Elspeth McLean

Elspeth’s creativity knows no boundaries. She describes her artistic style as vibrant, loving, original, and ethereal. Her aim is that her artwork has a positive affect on people by connecting them to their inner child: their authentic self and to bring some vibrancy to their lives. For Elspeth, colour is a way to express and celebrate the colour’s of her soul and spirit. The use dots and circles in her artwork come not only from a space of meditation but also because circle is the symbol of unity and infinity. She draws her inspiration from nature, the cosmos, myths and legends, the rich cultures of India; Mexico; Native America Indians; Africa; Aboriginal Australians. Themes found in her artwork include love, friendship, embracing personal growth, harmony with nature, dreaming and celebration of life. Everything Elspeth creates, she pours her heart making each piece is individual and meaningful.

From a young age Elspeth developed her passion for colour and creativity. Growing up the middle child between two boisterous brothers she retreated to her love of nature and acting out her vivid imagination. Art became a way of expressing herself.

Elspeth attended Kalamunda Senior High School and was part of a selective special art program. During this time she experimented with textiles, woodwork, metalwork, fashion design, mosaics, recycled art, sculpture, photography and pottery. However, she dropped out of the program in year 11 as she didn’t want to conform to the general advice from the majority of her art teachers to adopt an artistic style based on history’s great artists. Instead she took the advice of her favourite teacher, Mr Heslop, and embraced her own personal style and love of colour, shape and design.

Upon leaving high school, Elspeth unexpectedly found herself designing and painting murals for local businesses, aimed at the child market, such as Gym Tonic, The Toy Library and The Fun Factory. She also created magical murals for children’s bedrooms.

In 2006 Elspeth moved from her hometown of quiet leafy Perth to the blue mountains of big city Sydney. With the support of family and loved ones she dedicated herself to developing her style and creating art from the heart. From 2006 to the present Elspeth has run her own stall selling her art at the local market. While markets have been Elspeth main point of sale and exposure, she has exhibited in group exhibitions in Perth, Melbourne and New Zealand. Over sea’s travel has meant that she has been able to sell and display her works in countries such as New Zealand, California, Mexico and Canada.

A trip to Mexico for 3 months in 2008, when volunteering in orphanages and schools Elspeth noticed the profound effect that creativity had on the children. Inspired to learn more about this, Elspeth packed up her life in NSW and moved to Melbourne to study Art Therapy at the Phoenix Institute of Victoria. This led to her interests in running group workshops for children, women and mixed groups.

Upon completion of her Diploma in 2010, Elspeth is now getting right into her own artwork, with many projects in the making!!!

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Elspeth Mclean artist