inside these unmoving subjects. Viewers often sense the peace and surreal nature of his works long after their first encounter and return for more.