ELENA BOND - BIO
Elena Bond was born
in Russia in the beautiful old city of Samara on March 20, 1965
to a military doctor and a classical pianist. Elena started
drawing at a very early age, using everything from a pencil
to her mother's make-up. She came from a family of artists where
her great-grandfather and grandfather were both artists.
Because of her father's
job in the military, Elena's family had to move around the Soviet
Union frequently. She'd lived in Kazakhstan, Byelorussia, Ukraine,
Latvia, Litva, St.Petersburg, and Moscow. The largest part of
her childhood was spent in Germany. Because of the frequent
lifestyle changes, Elena was able to preserve memories of many
different cultures and experiences. At the age of 11, she attended
her first art school in St.Petersburg, Russia.
It is from this early
experience, that she came to the conclusion that she could be
nothing other than an artist.
The students of this particular school spent most of their time
at museums such as the Russian Museum and Ermitazh, where they
learned not only basic art, but also theory. Elena's family
moved to Middle Asia, which was then part of the Soviet Union,
to the beautiful, sunny, and friendly state of Uzbekistan.
At 15, she attended
the State College of Art in Uzbekistan majoring in Scenic Design
which she completed with honors.
She then went on to study at the Academy of Art, where she earned
a master's degree in Fine Art. During this time, Elena took
part in many international, state, and city exhibitions. She
became a member of the Artist's Union of Uzbekistan. She also
worked in theatres creating set designs for the State Theatre
of Opera and Ballet, and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Returning
to Uzbekistan, she continued her work in theState Museum of
Art as a restorer, teaching at the local University, and participating
in exhibitions.
In her painting, she
has tried many styles and techniques: from simple still life
and portraits to difficult, philosophical, multi-figured art.
Whatever she paints, her main goal is to be honest and to love
what she creates. With the dismantling of the Soviet Union life
changed -- the divisive issues of nationality and religion resulted
in the loss of wealth and stability for so many Soviet citizens.
Fortunately, in 1999,
Elena's family won a Green Card Lottery and immediately moved
to the United States, where Elena was able to resume her painting
both recreationally and professionally.
She currently resides
in Miami with her husband and two daughters where she is a scenic
designer for The Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.
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