Bio/ Statement/ CV

Artist Bio

Ella Watson (b. 1983 Bethesda, MD) is an American artist, currently living in Bozeman, Montana. At the age of nine, Ella was orphaned after the death of her parents. She was raised in Blacksburg, Virginia, the ward of her older brother, Bruce, and with the guidance of her older sisters, Jen and Susan. Even as college students, the three kept the family together, supported each other, and surrounded Ella with warmth, encouragement, and love. After a fairly normal upbringing, Ella received two BFA’s from Virginia Commonwealth University in Painting & Printmaking and Sculpture & Extended Media.

Ella was born with a liver disease called Biliary Atresia. At the age of 26, her disease returned with a vengeance. She moved to NYC to live with her family and received treatment at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. For two years, Ella roamed the city on Morphine, Dilaudid, and with painful percutaneous bile drains (similar to ostomy bags.) During these two years while waiting for an organ, she created the works that were later compiled into Liverwurst: Work made at the onset of end-stage liver failure until live-donor organ transplant. With a liver nowhere in sight, in June 2009, her sister Jen bravely donated 1/2 of her liver. Within six weeks, the half liver grew to roughly 90% of its original size. After the transplant, Ella worked as an artist, fabricator, and installer in NYC.

In 2011, Ella married her husband, Ryan, whom she fell in love with over Google chat while waiting for the transplant. After the

birth of their son, Auggie, in 2012, the small family moved to Montana.

Ella is doing fine, but occasionally her condition (including side-effects of medications, infections, etc.) take her away from her practice. Sometimes, like the multitudes of other modern women artists, sometimes it is a job and family that have to come first. Nevertheless, Ella always returns to the canvas, thirstier, more diligent, and more focused than before.

From 2015- 2020, Ella was the Gallery Director for the School of Art at Montana State University, overseeing the Helen E. Copeland Gallery, Waller-Yoblonsky Gallery, and the School of Art Archives. She is also a board member of SLAM-- a local organization that hosts festivals, scholarships, and artist installations in Bozeman. Her work has been shown in NYC, Virginia, Missoula, and China with commissions in the US, Vancouver, and Australia.

Through the pandemic, Ella has been making work when possible, taking care of her son during remote learning, and enjoying the company of her family. Because of her immunosuppressed condition and the polarization of mask-wearing, she mostly remained at home, away from the public for two years. The rampant issue of ableism in the US has become a personal challenge as her condition has become more “visible.” With this development, themes about her health, body, and past traumas are emerging within her work.

Artist Statement

Handfuls of cold wax mixed with oil paint feel like stiff icing in my palm. I slather and smooth the surface with successive layers of the wax mixture, coat after coat, at least five layers thick. Once dry enough, I shave into the surface with clay ribbon tools to reveal a kaleidoscope of hues below in a wonderful moment of discovery.

Delving into my unique perspective as an orphan, liver transplant recipient survivor, patient, mother, and artist, I redefine what it is to be human, especially when invasive medications and surgeries are necessary to stay alive. I reference geology, geomorphology, medical interventions, chronic conditions, and trauma through this additive and subtractive process. A surgeon of the canvas, I am making sense of what has been done to my body, searching for a complete form of myself and of the painting.

I focus on the relationship between devastation and growth: the paradox of how cataclysmic tectonic events have created this majestic terrain is on full display when living in the Rockies. I am equally enamored by this same relationship to traumatic events within one's life and how those events inform a person's character.

My treatment of the cold wax parallels the processes that the landscape or treatments my flesh has endured. Gouging is the removal of organs. Sculpting bridges of wax is akin to scar tissue in my hips. Wiping away thin washes mimics erosion. Similarly, shaving layers of wax and reapplying it elsewhere is reminiscent of landslides. Carving circles into the wax leaves forms like glacial potholes. By removing, wiping, collecting, and stripping layers of the wax, I emulate destruction to find form.

It is not uncommon for my pieces to have humorous, irreverent titles. These and my vibrant palette mock the impotence of destruction to truly annihilate beauty, and the human will to remain adaptive, resourceful, and perseverant. For me, painting is an act of hope.

Curriculum Vitae

EDUCATION

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA --- 2001-2006
Painting and Printmaking and Sculpture Departments, Bachelor of Fine Arts (2 degrees)
—Major: Painting and Printmaking Summa Cum Laude-- 3.96 GPA
—Major: Sculpture and Extended Media Summa Cum Laude-- 3.96 GPA
—Awarded eleven scholarships and grants during undergraduate studies

Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA --- 2007-2008
Department of Art and Art History, Non-degree seeking Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant

**SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (*indicates solo exhibition)**

2024 *Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery, Butte, MT. “The Secret is Out”
2023 Art Mobile of Montana. A mobile art exhibition that visits schools and locations around the state of Montana.
Curated by Danielle O’Malley.
2021
Jones Gallery, Kansas, MO. ”February Group Art Show.” Juried group show
Umpqua Valley Arts Assoc., Roseburg, OR. “Artworks Northwest Biennial Exhibit.” Juried group show
2020
Rapscallion Gallery, Bozeman, MT. “Entropy.” Featured Artist.
The Green Door, Livingston, MT. “Illuminated Artists: 26 Letters — 26 Artists.” Invitational
Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, MT. “Yellowstone Art Auction 52.” Group show
Montana Racial Equity Project, Bozeman. MT. Collaborative piece, Built Upon Their Backs, on permanent display
The Rialto as part of Black Lives Matter March, June 5th, 2020 in Bozeman, MT. Paired with Koto Azawa’s National Anthem.
2019
Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, MT. “Yellowstone Art Auction 51.” Group show
”Stettie Ruth.” Bozeman, MT. Group Show in pop-up gallery
Helen E. Copeland Gallery, MSU Bozeman, MT. “Bad Apples.” Group Show
Holter Museum of Art, Helena, MT. “Across the Divide.” Group show
2018
Shanghai Striking Information & Technology Company (188Art Warehouse), Minhang District, Shanghai, China. “East Meets West.” group show
*E3 Convergence Gallery, Missoula, MT. “Eons, Epics, and Epochs.” Solo exhibition
*Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art, Great Falls, MT. “Peneplaining”
* SLAM Space, Bozeman MT. “Ella Watson”
2016
*Cheever Gallery, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. “What Remains”
*Holter Museum of Art, Helena, MT, “Feeling Color: Ella Watson,” with workshops at St. Peters Hospital teaching art to an Oncology Support Group
2015
*Emerson Center for Culture & the Arts, Bozeman, MT, “Geysers, Pelts, and Mudpots”
Louisville Center for the Arts, Louisville, CO, “Louisville Art Association 30th National Fine Art Show”
Tiger Strikes Asteroid’s Artist-Run at The Satellite Show Miami, Miami Beach, “Art in America,” Julia Torres, curator
2014
PS1 MoMA, Long Island City, NYC, “Roberta and Bob Smith Present: Art Amnesty”, group show
PS1 MoMA Office of the Registrar, Long Island City, NYC, invitational exhibit
Cabinet of Curiosity, Longmont, CO, a juried exhibition
* The Foundry, Bozeman, MT, “Relief.”
2013
Wayfarers Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, “Ransom”, George Ferrandi, curator
Zootown Arts Community Center, Missoula, MT, “Day of the Dead”
2012
Bushwick Open Studios, Brooklyn, NY, “405 Alive”, co-curated
*Wayfarers Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, “Liverwurst Release Party”
2010
Greenpoint Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, “Popular Artist Show”
*F.A.B Gallery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, “Liverwurst”
Drawproject, Valdosta, GA, Jamie Harmon, curator

SELECTED AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

2021 Artist Fellowship Inc., Artist Relief and Assistance Grant, recipient
2020 Montana Arts Council CARES Individual Grant, recipient
Montana Arts Council Emergency Artist Grant, recipient
2015 Montana Arts Council Strategic Artist Grant, recipient
2014 Montana Arts Council Strategic Artist Grant, recipient
2008 The Robert Rauschenberg Change, Inc. Emergency Artist Grant, recipient
2001-2006 11 Scholarships and awards at Virginia Commonwealth University

SELECTED EXPERIENCE

SLAM Art Liaison to MAGDA, Bozeman, MT— 2023 to current
Work with SLAM (Support Local Artists and Musicians) and artists to build traveling exhibitions that are proposed and hosted by MAGDA (Montana Art Gallery Director Association. Work with artists, create proposals, organize images, create Condition Report Binder, pack work, and compose documents related to the show such as interpretive texts and press releases.

Screen Printing Assistant, Printability, Bozeman MT— 2022 to 2023
Assisted with heat-pressing, weeding, inventory, scheduling and other tasks within the studio.

Epoxy Specialist, Paradise Structures, Bozeman, MT—June to July 2021
Began multipart rubber molds of tree bark to later be used in casting epoxy resins. Made life-casts from alginate and plaster. Experimented with casting reusable and renewable items (such as safety glass, cardboard, reeds, paint chips, wood shavings, metal shavings, etc.) in epoxy to create inventive new surfaces. Prepped surfaces for casting by filling in holes and sanding surfaces.

Curator/developer, Seeing Purple/Seeing Red: a virtual, experimental, collaborative exhibition ahead of the 2020 elections, Bozeman, MT and online – 2020
Provided 33 participants with a scrap of an old painting of hers from 2005 to use in a new piece that discussed the turmoil of 2020. Developed the complete website (www.seeingpurpleseeingred.com) that included the pieces, bios, statements, etc. Starting Oct. 5, posted a new work every weekday up until the 2020 elections. Managed social media and press outlets.

Board member/ Secretary of non-profit, SLAM (Support Local Artists and Musicians), Bozeman, MT –
2015 to 2023
Organizes and develops community art events and installations with executive directors and fellow board members. Writes press releases and articles, updates website, creates social media posts, assists organizing events and festivals (specifically Family Activities, MSU Student Guilds, and Demonstration Tents), writes grants, assisted curating and developing the lighting and hanging systems for the SLAM Gallery (2017 -2019), procures sponsors. Elected Secretary of the Board as of 2020: Manages extensive Gmail drive and files, takes minutes at meetings. Acted as liaison between MSU and SLAM from 2015- 2020. Has successfully procured Montana Arts Council grants on behalf of SLAM.

