I believe by allowing more voices to be heard, making art more accessible and affordable, and having more open calls for artists from different groups, may this be women, people of colour, or LGBTQ+, the art industry can slowly start making progress in becoming more inclusive.
Elena Portius
Q & A
Basic Questions:
1. What’s your name?
Elena Portius
2. Where are you from and where are you currently?
I am from Bermuda and Austria but I am currently in Sevenoaks, England.
3. What do you do?
I am an art teacher.
Specific Questions:
1. Are other forms of art/ expression of interest to you? If so, which ones and why?
I am very interested in photography and printmaking. Photography, as a single photograph can often capture words and thoughts that cannot be spoken or described. Printmaking, as there are very traditional ways of exploring ideas, but also modern and experimental ways of creating prints. I enjoy the skill and technique that is required to master certain printmaking methods.
2. How has art emotionally impacted you?
My family is very creative. Growing up, I was surrounded by art and often went to galleries and art shows. Art has shaped and informed the way I view things and provided me with so many ways of expressing myself and my emotions.
3. To what extent can art impact culture or society?
Looking through history, art has always influenced culture and society in one way or another. All three are interlinked, may this be through sharing values or beliefs, or through rejecting ideals and thoughts. I believe art can express unspoken ideas and thoughts. Visual responses or outcomes can at times be more impactful than words.
4. What challenges have you faced so far in your career as an artist and a teacher?
Currently, my biggest challenge is being able to separate what I do as an art teacher from what I do as an artist. It can be exciting to have both overlap. This is often the case as one can influence the other. However, I would like to get back to creating more of my personal work and continue researching my interests.
5. Are there any obstacles you think that female artists face in particular?
Unfortunately, women still have to work twice as hard to get noticed and acknowledged. There are still some obstacles in the way for female artists. It is sad to know that gender inequality is still an issue. Women are still underrepresented in galleries, tend to earn less compared to male artists, and hold fewer higher positions in art institutions.
4. What was your dream as a child and what is your dream now? Has it changed?
As a child, I wanted to be a professional swimmer. Now, my dream is to see and experience as much as I can, be this through traveling, working, reading, etc.
5. Who is your biggest role model?
It is difficult to choose one person, as I look up to several people, but I would have to say my grandmother. She has overcome several obstacles in life and continues to pursue her dreams and what makes her happy.
6. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully doing something that makes me happy. Ideally, living abroad and teaching creative workshops or inspiring the next generation of creatives.
6. What are ways the art industry can improve to become more inclusive?
The art industry should start providing more opportunities and possibilities for artists from every background. I believe by allowing more voices to be heard, making art more accessible and affordable, and by having more open calls for artists from different groups, may this be women, people of colour, LGBTQ+, the art industry can slowly start making progress in becoming more inclusive.
7. How do you feel your role as a school teacher differs from your role as an artist?
As a teacher, I enjoy inspiring and motivating students and sharing ideas with them. It is great to see students become fully immersed in a project. As an artist, the difference for me is often finding inspiration for my own practice and exploring them in-depth.
8. Do you think the art you have created is an honest representation of you as a person? Or does it serve as a vehicle to communicate a certain idea? In short, why do you make art?
My art is often a response to my surroundings and the emotions they evoke. I have, however, also created art, with the intentions of it communicating thoughts and ideas. I have this need to respond to the places I take in and like observing the smallest details. Those small details are what inspire and drive me to create.
9. Is there a specific student/ student's question/ student's work that has made a lasting impression on you?
Over the years, I have had a handful of conversations with students that have left lasting impressions, as well as some outcomes from students. May this be through awe or knowing how much effort and skill went into a piece or connecting with that student on a creative level. It is often those conversations that make specific students stand out.