Artist Spotlight: Ellen Devine

Welcome Ellen Devine to the Midtown Art Wall! Ellen's cozy digital illustrations encapsulate everything we love about winter - being warm, enjoying the snow, and spending time with family and friends. Her work is up for you to enjoy when we re-open on November 29 through the end of the year! Read on to learn more about Ellen's work.

Tell us about what inspired the pieces for this collection?

Surprisingly, these pieces come from small, everyday moments in my life.

I am a big journaler, but often my writing can't capture what I was imagining at the moment, so sometimes I prefer to draw what I am thinking about. Some reflect adventures I have been on, while some are just simple joys of everyday life, and many are just little daydreams I had while walking or wandering. 

What is the medium of this collection?

I am a digital artist, so all these pieces start as drawings on my iPad before eventually being printed on premium papers. 

Tell us a bit about yourself as an artist.

I’m a simple person, and my illustrations are inspired by the little things that bring me joy! I love wandering outdoors without a plan, reading a book by a wood stove, relaxing in a sauna, and sitting with my chickens. My art tries to capture those peaceful, cozy moments that make life special.

Ultimately, my goal is to create art that brings a sense of comfort, warmth, and a touch of wonder to the world.

What else would you like to share about your process, drive, or artistic journey?

One of the most important things to know about me as an artist is that I didn’t start drawing until my mid-20s. My older sister is an amazing natural artist who used to paint murals on the walls of our house. As a kid, I never felt like I could compare. So, even though I liked drawing, I didn’t take art classes or really pursue it.

I first got into art when I started learning graphic design and had the opportunity to draw and design the Denali Junior Ranger Book. I was offered the chance to work on it because I knew Adobe products, but it also allowed me to spend an entire winter drawing and designing while living in quiet, cold Denali. When people didn’t hate what I made, I thought, “Huh, maybe I’m not too bad at this after all.”

It was such a good reminder that comparing ourselves to others, like I did with my sister (who is legitimately badass), doesn’t mean we can’t be good at something too. My sister and I are very different, and our art reflects that, but that’s what makes it so great.

Any favorite Wild Scoops flavors?

Rhubarb Crumble! I love the tang, I love the creaminess, and I love how Alaskan it is. I only wish I had grown more rhubarb to contribute to the goodness. 

Any other fun facts?

Fun fact: I am not great at traditional art. I really wish I could paint, and have been trying to learn, but I keep catching myself wanting to hit “undo” or press “Ctrl + Z” when I make a mistake. Apparently, that doesn’t work so well with paint.

Where can people find your work?

Follow me on Instagram at @devine.illustration or check me out online at https://devinecreativeco.com/