Meet Elena Markelova | Watercolour & Mural Artist

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

Hi Elena, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in the industrial part of Siberia, where we had black snow for the majority of the year and everything had a greyish glaze because of the pollution from multiple metallurgical factories and coal mines. I remember when I landed in Vancouver, Canada, and took my first breath of that autumn air – the smell of grass and fallen leaves was unbelievable; even rain and wet rocks had their smell! I’ve never seen a bear or any other animals in the wild in Siberia; they usually would hide very deep in the woods. And even though I often explored the mountains and forests of my region, I’ve never had any encounters. That has changed on my very first trip to the mountains in BC, when I saw a black bear cub. How excited and delighted I was you cannot imagine! Since then nature and the wild places have become my true love and inspiration. The beauty, peace, and truth found there have no equal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Moved to Canada 10 years ago, as many new comers I didn’t know anyone and had to find myself again. I continued doing some freelance projects for my previous customers while working in a floral studio part-time. There I got an inspiration to start a line of cards and sell those to the stationary and floral shops. I painted a line of cards with my favourite medium – watercolour, printed a catalog and went literally to every store I could find on the map to show it to. I probably entered a hundred doors and heard 99 no before I heard 1 yes. It was challenging but at the time I knew I can’t give up. With time, I could feel more stable financially, so I also started going out more and exploring the outdoors which I’ve been drown to my whole life. I was amazed by the beauty of nature and the wildlife that inhabits these land, air and water. I was shocked to see how people and animals can co-exist in one community and how a glass city can be so full of trees and greenery. After every trip to the mountains I’d feel so much inspiration, I couldn’t contain it and started painted nature more and more.
Then I was introduced to local art markets and small shows, I grew my line and got valuable feedback. I met wonderful people on my way and the overall support of local artisans was so crucial!
Living in such a beautiful province of British Columbia, it’s hard not to get inspired by wilderness. Nature paintings give a feeling of satisfaction, and wildlife art can affect the future of our planet. It may
have only a small effect, but it is a contribution to the conservation of our natural world – without which we could not live. For every print purchased on my website, I donate $1 to One Tree Planted supporting global reforestation. Over the years I’ve been donating to different global and local wildlife associations and foundations, and it brings me joy to do small steps in making our world a better place.
I believe that our most desired dreams come true when we trust the universe that it will happen and do our part in the process. Sometimes it feels like magic, but it’s us that make our dreams come true, our mindset and our thirst for life!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Maple Ridge, a rural city not far from Vancouver, but very close to amazing mountains and lakes, so we would definitely explore the nature and do all the outdoors activities! First, we would have breakfast at a Humble Roots Cafe & Deli, that focus on handcrafted, homegrown, and seasonal fare; then go for a hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park. Lunch break with a breathtaking view from the top. For diner and drinks we’d go to Kingfishers Waterfront Bar & Grill, a local gem with a great view of Fraser River and delicious food. Next day we’d go kayaking from Pitt Lake to Widgeon Falls, so we’d stop at Humble Roots again to have breakfast and grab a couple of sandwiches to go and enjoy on our adventure. There is a beautiful mountain scenery and lots of chances to see local wildlife all the way to the falls, and on a nice sunny day water above the fall is warm enough to swim in. That would be my perfect weekend with my best friend!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My artist’s journey began when I was very little. I remember myself enjoying painting and having my artwork exhibited at kindergarten; but it is my mom and dad who helped me to set this path as my only way in life, and I’m so grateful for that. My mom signed me up for art school when I was 10 years old, and supported my first business ideas. My dad was there for me at the start of my career as well. He wouldn’t miss any art exhibitions I was a part of, even if he had to rearrange his plans and drive for a few hours one way to see me. They still support me and always happy to hear about my successes, though it’s a bit different right now, because they are still in Russia. Although, through the years I had multiple teachers who influenced they way I see the art process and what I include into each piece that I paint, it’s still my family who are my best supporters and without whom I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

Website: www.ElenaMarkelova.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/elenamarkelova_art/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elenamarkelovaarts

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCTfnDwwk1e0S3jEdxhGiczA

Image Credits
Kaylyn Barr Ellen Finds