Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Knapp.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have always been creative and loved the arts. I began to paint sometimes in 2005. I started lettering and Calligraphy in 2010, when I moved to Austin. I take every opportunity to learn from masters. I have been fortunate enough to study with Masters Penmen Michael Sull, Harvest Crittendon, Rosemary Buczek and many other amazingly talented artists and teachers.
Beside my love to calligraphy I do watercolors and mix media and my artwork has been shown throughout various venues of Texas and been represented in a number of private collections world-wide including USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Russia and Middle East.
Please tell us about your art.
I offer a wide range of calligraphy services for your wedding. These include: Envelope addressing, Menus, Table Numbers, Place Cards, Event signage, Seating Charts and more.
Besides wedding and event calligraphy I offer artistic calligraphy – basically turning a meaningful text into a piece of art. Whether a favorite poem, wedding vows, quote, song lyrics, bible verse or anything else, a hand-calligraphed work blends art with meaning, a fond memory, or special moment. I use the highest quality hand-made paper, inks and paints to ensure this piece could last for generations.
One of my favorite works is creating Marriage Certificates, this tradition comes from Quakers where a couple would want to create a specially designed piece for them celebrating their union and everyone that attends their ceremony will sign it, later this piece is framed and kept in a family for years. This tradition is so sweet and beautiful and I always feel honored to create this very special art piece for a new family.
I have a passion for watercolor florals painting and I paint a lot. Recently I started teaching watercolor classes and I love sharing my knowledge and getting others inspired. I do sale my painting and prints and cards. I would love to get into pattern/surface design one day.
Creating art is my dream job and I’m fortunate enough to live my dream. I want others to be able to enjoy art as much as I do and get inspired or creative and maybe try to make their own art.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
1. Don’t be afraid to try, there is no right or wrong in experimenting and getting playful with art supply
2. Seek classes – online, in person, study with good teachers
3. There is no need to break a bank with buying every art supply there is, you can get very creative and very good with very minimal but do ask for advice if needed on what materials you should start with.
4. Do get inspired by other people work, you can even copy when you learn but don’t steal other people work or copy and post it as your own… no one will ever appreciate it
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is www.elenaknapp.us here you can learn about me, see some samples of my work and get in touch with me or get an idea what some projects could cost.
I do post a lot on Instagram www.instagram.com/elena_knapp usually things that are happening right now – projects that I’m working on, classes that I’m teaching, classes that I’m taking as a student and more.
My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/elenaknapp.us/ similar to Instagram but here you can find more information on upcoming classes that I teach and events that I’m participating in.
I also have an Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElenaPrikhodkoKnapp here is a small collection of paintings and calligraphy pieces that I have for sale. If some some reason you cannot find what you are looking for please feel free to contact me (I do get people contacting me after seeing something on Instagram with a special requests “I would love to have this as a print in this and that size, I wanted to give it to my mother as a birthday gift” and so on
How can people support your work? . If you follow me on any of those platforms and think of me next time you are have a big event and need some signage or any calligraphy work – I would be happy to help. Or next time you are invited to an anniversary or a birthday … or a baby shower and you have no idea what to bring as a gift – think of a calligraphy piece you could commission with their favorite poem or a Bible verse or. Whatever would be a “meaningful text” for them – contact me and I would be able to help you to create something very special
Also, if you wanted to take one of my classes – please check here for current classes https://dojour.us/e/6087-watercolor-101 Feel free to contact me if you wanted to organize a class in a different location, another city
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elenaknapp.us
- Email: elena.calligraphy.art@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elena_knapp
- Facebook: https://dojour.us/e/6087-watercolor-101
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/elenaknapp.us
- Other: https://dojour.us/e/6087-watercolor-101
Image Credit:
Pictures are taken by me
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
