Mary Ellen Sisulak

Artist Statement - Mixed Media Quote

“Interpreting the power of stones, grounded in earth, I stretch hide over manipulated wood panels, carving, forming and painting into this primal surface. My strength is in the line, which can be seen throughout my work, but sometimes, just a color or an object is the impetus to start a new piece. I return to some of my favorite subjects, which have become spiritual for me. I find the description and narrative to be part of the piece only after I have completed the journey, but it is always there in my subconscious. My subject matter is always connected to nature and history.”

Background

Mary Ellen Sisulak graduated from the University of WI-Milwaukee in 1974. She moved to Door County WI to pursue life as an artist and be closer to nature. Influential teachers were William Brueske, Tom Uttech and John Colt. Mary Ellen resides next to a nature preserve, The Mink River Estuary. Much of her subject matter is derived from observations and drawings from her surroundings.