Elaine St Louis

“At a fundamental level my nest paintings address relationships and evoke the intimacy of home. They’re about our relationship with the natural world—so intrinsically a part of us—but they also speak to the subtle relational currents between people or families, often unearthing deep and unexpected emotions. I use a limited palette, building sheer glazes to a rich depth; and methodically work my way around the circular piece. As I work each nest, I picture the bird building it: moving around and around concentrically. It must have woven these sticks and grasses in a similar way. There is a kinship in this process of creating.

“As art director and photo stylist for home interiors magazines for over three decades, I have developed an appreciation for architecture and design. In the nests of songbirds I see architecture and design in its purest form, which follows their simple function. In the past I have created art in many forms, and have circled back to personal expression. Folding painting into my creative mix has filled my heart and created unique connections with people.

“I currently work out of my “treehouse” studio in Denver.”