Meet Patricia Ellah | Multi disciplinary artist – photographer, ceramist and filmmaker

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

Hi Patricia, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favourite quote to meditate on is from African American writer Maya Angelou “I come as one but I stand as 10,000.” It helps me to remember my community, our ancestors and our collective story. When I am working and I feel tired I am moved by a memory of hearing these words for the first time. It is a reminder that we are not alone on our journey through life and there are those that come before us and many who will come after.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been creating work as an artist since my early teens. For me, art is the ability to play with concepts and ideas by learning how to transform a thought into an artwork. I’ve spent over a decade making photographs and figuring out what I like to make, the emotions behind it and how to communicate that to an audience. I am inspired by my childhood growing up in Nigeria, the African Carribean community and the beautiful memories shared between family and friends.

I earned a BFA from Parsons the New school of Design with a major in photography. This helped shape the way I navigate through the art industry and allowed for opportunities to present themselves at an early stage in my life. After school, I wanted more freedom of expression, I wanted to spend the next few years shaking off the pressure to fulfil the expectations that others had for me and my work. This led to experimenting in other mediums such as filmmaking and ceramics. I am excited to see what the next few projects look like when they come to life…

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Right now, I’m based in Toronto, Canada. If a friend of mine was coming to visit, I would take them to see some gallery shows, stopping at 401 Richmond a heritage building in the city that houses a few popular gallerys and notable Toronto art establishments. We would try to attend a night time event at one of Toronto’s underground African Carribean party scenes, I’m most likely to vote in favour of an event by SMOKED or Sample chief or somewhere my friend Jen is hosting at. These parties are important, getting to laugh, dance and let go is always a necessary itinerary activity. I would take them to my favourite spot in the beaches, walking all the way down Wheeler till you get to the water front. In the summer it’s a great place to canoe and in the evenings it’s perfect for long conversations in front the shimmering water.

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?
I’d like to shoutout my family for supporting my dreams and encouraging me to want more for myself. My sister’s remind me that no dreams is too big, no idea is out of reach. Receiving this kind of support at home allows me to feel like no one can define my success or stand in the way of me achieving my goals.

Website: https://omurulaije.myshopify.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciaellah/?hl=en

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-ellah-979872118

Twitter: https://twitter.com/omurulaije

Other: https://patriciaellah.tumblr.com

Image Credits
Godly, self portrait by Patricia Ellah At 120 Adelaide curated by Make room. Exhibition photos Chocolate treasure box 2022 for Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Ceramics In Another lifetime, 2023 for Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Ceramics (Description green mask) I Feel you I see you, 2023. For Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Ceramics (Description mask with bows) A Million Dreams 2022. self portrait by Patricia Ellah Photographs (Description photo of back) Jewel 2024 for Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Ceramics Ruby Rose 2024 for Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Ceramics Guide me, 2024 for Omurulaije By Patricia Ellah Self portrait (Description mask and candles)