Collection: Elsa Sroka

“I paint because I need to.” - Elsa Sroka

Elsa is a Colorado native from a family of eight, all of whom share the love of art and design. Her inspiration can be selective as when drawn from early childhood memories; particularly hours spent drawing at the kitchen table with her brothers and sisters overseen by their father. 

While Elsa paints a variety of subjects, all exude a forward-thinking, contemporary attitude. Finding inspiration in many sources including the various landscapes discovered in her travels, elements found in architecture, her own imagination and most importantly her love of animals. It’s not unusual for her to destroy a large portion of the piece in progress, ultimately resurrecting it through layer after layer, creating meaning and form in the process.

In Elsa’s cow series, expression is the most important element; infusing the subject with personality. Emotional connection is necessary before painting can begin. She finds inspiration in imagining cows in unconventional settings; a conscious departure from the traditional context found in much western art. She believes the ordinary subject becomes significantly more intriguing when misplaced, inviting the viewer to pay attention through the element of surprise. This idea can apply to many different subjects, encouraging appreciation of the more subtle qualities of beauty.

Recently Elsa has been taking more time to study with a well-known inspiring artist in hopes of enriching her art and to have a solid understanding of different visual approaches. She is not interested in painting robotically for the sake of getting more art on gallery walls. She wants each piece to feel complete and satisfy her intentions. She is particularly interested in the interplay of different mediums, along with the challenge presented in manipulating traditional methods. In the end, if Elsa is able to emotionally engage the viewer, she feels her work is complete.