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, painting my heart out from my cozy home in Kingston, Ontario.
I grew up in Montréal, Québec, where art practically dripped from every street corner, café, library, and restaurant. It was impossible not to fall under the spell of the city’s electric creative vibe!
WHO IS ELLÈSSE??
When I first picked up a paintbrush—what feels like a century ago—I signed all my work as Linda Samuels. It’s my name, after all. But over time, I realized it was a bit of a mouthful. So, I tried shortening it to L. Samuels, but that felt... well, a little too initially awkward.
Then, I stumbled across the story of French artist Romain de Tirtoff, who went by the pseudonym Erté, inspired by the French pronunciation of his initials. How cool is that? And just like that, Ellèsse (LS) was born. As a French woman, it felt like the perfect match!
WHAT INSPIRES ME
I come from a family where creativity runs deep—artists, carvers, and musicians are in my blood. My great-grandfather, Arthur Sauvé, was a legendary folk and tramp artist from the early to mid-20th century, with some of his work now gracing the Canadian Museum of History. His legacy still fuels my artistic fire!
Inspiration comes from the depths of my soul—often to places I’d rather not visit. But it’s in those raw, uncomfortable moments that my most authentic work is born. By letting myself truly feel, I tap into those dark, unfiltered emotions where creativity thrives.
"I strive to create art with purpose and strength—where every brushstroke carries emotion, reaching from the canvas straight to the viewer’s soul." - Linda Samuels