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

Hi Elly, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I decided to be myself and let that guide me. Since I made that decision I’ve been able to trust the process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I recently made the decision to go back to school because I wanted to create more collaborative work—something that feels more like being in the classroom than painting alone in my studio, which had started to feel isolating. I’m especially excited about theater and film. Both new languages for me. Applying my background in painting and sculpture to projects that grow into something much larger than myself has been incredibly rewarding! I’m proud that as my work has evolved, it has remained true to who I am.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The week would start with a hike at Malibu Creek State Park and dinner at Anajak. We’d make a trip to the Santa Monica Pier, the Natural History Museum, and spend a solid afternoon at TOPS Art Supply in Koreatown before grabbing a drink at The Prince. Mix in some beach time, the sticker store at the Grove, and a day at the Los Angeles Central Library downtown, and it would be an awesome week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my past students, who encouraged me to go back to school and express myself through design and directing. You all inspire me every day. Shoutout to my husband Dylan for his unwavering support. Shoutout to my collaborators — Cora Badey, Alve Fu, and Hunter Abal-Sadeq, among so many others — For your dedication to the work. Big shoutout to my mentors and professors at CalArts — Chris Barreca, Mona Heinze, Janie Geiser, Michael Darling, Janice Tanaka and Gary Mairs.

Website: https://ellygolterman.com

Instagram: ellygolterman

Image Credits
Alejandro Caminos, Marco Zhang

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