Ellen Jantzen
Ellen Jantzen was born and raised in St. Louis Missouri. Her early college years were spent obtaining a degree in graphic arts; later emphasizing fine art.
Ellen spent two years at FIDM (the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in downtown Los Angeles. Here, she obtained her advanced degree in 1992. After a few years working in the industry, including several years at Mattel Toy Company as a senior project designer, she became disillusioned with the corporate world and longed for a more creative outlet. Having been trained in computer design while at Mattel, Ellen continued her training on her own using mostly Photoshop software.
As digital technology advanced and the newer cameras were producing excellent resolution, Ellen found her perfect medium. It was a true confluence of technical advancements and creative desire that culminated in her current explorations in photo inspired art using both a camera to capture staged assemblages and a computer to alter and manipulate the pieces. Ellen has been creating works that bridge the world of prints, photography and collage.
Ellen is currently represented by Susan Spiritus of the Susan Spiritus Gallery: http://www.susanspiritusgallery.com
Edition One Gallery, Santa Fe, NM www.editionone.gallery
Artist Statement
Life Out of Balance
I feel that "Life Out of Balance" is a perfect description of our current state of affairs, both environmental and political. Humanity has grown apart from nature and I strive to show that with my photo montages. I hope to provoke my viewers to raise questions and come to their own conclusions.
The Hopi word for "life out of balance" is Koyaanisqatsi. This was a film directed by Godfrey Reggio and released in late 2004 (created between 1975 and 1982). I was immediately enthralled by the imagery and music (by Phillip Glass).
Release Date: April 26, 2024
The base photos were taken of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque New Mexico. I altered the mountains to depict two distinct views with color variation. One view is upside down..... both are connected with a elongation of the clouds to unite the image.
Sandia Equipoise, 2014