Elssye Simony Santos
Bio
Elssye Simony Santos graduated from the University of the Amazon (UNAMA) in Brasil in 1993 studying for a degree in visual arts. Throughout her course she was introduced to various artistic techniques which propelled her artistic development, however, the watercolour technique spoke out to her immensely and she was instantly awestruck. Having already displayed her work at the highly regarded AmazonArte salon at the Centur in 1991, she went on to win the Revelation Artist Award.
It was around this time she decided her artistic pursuits would be further developed in Portugal and upon having moved there she instantly began developing a new artistic style focusing on picturesque windows and balconies. Wondering through the towns of Lisbon and Porto she was influenced by both the serenity and peacefulness in these places; something which contributed to the development of her own watercolour technique.
Nonetheless, it was really in Great Britain, further than ever from the rainforest that cradled her youth, that she began to work on a new series of work: The Nita-Fauna; her own manifesto for the protection of the forest.
Artist Statement
I'm Elssye. I grew up in the lungs of the world, in the Amazon. Surrounded by Mother Nature in her splendour and all her cultures. From an early age, drawing, colouring and expressing myself artistically was what got me through my days. At school I spent my time drawing and reading: Brazilian literature, poetry, Portuguese authors and about my favourite artists: Leonardo D’ Vinci, Rafael, Van Gogh, Tarsila do Amaral, D’ Cavalcanti, Paula Rego, Monet, Klimt… So many!
In University, I learnt how to paint by using watercolour technique. And so my life was changed. Everything about the technique attracted me: the translucency, the flow of ink on the paper, the lightness, subtlety of colour, light and shadow… I paint scene from where I’ve travelled, walked and lived. Portuguese balconies, distant streets, in cities and where I live. I have recently incorporated the mystique of Hamsa into my art.
The design, the colours and the infinite possibility of creativity with it have been incredible: Signs, Home Protection, moon signs, for example, come and see these for yourself. I have lived in a few countries, which have given me the expansive cultural and creative baggage I have today. I now live in London.
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Elssye Simony Santos
I'm Elssye. I grew up in the lungs of the world, in the Amazon. Surrounded by Mother Nature in her splendour and all her cultures. From an early age, drawing, colouring and expressing myself artistically was what got me through my days. At school I spent my time drawing and reading: Brazilian literature, poetry, Portuguese authors and about my favourite artists: Leonardo D’ Vinci, Rafael, Van Gogh, Tarsila do Amaral, D’ Cavalcanti, Paula Rego, Monet, Klimt… So many!
In University, I learnt how to paint by using watercolour technique. And so my life was changed. Everything about the technique attracted me: the translucency, the flow of ink on the paper, the lightness, subtlety of colour, light and shadow… I paint scene from where I’ve travelled, walked and lived. Portuguese balconies, distant streets, in cities and where I live. I have recently incorporated the mystique of Hamsa into my art.
The design, the colours and the infinite possibility of creativity with it have been incredible: Signs, Home Protection, moon signs, for example, come and see these for yourself. I have lived in a few countries, which have given me the expansive cultural and creative baggage I have today. I now live in London.
