ellengrossman.com

(see portfolio section for more images)

These drawings telegraph tactile sensation.

The topographic buildup suggests that which is common to water currents, geologic change and the wind made visible. 

Time also flows: At first I recorded, on the bottom edge of each drawing, each date that I worked on it, calling attention to the process and evolution of the image. This prompted questions about which section was drawn which day, usually accompanied by a laugh. In 2005, taking up the challenge, I started to record date and time at the start of each line and again at line's end. This provoked questions about how many hours the drawings took to make, so, pushing absurdity, the notations evolved to include running subtotals and totals up to that day. This can be daunting and that's part of the point: written numbers build up, forcing the lines to fan out, reading at first glance as texture, radically affecting how the drawings evolve. 

As in science recording observations can alter results.

(see portfolio section for more images)

In 2012 I started drawing into vigorously turbulent splashed paint superimposing precisely notated topography over agitated surfaces. This slow buildup relates to geologic landform sedimentation. Accidental or impulsive movements of my hand cause line variations. As more echoing lines are added these disturbances cause ripples that read as topographic texture and/or movement.    As lines are overlaid I respond to colors and shapes previously put down. It is similar to music where layers of sound are discernibly responding and building a composition. 

(see portfolio section for more images)

 I have had a longtime fascination with folding screens. They are a bridge between art and functional furnishings. Sometimes traditional Japanese and Chinese screens have painted images of people, flowing water, birds or other animals that seem to be gazing at or about to flow or fly through the real space between panels when the screens are in the typical zig-zag position. I also love pop up books for their ability to make the leap out of flat printed pages into the physical world. This prompted me to build folding screens that have actual elements similar to the way pop up books work except that I wanted them to have a more robust physicality and to pass through the frames.

 (see portfolio section for more images)

The inclination to break free is a quest for empowerment in response to the realization of individual limitations. 

Chain Link fence enclosures often signify both confinement and/or exclusion.

I have built 3 scale models relating to this concept of entrapment and release. They each form simple maze configurations. They each have exits.

The first is titled: On The Permeability Of (De)Fences
The second one is: Passage Through A Chain Link Cloud
The third is titled: The Way In To Find Out

I have used chain link to form unexpectedly sensuous curved structures placing some inside these scale models to indicate vulnerability within the confines of these enclosed configurations.

(see portfolio section for links to animations)

I started making animations during the confining time of the 2020 Covid pandemic. I had been using an app on my phone to draw images on my mobile phone while on NYC subway platforms waiting for train arrival. I would often add to the images and save them to photo file and noticed that they seemed to animate as I scrolled through each additional changed picture.

I discovered a stop motion app on the phone that allowed me to upload to make movies. 

Being stuck at home was like waiting for a train that would be a long time coming. Lots of time on my hands.So I became thoroughly engrossed in building short short animations. They were at first abstractions as if a painting was moving and morphing but inevitably suggestive associations sometimes emerged to more recognizable images. A neighbor suggested I get the GarageBand app to make music and several times talented people volunteered to supply music soundtrack to the already completed animations.

So far each is around one minute long. I am intrigued that much can be conveyed in a very short movie. It also is good for internet attention spans.