Artist Profile: Ella Boylan

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My names Ella and I am a Mum and contemporary landscape artist in Port Lincoln, South Australia. I was born and raised in rural SA, I loved to be outside as a child and have always had an affinity with the vast and rugged landscapes that underpin life in rural areas. I had a career as a Kindy teacher prior to full time artist, and when If I’m not working you’ll find me at the beach, in nature, camping and enjoying time with friends and family. I have a beautiful 6-year-old daughter Valli who is growing up too fast, a very handy and caring partner called Steve and we’re grateful every day for the life we have.

How long have you been producing your art? 

I have been painting amongst other jobs since Uni in 2012 - but officially a full-time artist since 2020.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Landscapes that surround me. I live on the Eyre Peninsula, SA. The inspiration is truly untapped here. I have spent and continue to spend a lot of time outdoors camping; this year we spend 6 months travelling Western Australia in a camper van. Western Australia is incredible and I’m currently loving painting Karijini and lots of other red earth scenes.

How would you describe your art?

My art isn’t realistic but also not abstract, it’s somewhere in between. My work has been described as painterly Australian landscapes.

Your art features on The Block this year? How it came about? Which couple? What was your initial reaction?

Yes, I was absolutely thrilled to have my work in Kristian and Mimi’s winning master bedroom. Seeing my work on national tv was quite surreal. The whole room looked fantastic and has totally inspired me update my own master suite at home. As with all pieces I release there are always nerves with how it will be received, but the contestants and judges were very generous with their praise, and it’s wonderful to be included in their vision.

What does it mean for you to have your art featured on The Block and be a Block Shop artist?

The ripple effect is unmeasurable. Hard to beat the exposure level of national TV. I have grown up watching the Block, absolutely thrilled to have my work in a block house! As for what it means going forward, I’m not sure, we will have to wait and see.

Favourite Block couple?

Even if Kristian and Mimi didn’t pick my art I would still say them! They are also from SA and I genuinely love Mimi’s style.

Where do you like to create your art?

I have a purpose-built home studio, it’s big and comfortable. I crave time in there when I’m away. While on our trip – the studio was anywhere out of the sun and wind, unfortunately the flies were hard to avoid. It was a real challenge producing art on the road.

Do you have a playlist / podcast you like to create to?

I constantly need background noise while creating. What I’m listening to is all very mood dependent. Some podcasts I love are The Deep, Happy hour by lucy and Nikki and Wild with Sarah Wilson.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Days are always different but when I’m in my creation phase of a body of work it might go a little like this. I’m a night owl so I will make the most of every second of a sleep in. But typically, I’m up at 7 getting Valli ready and off to school, sometimes it’s a quick walk, then i tend to get some household jobs and work admin done. Typically, I get into the studio around 10am, I work across several pieces at a time and often the next time I look at the clock it’s 3pm and time for school pick up. If we have no extracurricular, I will typically get dinner prepped and then head back into the studio- Valli often joins me for this time which is nice. Then its dinner, a tv series and bed.

How do you fit your art around life/kids? /Work- Any tips?

It’s a juggle. I love my job and need to remind myself to insert ‘life jobs’ self-care and family time. I’m not sure i have any tips other than remember to take breaks I’ve burnt myself out at some point nearly every year.

Favourite holiday destination?

We love time by the ocean, unplugging. We are lucky to own a great camper and that takes us regularly to our favourite beach side camp spots along the Eyre Peninsula.

What would you buy yourself from The Block Shop?

A new Kinsman wardrobe! They look Divine! 15. Favourite house decorating trend? I love being in houses that are eclectic but uncluttered, homes that tell visitors a tale of its owner. I don’t think this is a trend - more of a house with personality.

If you could renovate one room in your house which, would it be?

Our kitchen, honestly, I shouldn’t complain it’s still quite nice. Just not totally to my taste. 

Favourite artwork you own?

Recently I was lucky enough to purchase a large Eric Barney original at the Darwin Aboriginal art fair. I’m a huge fan of indigenous art and some of the work coming out of Iwantja. I would love to own a Sylvie Kettle piece one day- collecting art is addictive!

Like what you see? Check out Ella's work here.