Rising Stars: Meet Elise Aleman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elise Aleman.

Hi Elise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Hi, my name is Elise. I was born in Havana, Cuba, and migrated to West New York, NJ at age 7 where I grew up. I lived most of my adult life in South Florida.

At 33, I became a single mom and have a wonderful 28-year-old son. A few years ago, I moved to Savannah to complete my education and decided to make this beautiful city my new home.

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember, but for years I lived with the notion that being a “real” artist was just a fanciful dream.

Discouraged by many letters of rejection in the early years — “We like your work, it is just not what we’re looking for right now,” they’d say. This led me to trade in my paintbrushes for a mouse and venture into the commercial art world. For years I gladly created what others paid me to make.

A few years ago, circumstances led me to the opportunity to teach a drawing class, and realized that the dream was dormant but not dead. I shook off the dusty brushes—the flame rekindled. Encouraged by my son and close friends, I returned to art school to refine my technical skills and renew my confidence.

Last year, I donned my cap and gown and walked across the stadium to proudly receive my diploma. I now hold a BFA in painting from the impressive SCAD and am excited to begin the MFA program in the fall. I’m delighted to say I now paint the desires of my heart.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most obvious challenge was returning to school decades after my first college degree. Would I fit in? Would I be able to keep up? Yes, and absolutely. I might be older physically but have a young spirit.

Academically an older student is generally more disciplined and focused. I gave 100% and graduated Summa Cum Laude. I hope this encourages anyone who hesitates toward their dream. It’s never too late, and obstacles define drive.

At the time I went back to school, I was working a full-time job, and a part-time job, and I had elderly parents that required much of my attention. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how I did it. When God calls you and you accept, He sees you through it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked in the commercial/graphic world for close to 40 years, but the desire to create fine art was incessantly present if not consciously acknowledged. Today I consider myself a Christian artist, painting from within a deeply spiritual place. Most of my work gives visual life to biblical themes, verses, or events.

Having the heart of a teacher and I use my art as a visual catalyst to help others grow in the faith. In the 80s, my work had a bent toward surrealism and I worked in airbrush. These days, I gravitate towards figurative works in oils. In my current body of work titled “One Blood,” I trace Noah’s family down through the ages spreading to the people groups that evolved in time.

The goal is to demonstrate how we are all descendants of one family therefore all brothers and sisters—one human race—one blood.

While attending SCAD, I felt a strong calling to open a Christian art gallery.

This dream is still in the distance, but the pandemic of 2020 offered the perfect opportunity to start my gallery online, Ex Nihilo Gallery. In less than a year I have signed 8 artists and had a successful group show that attracted 30 talented artists from around the world. (www.exnihilogallery.org).

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The isolation that stemmed from Covid helped me realize how much I need people around me. While nature renews my spirit, it is people that drive me into motion.

After graduation, I realized that not only do I miss the fellowship of other artists but that I needed it. For these reasons I foresee my gallery having studio spaces along with a showroom. I foresee creating a community of like-minded Christian artists where we would share ideas, inspire, and encourage one another to grow in our individual practices in a safe environment free from condemnation.

I’ve observed that many artists are outspoken about their beliefs and convictions, except for Christian artists, who tend to be restrained and tentative in groups of unbelievers. My hope is to help them find their voice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.exnihilogallery.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exnihilogallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExNihiloGallery
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GalleryEx