Meet Sally Elliott | Visual artist/painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally Elliott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, how do you think about risk?
As a visual artist/painter risk taking has always been part of my process. I do not draw the information beforehand, I just paint images from dreams and my surroundings near my home in the Colorado mountains. I add add all the information that comes into my head without judging or planning. That to me, is taking a risk. I make myself not think about how the painting is going to look when it is finish which again, is a risk. There is no constant judgement on my part. I just keep working on my paintings until they tell me they are finished. I do not sensor the information that goes into paintings which is another way of risk taking. I paint for myself and not an audience which also a risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It was not easy and it has me a long time to be where I am today. I began as an art major in college and also took education so I could teach and support myself. I taught what was then called junior high and also high school in Colorado, Washington state and Alexandria, Virginia. I raised three children after my divorce and continued my teaching. At one point I decided to go graduate school and make it possible for my art to really develop. It was hard as I was solely raising three children without much financial support. I then tried to get part time positions and eventually a senior position at the University of Colorado/Denver. Time management has always been important to me which helped.

Artist’s Statement – Sally Elliott

My paintings reflect images from my dreams, from personal experiences and from places that I have traveled. I am interested in the use of bold colors and overall pattern which has been influenced in part by Mexican art. Aboriginal dreamings, and Asian concepts of perspective. My selection of images expresses my sense of humor as well as my concerns for the environment, human issues, and my personal history, which is especially evident in the series of dress paintings. All of my work contains objects of personal significance. My compositions are generally unplanned, and the images mixed exercising a more “stream of consciousness” quality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have two best friends. One lives in Vermont and other in Arizona. I would go see art exhibits at museums and galleries, spend time outdoors with them, and prepare good food for them. I prefer being at home, especially since Covid. I have also watched movies at home with both of them. With both of them I share books to read and we often discuss them over the phone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Other women artists, my family and close friends.

Website: sallyelliottart.com

Other: I am a member of Spark cooperative gallery in Denver where I show my work and see the work of the members regularly.

Image Credits
Images of my work should be credited to Paul Gillis, Denver, CO