Painting Narratives of Colour, Science, and the Human Mind
- Ellie Goodliffe
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Interview with Ellie Goodliffe
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I am a self-taught artist with a passion for creating from a young age. Growing up in a challenging environment, I used drawing and painting as an escape, initially expressing dark landscapes and faces. As I matured, I shifted to more mainstream imagery, which allowed me to experiment with various materials and build confidence. Today, my work explores thought-provoking narratives, like my Miserable Mushroom series — found on my website. The portrait series presented here showcases my bold use of colour and shapes. I've included a timeline of my artistic journey, illustrating how far I've come.
2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My main motivation for the portraits displayed here was to explore a new technique. I aimed to organically develop stories as I painted, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally as the faces emerged rather than starting with a predefined idea.
In addition to this, I've been particularly drawn to mental health issues. My Biological Science degree provides insight into the complex systems that make us who we are, and I have a strong interest in pathophysiology—the diseases that affect these systems. I enjoy teaching and conveying these ideas through my art.
3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
In my role as a quality team leader I actively seek out trends and patterns, this focus and attention to detail is what allows me to also create. In both professional and in the artistic sense my calm, high standard and thorough approach serve me well. Additionally, I have been encouraged to use my digital art skills to develop beer labels for our brewery's annual beer festivals. This is fun and allows me to practice being creative on work time.
Furthermore, I have recently become a mumma to the cutest little boy. I love being a parent and having the opportunity to nurture, teach and learn with him. But as you can imagine, it is demanding. My time is split between parenting, working and creating. Fortunately, I have a loving and supportive husband who helps protect some time for me to be in my own space. My baby is happy to watch me paint and I cannot wait until he is also wanting to get messy.
4. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
The best experience so far was my first accepted feature for the Artist Talk Magazine published issue 38, July. Seeing my name and artwork The Illness series was incredible.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
Create art for yourself, not for others. If you change your style, preferences, or inspirations to meet an ideal or gain acceptance into an open call, you’re not truly expressing your heart. Stay consistent, be patient, and always show kindness to yourself. One artist recommended talking to your art while you work; this can naturally develop the story behind your piece. A great example of this technique in practice is my work, She Fell.
6. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
I can certainly see how this question is relevant to some, however, I think because I have my full-time job, husband, baby, three younger sisters and a group of diverse friends I have plenty to go on with. I am able to speak and gain support from others easily and regularly. In my experience the artist life is not lonely and in fact, since recently becoming a part of the artists’ community I would say it is full of talented and approachable people all willing to share their time.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am currently working on my Visual Poetry series. Over the months I have been collecting ideas and anecdotes to build poems. I then enjoy matching them with pieces of art. My first entitled Imposter to the Privileged Life can be read on my website.
Instagram : @elliegoodliffe