Studio Opua  -  Fine Arts and Crafts

Elena was born and grew up in a big city in the middle of Russia.

Showing artistic talent from the early age, she chose the department of Design oft the Urals State University where she studied graphic arts for five years.

Upon completion of her course, Elena received an appointment to teach painting at the same university - a position which she held for many years.

She became a fulltime artist when she moved to New Zealand in 2001.

Now Elena lives near Mangawhei, where she is actively involved in the Northland arts community. She also teaches fine arts at Mahurangi College and Orewa College ( Adult Education Programme ).

In her art Elena expresses her new perception, her delight of the Pacific world through unique properties of different media.

She seeks the essence of the Pacific, it's deep inner substance: the spirit of the ocean, the spirit of the air, the spirit of the land....

She tries to create a moment of wonder for the viewer, the same wonder which captivates her in New Zealand, in this evergreen paradise land....