ABOUT
“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” – Yo-Yo Ma
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Welcome to my studio! I'm Linda Samuels, a mixed media abstract artist, working from my home in beautiful Kingston, Ontario.
Growing up in Montréal, Québec, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by art on every street corner. It was in cafés, libraries, restaurants, everywhere and impossible to not fall in love.
WHO IS ELLÈSSE??
When I started painting, what seems a hundred years ago now, I signed all my work as Linda Samuels. It is who I am, after all. But I found it to be lengthy, so I shortened it to L Samuels, but didn't like that either. Hmmmm... What to do?..
I stumbled upon an article about a French artist named Romain de Tirtoff who was known by the pseudonym Erté, the French pronunciation of his initials. I though, how cool is that!! Enter Ellèsse, (LS). As a French woman, this fit perfectly!
WHAT INSPIRES ME
I come from a family of artists, carvers and musicians. My great grandfather was Arthur Sauvé, a well-known folk and tramp artist from the early to the mid 20th century. Some of his work is currently being held at the Canadian Museum of History. His story has and continues to inspire my passion for art.
I dig deep within myself to get inspiration. I sometimes go to places that I'd rather not visit, but these places are where I can capture the raw emotion that is often felt in my work.
Lately, like a lot of you, I've been moved by our current situation, and have been touched by many stories in the media. By allowing myself to truly feel, I'm able to get to the deep, dark places where true inspiration is born.
"I want to achieve a sense of purpose, of strength in my work. For when someone views it, they can feel the emotion from the canvas direct to their soul." - Linda Samuels