Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Frost
Hi Elena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Art has always been a part of my life, but my journey has been anything but conventional. In high school, I was inspired by my math teacher, Debra Shaw, whose ability to make complex concepts accessible sparked my own desire to teach—but through art. I wanted to introduce students to creativity in a way that extended beyond the classic masters. I envisioned taking them to see street art, graffiti-covered trains, and chalk drawings in public spaces—works created not for permanence but for the sheer joy of expression. I wanted them to ask, why create something that will disappear? and to push their imaginations beyond what had been seen before.
That passion led me to earn a Fine Arts degree at University and immersed myself in the creative world—participating in exhibitions, receiving awards, and building connections within the art community.” During that time, I was immersed in the art world—participating in exhibitions, receiving awards, and building connections within the creative community. But as life often does, it led me in an unexpected direction. I got married, started a family, and what started as a summer job in corporate healthcare turned into a long-term career. Though I found creative fulfillment in my work—crafting engaging training and educational content—I completely stepped away from painting. Without the time or the support for what was often dismissed as “not a real job,” my art was put on hold.
Fast forward 24 years: I had relocated across the country, navigated life changes, and was still working in the corporate world when a friend showed me a picture of a bear, she was considering purchasing. On impulse, I told her, I can paint one for you. That single moment in February 2024 reignited something in me. What began as one painting for a mountain home quickly evolved into something much bigger—a growing body of work, the dream of a gallery, and participation in exhibitions.
One year later, I have completed eight paintings, and my artistic journey is only just beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every artist faces challenges, but I prefer to see them as opportunities for growth. One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating social media. For example, I spent time carefully crafting an art reveal video—only to have it reach 300 views. Yet a lighthearted clip of a painting mishap—where I accidentally gave a bear an over-bleached blonde effect—soared past 1,000 views. The algorithm remains a mystery!
Facebook has also proven tricky. I was inadvertently banned during the registration process for clicking too quickly, and my verification video—where I moved my head up and down—was deemed “unverified.” As a result, I currently don’t have access to a Facebook account.
Despite these digital challenges, I find that I thrive in personal interactions. I love engaging with people directly—understanding what excites them, learning from their perspectives, and sharing my own passion for art. That kind of connection is invaluable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My artistic foundation is rooted in traditional techniques. My focus today is on creating the illusion of texture within a hyper realistic style. Whether it’s the softness of a feather, the roughness of tree bark, I strive to bring depth and dimension to my work through paint alone.
What truly sets me apart is still unfolding. Until 2024, I had never painted fur or feathers—yet my work now centers on wildlife. Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new subjects, from water and landscapes to mythical creatures and narrative-driven pieces. I believe that as an artist, growth comes from constant exploration, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me next.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
For me, the answer is simple: To live a life worth living.
In 2018, I reached a turning point. I sat down and wrote a list of must-haves for my life, and the first item was “a life worth living.” At the time, I didn’t know what that would look like, but I knew something had to change. There’s no step-by-step guide to happiness—it’s a personal journey, and I made a conscious decision to seek “my happy” in everyday moments.
Today, I can truly say I love my life. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s filled with creativity, passion, and the people who support and inspire me. I love the smell of fresh coffee in the mornings and a smell of fresh paint on a tip of my paintbrush. I love sitting back and watching a paint dry while eating noodles with chopsticks. I love creating. And most of all, I love that I’ve found my peace and my life is worth living.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elenafrostgallery.com
- Instagram: elenafrostgallery
