Elle Freestone is an abstract artist living in Ōparau whose creative journey has been strengthened by the supportive art communities she has been a part of for a number of years. Her passion for painting was ignited by a desire to explore her own artistic voice. When she began attending art classes in 2011, Elle was encouraged to experiment and develop her unique style, even as others around her worked in more traditional forms. 

Elle’s work is characterised by its large scale and complex layering, often involving 20 to 30 layers of paint. Her practice is intuitive, focusing on the physicality of painting and the process of creation.

“Creativity is like putting your soul onto the canvas. It’s not about how it looks but about getting it out and experiencing that flow where hours disappear.”

One of her most memorable moments came when a stranger at an art event instantly connected with one of her paintings, purchasing it without even realising she was the artist. This spontaneous and genuine response reinforced her belief in the power of abstract art to evoke deep emotions and create meaningful connections.

Creativity, for Elle, is about self-discovery and expression. It’s a process of “putting your soul on canvas,” where the outcome is less important than the act of creation itself. Her journey into ceramics and other artistic mediums further demonstrates her commitment to exploring new creative avenues.