Gallery Director, Montana State University, Helen E. Copeland and Waller-Yoblonsky Galleries,
Bozeman, MT — 2015 to 2020
Curated and scheduled exhibitions, handled shipping, PR (including designing posters images, writing press releases, handling social media), installation, and organizing all related receptions, speakers, and events. Noteworthy exhibitions include: Right to Decide: Voting Posters from Around the World; The Islamic Cultural Celebration; Bozeman Collectors Show; Field: Rachel Hayes and Ron Johnson; Sub Pop; One Night the Dream Changed: video work by Kelly Sears; Transmigration: Terry Karson; and Here We Are Now: Anne Appleby.

Managed gallery and facilities, budgets, and the International Artist in Residency Program at MSU including organizing room and board, assistants, facilities, and any other needs. Updated, documented, and condition reported the complete School of Art archives for the first time since 1986 (over 1,000 works). Started developing Past Perfect registry. Assisted with curation of other exhibitions throughout the university. Taught up to four interns per semester and directed graduate gallery managers. Advised students in gallery and professional practices.

Faculty Advisor, Black Student Union at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT – 2016 to 2020
Spearheaded the rebirth of the Black Student Union at MSU. Organized administrative and community support (personally and financially). Rallied and motivated students to organize. Championed organization.

Contracted condition reporting, Museum of Art and Design in NYC, Bozeman, MT – 2017
Completed condition reports for a print collection of Harry Bertoia’s in Bozeman, MT for the Museum of Art and Design in New York City.

Volunteer, Montana Racial Equity Project, Bozeman, MT – 2015 to 2016
Developed and maintained Mailchimp newsletter. Volunteered and photographed events.

Speaker, Montana – 2015 to current
2017: Lectured to MSU Black Student Union on contemporary black artists. 2015: Lectured to College of Arts and Architecture students about organ donation and how to use one’s art during times of stress and physical ailments. Discussed resources and how to be resourceful. 2015- current: Speaks to Driver’s Education at Manhattan High School classes four times a year about the importance of organ donation. Frequently lectures on own work and art practices.

Art Installation and Fabrication, PS1 MoMA, Long Island City, NY – 2010 to 2013
Installed works for major exhibitions, repaired galleries, and fabricated objects for various exhibitions, including Laurel Nakadate, Henry Taylor, and “EXPO 1: New York (2013).”Worked closely with the Registrar and observed/ learned condition reporting, registration, and museum politics.

Internship, Relevision Productions, Vancouver, BC --- 2011
Under filmmaker Roger Larry, created movie banners and advertisements for the movie "Crossing." Interviewed subjects for Citizen Marc, as well as photographed and edited visual images for Roger Larry.

Fabricator, Tara Donovan Studios, Fantasy Sport Trophies, Brooklyn Guild, and Chico MacMurtrie Studios, all based out of Brooklyn, NY --- 2010 --- 2013
Assisting in sculpture fabrication, design, purchasing materials, and installation of artwork.

Internship, Blackthorn Productions, Norwalk, CT --- 2010
Worked for Creature Effects Department and Special FX make-up team. Created props (both singular originals and multiples) and sculpted positives for latex masks. Dealt with actors, directors, technicians, etc.

Art Teacher, Graduate Assistant under Michelle Kong, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 2006-2007
Oversaw the Sculpture Workshop by maintaining and ordering tools and materials. Also taught Sculpture, Drawing, and Design classes at the collegiate level. Installed student art shows at the Samek Gallery at Bucknell University.

Artist Assistant to SunTek Chung, photographer, Richmond, VA--- 2004-2006
Created and designed props and sets for photoshoots and tableaus.

COMMISSIONS and COLLECTIONS

In national and international private collections.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• “Seeing Purple/ Seeing Red: An American Endeavor.” Artzine. https://artzine.com/articles/seeing-purple-seeing-red-an-american-endeavor 1 Nov. 2020. Web.

• Hergett, Rachel. “Race and the Evolving Works of Ella Watson.” Bozeman Daily Chronicle. https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/ruckus/art/race-and-the-evolving-works-of-ella-watson/article_d3e0cec5-23b6-52d5-a4cd-81f5a4c3dc79.html 1 Jan. 2019. Print and web.

• Schontzler, Gail. “Mysterious, forgotten papers dating to Revolutionary times found in MSU closet.” Bozeman Daily Chronicle. https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/mysterious-forgotten-papers-dating-to-revolutionary-times-found-in-msu-closet/article_dd8c3b91-6962-5e16-859f-ed9ee1b1991f.amp.html 15 March 2020. Print and web.

• DeMarco, Margaret. “Watson’s hands-on art exhibit on display at Paris Gibson Square.” KRTV.com [http://www.krtv.com/story/34156405/ella-watson] 30 Dec. 2016.

• “Art exhibitions on display at Emerson.” The BoZone. [Bozeman] 15 May 2015: 3A. Print.

• Everts, Ali. “Artist paints love letters to Existence.” The Bozeman Chronicle. 11 July 2014: 7. Print.