Meet Eleanor Arbor | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eleanor Arbor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eleanor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I don’t think about risk much in terms of “safe choice / unsafe choice” but rather following your intuition. There have been times I’ve felt pulled in the less comfortable direction and just said fuck it let’s go. Moving to LA from the east coast and knowing almost no one felt uncomfortable, maybe a little risky, but at the same time my intuition was screaming at me. To me taking risks is about trying to silence the fear and going with your gut. Every time I’ve taken a leap a faith against in spite of fear my work and life have flourished from it.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I work in plaster bas relief, it’s a medium that demands immediacy while working. The pace of the process results in visceral, aggressive and richly textured surfaces. I don’t like things fussed over, polished or overthought- I think it kills some of the magicNot many people are working in bas relief or in plaster in general these days, it’s sort of a thing of the past. Im a bit archival in that way.

I’m most proud of being a mother. There’s a really outdated myth that still persists that artists can’t become mothers and remain active artists. Worth noting there is no such myth about fathers. Becoming a mother expanded my creativity immensely, along with my ability to feel and love; I think this change is common among mothers and should be celebrated.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to find community and just keep going. Having other artists around you, even if its only one or two will remind you that you aren’t crazy for trying to make art a career. You’ll get motivation, connections, you’ll prop each other up. Keep making no matter what is the most, most, most important lesson that I remind myself frequently. If you give up you’ll never know what could have been. I think it’s common among most artists to go a little crazy or get depressed when we stop making, so on a practical level, forcing yourself into the studio to do something, even if its small or silly, will keep you sane.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im still trying to get to know all the secret special la things myself! This city is endless, filled with delightful nooks and crannies and I think that’s my favorite thing about LA. Art wise, I would take a friend to LACMA and do some gallery hopping in the arts district. The LA county arboretum and The Huntington Gardens are must sees if you’re a plant lover like me. Definitely need to have a day trip to Malibu beaches and hikes to see the mountains and views. Food wise, my favorite ramen spot IKI in K town cannot be missed, obviously you gotta hit the taco trucks and get some good Mexican food. LA has the best flea markets I’ve seen anywhere in this country, even if you’re not looking to buy a whole lot, its a fun afternoon outting to go to Rose Bowl or Long Beach flea. This city has just about anything you could be seeking, but often its not in plain sight, ask around and stay curious.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, who have been my biggest cheerleaders since I was a little girl who loved to play with clay.

Website: eleanorarbor.com

Instagram: @ellarbor

Image Credits
Joy Newell (first photo with me in it) photos of work were taken by myself