Meet Elena Miller
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Elena Miller has always had a special interest in art, worked as a Marketing Director in the Museum of History of St. Petersburg (Peter & Paul Fortress) and with many well-known Russian artists. While traveling all over the world she enjoyed learning about the richness of new cultures and art, meeting new people and observing their lives. One of the great strengths of art is that it crosses the border, fuses cultural differences and opens your mind. Elena’s art is truly international; it is inspired by diverse cultures and beauty of nature; it is the expression how I see the world.
Elena retired from her successful career in marketing and committed herself fully to the new form of artistic expression. Working with clay has become a vital part of her life. She finished intensive training in ceramic hand-building, glazing, and various firing techniques and finished Advances ceramic course in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning in University of Cincinnati.
Elena also completed education in metalsmithing and Precious Metal Clay and has a successful jewelry making business. She designs unique jewelry for modern woman who does not want what everyone else have. Offers Elena offers a broad selection of handcrafted jewelry from organic and earthy quality to elegant and sophisticated designs.
Elena’s ceramic work is often hand-built or thrown and altered. New techniques and forms continually stimulate Elena’s interest in clay. She is fascinated with shapes and forms and how they work together with color and texture. Elena’s favorite technique is alternative raku method with elements of mixed media from nature.
All of Elena’s work is done in her home studio located in San Diego. Each ceramic vessel is an original piece of artwork.
After moving to San Diego in 2007 Elena has become a member of Clay Artists of San Diego, Oceanside Museum of Art, North Coastal Art Gallery and Fallbrook Art Center. Elena’s have participated in many art shows, had solo exhibits and her work was featured in Fine Art publications.
Artist Statement
My strongest inspiration comes from Mother Nature and its weathering influences on the shape of trees, rocks, seedpods, plants, and animals both on land and underwater. Nature touches me, evoking a desire for exploration, and connects me to earth. It sets me free and feeds my energy. The process of integrating various natural media with clay, like natural stones, sand, and wood to create dynamics has a great appeal to me. I feel drawn to forms found in nature.
Working with clay has become a vital part of my life. Clay is a wonderful grounding medium. Its capabilities are endless, allowing us to explore how touching the clay and adding different mediums gives birth to unique sculptural compositions. It is fascinating to take something essentially flat and turn it into organic form with volume creating a synergy between layered color, texture, and movement.
My goal is to bring natural elements, organic shapes, and fluid movement into your home allowing you to feel a closer bond with nature and offer us a gentle reminder of nature’s presence in our lives.