About — Elodie Burls

I work with dye-based inks and bleach on resin-coated paper — a process that wasn't invented so much as discovered.

Origins & Background

Being surrounded by animals and trees and animals in trees grounds me.

I live in a beautiful valley about an hour outside of Cape Town. I wake up early and watch the light change on the mountains from my studio which is one floor up. It gives me a prime view on all the commotion in the garden like birds of prey chasing pigeons, pigeons chasing each other, squirrels doing similar things. I also enjoy spending time in the veggie garden and with our ducks, chickens and bunnies.
The cats and dog keep me company in my studio.
My husband is a designer of furniture and spaces and I like to joke that I don’t know whether he makes what I paint or if it’s me painting what he makes. We have two awesome daughters, we are raising them to think for themselves. They do.

I love it when my art takes me places. So far we’ve been to Austria, Germany, Franschhoek, Knysna and Cape Town many, many times.
I have a big hairy audacious dream of visiting all (or almost all) of the National Parks in the USA in a RV with my family and painting as I go. A mobile art residency.

The Philosophy

“My mantra: soft, strong, grieving, alive”

Materials & Process

Studio Practice

Ink and bleach magic

I usually start by applying a lot of water and then letting the ink flow. This creates the background of the story. I sometimes have to live with the background for weeks before I can see/hear/feel what the story needs to be. And the story is revealed bit by bit, through the act of listening. Bleach is like a magic wand that adds light, fire, intrigue. Oh and I don’t have much control.

I paint what I experience, see and feel.

I think of how Helen Martin’s (Owl House, Nieu Bethesda) work was influenced by simple images in her environment, like the sun on her floor polish tin, and I see how that pattern shows up in my own work. I don’t usually realise it at the time though, but it is undeniable that my work is strongly influenced by where I live and what I pay attention. As an example, the colour red occasionally shows up and it seems to always be linked to my cycle or while a fire is burning down a forest.

The value of you visiting me…

I am not exactly sure of the value for you, and I can’t make any guarantees, but I sincerely love when anyone who is interested visits my studio. Having another person’s point of view, seeing how they react to my work, sharing why we love art, it all enriches my space immeasurably. The best part is the connection that is made. Next to nature and art making, connection is the other antidote. Or maybe it’s all three together. Either way, please reach out and come visit. I’ll provide tea and scones.

99 Loop Gallery, Cape Town

Enquire for Commissions & Acquisitions

For all enquiries regarding available works, studio visits, or specialized commissions, please reach out directly or via our partner galleries.