Elaine St Louis

“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 recently circled back to personal expression. Folding painting into my creative mix has filled my heart and created unique connections with people.

“By layering glazes creating a luminous chiaroscuro effect, I interpret ephemeral nests in giant scale. As I work each nest, I picture the bird building it—I’m weaving these sticks and grasses in a similar way with paint and prayer. I am passionate about how a monumental image of something so small and plain changes the viewer’s relationship to it and reveals hidden emotion.

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