25/9/2024
Ellie Davies, a Brighton-based artist originally from Cumbria, near the Lake District, defines her work as figurative, with a deep narrative focus. Her pieces often draw from folklore, mythology, and childhood superstitions, weaving together mixed media elements to reinterpret these familiar tales into surreal and captivating forms. Through her exploration of painting and material experimentation, Davies creates a “maximalist” aesthetic that offers viewers a multifaceted experience. Her work first captures attention from a distance, only to reveal intricate, unexpected details upon closer inspection.
Milk Harvest is one of Ellie Davies's signature works, where she combines her fascination with nature and mythology to create a surreal, dreamlike narrative. The piece evokes a sense of timelessness, drawing on themes of harvest and the cyclical nature of life. It features vivid depictions of otherworldly figures, blending human and animal traits to represent the duality between the natural world and human existence. The work is rich in symbolism, with each element carefully chosen to reflect both the nurturing and unsettling aspects of nature. Through a mix of bold colours, intricate textures, and layered materials, Davies reimagines the concept of harvest not just as a physical act, but as a deeply mythological and transformative experience. The figures within the piece seem to embody both guardians and mysteries of the land, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections to nature’s cycles.
In One For Sorrow, Two For Joy, Davies delves into the world of folklore and superstition, transforming a childhood rhyme into a captivating visual exploration. The piece blends dark and light, creating an enigmatic atmosphere where human and animal figures appear intertwined with the landscape. The title, drawn from the traditional rhyme, refers to the belief that the number of magpies seen can predict happiness or misfortune. In Davies's interpretation, these figures become more than mere symbols; they are manifestations of emotions, secrets, and omens. The work plays with the idea of duality, capturing the tension between joy and sorrow, certainty and ambiguity. The use of mixed media enhances the surreal quality of the piece, with intricate details that invite viewers to explore the layers of meaning hidden within. Through One For Sorrow, Two For Joy, Davies invites reflection on the way we perceive and interpret the world around us, turning a simple superstition into a profound narrative about fate and belief.
As Davies explains, "When I create, I’m dismembering and remoulding old narratives and beliefs into something that feels vaguely familiar, yet entirely new at the same time." Her works transport viewers to an otherworldly space where half-human, half-animal figures serve as protectors and enigmatic beings within layered, imagined landscapes. This duality reflects her childhood connection to nature and her fascination with folklore, which she now explores through vibrant colours and an innovative mix of materials—from reclaimed wood to sea salt-enhanced sketches. These elements imbue her art with an almost tactile link to the natural world.
Davies’s art invites contemplation, urging viewers to reflect on their own stories and beliefs. Her work offers a surreal journey where ambiguity and familiarity coexist, much like the boundary between humanity and nature that she often represents.
Ellie Davies is a Brighton-based artist from Cumbria, near the Lake District. Her work is deeply rooted in exploring folklore, mythology, and childhood superstitions, blending these elements with a unique approach to mixed media. Davies’s art is known for its figurative style and narrative depth, offering viewers a journey through surreal, layered landscapes where half-human, half-animal figures appear as both protectors and enigmatic beings. She works with a variety of materials, including reclaimed wood and sea salt-enhanced sketches, often creating a tactile connection to the natural world. Through her maximalist aesthetic, Davies reinterprets old narratives and beliefs, transforming them into something both familiar and entirely new.