Ellen Weiske
Media: Metal, Jewelry, Found Objects
Ellen Wieske was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where she received her BA form Wayne State University and her MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1992. A working metalsmith and a teacher for more than 23 years, she lives and maintains a studio on Deer Isle, in down east Maine. She has taught at Haystack School of Crafts (where she is the assistant director), Penland, Arrowmont, as well as universities and colleges across the United States. She has also taught 4 summers in Provence France. Ellen’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Her wire workshop techniques have been documented and published in the book “Weekend Crafter, Wire” released by Lark Books in October 2001.
“The industrial age has given way to an informational revolution. Boundaries between atoms and electrons have been blurred and dissolved. “What” is not as important as “how”, “when”, “where” or “why”. In my studio, there is no hierarchy between metal (gold nor tin), plastic, rubber or wood. Each material I play host to deserves my full attention and respect. My skills hold no prejudice. I make many things in which utility and art interact. Glory to the everyday world, and may the ordinary be revealed to be extraordinary.”