Meet Ell Treese | Intuitive Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ell Treese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ell, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve been a creative person since I can remember. I used to play dress up, write plays for my cousins, and I would take art classes at local community art spaces outside of school. I always wanted to create in one way or another. I knew I was destined to be a painter the first time I saw Georgia O’Keeffe’s work. They way she saw the world and expressed her vision of it attracted me to the medium and I’ve been in love ever since. In 8th grade I decided I was going to go to art school and pursue a career as an artist, and now in 2022, I have a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from VCUarts and I’m a two years post-grad professional painter.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a collaboration between my conscious mind and my subconscious higher self. I believe it’s not just me who is creating my work but also energies and consciousness from other realms of space time. My practice is process based and requires me to get into a state of flow and let go of outcomes. I believe my best work comes from when I use my body and my brush as a channel. I call myself an intuitive artist not just because I don’t plan my work, but because I use my intuition as a painting medium. I think I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in my painting and spiritual journey, they are more intertwined than ever and I’m excited to see where the Universe leads me.

While my degree and years of experience speak for themself in my work, my gifts of intuition and channeling play a huge part in setting me apart from other artists. I got to where I am by following my gut instinct, using my resources wisely, and being my most authentic self. It hasn’t been easy, it required me to dig deep into my subconscious and find out who I am, what I am meant to contribute to the collective, and how I can use those gifts to complete that mission.

I overcome challenges by taking necessary time to restore my energy. I cannot be my best self or create my best work if I am drained. I’ve learned many lessons along the way, including “Trust the process”, “Let go of other people’s expectations”, “Rest when you need it”, and “The right people will find you and your work”.

I think I want to world to know that anyone can channel creativity through them. It’s a gift all humans possess. We are all divine and I hope my artwork can help remind people of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visit me in San Diego, I think the first place I would take them is Hillcrest. I love the atmosphere and the people there. I always feel like home when I’m there and I would want my guest to feel that same feeling. We would start at brunch at Commonstock and get some of their amazing cocktails and definitely order the warm Brussels sprouts caesar salad. After brunch we would walk around, shop and say hi to all our favorite businesses. Next, I would take them to Massachusetts Mike’s Pizzeria to get a pizza to take to Torrey Pines beach for lunch. I love that beach, its a little far but sometimes I like to get out of the city and enjoy the cliffs and the ocean. After a day at the beach, we would head over to North Park for dinner at Under Belly, of course ordering one of every bao bun and their signature ramen. Ending the night with either an ice cream from Cali Cream or a Nothing Bundt Cake. I love showing people this beautiful city because I moved here in 2020 when everything was under lockdown and I’m a home body so it gives me an excuse to get out of the studio and enjoy and explore my new city. In addition to everything I mentioned above, I would say my partner and my favorite restaurant in San Diego for date night is Inside Out hand down.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people, places, and things deserve a shoutout in my journey to becoming a professional artist, but I’m going to highlight the most important ones. Starting off with my parents. They have been my biggest supporters since day one and have always encouraged me to share my light with the world in any way I can. They supported me through the challenges of art school and help me navigate the ins and out of running my own art business. Another huge shoutout goes to VCUarts and the professors I learned from and ,my fellow peers who provided endless inspiration, challenges and encouragement to shape me into the artist I am today. Of course I have to shoutout all the artists that have inspired me, notably Georgia O’Keeffe and Hilma Af Klint. Both ahead of their time, spiritualist painters who navigated their reality and the nature of the universe through the medium of paint with a beautiful and humble energy. I believe I tap into the same source they did. I would like to shout out Patric Stillman of The Studio Door in Hillcrest for taking a chance on a young fresh out of art school artist like me. Being a studio artist at the gallery has changed my life and my career dramatically. The exposure and support I’ve received since being there has been amazing for my career and I’m super thankful for him and all the other studio artists. Lastly, I would like to shout out my wonderful partner for all her unconditional love and support in my career path. She is my biggest cheerleader and basically my unpaid manager and I love them very much. I’m grateful everyday to everyone for all the love, challenges, and support in my career.

Website: https://www.elltreese.com/

Instagram: @ell_tree

Other: Tik Tok: @ell_tree

Image Credits
Caylin Mansfield