Featured Zibbeter - Egilpatr
Zibbet would like you to get to know Eleanor Gilpatrick, a contemporary realist painter of landscapes, people, still lifes, and abstracts.
Her work reflects her love of beauty and the way she sees the world. Eleanor says, “some of her paintings deal with issues of peace and many have edgy compositions.”
In Eleanor’s Zibbet shop, Egilpatr, you will find all original paintings. She never sells prints of her artwork. You can purchase her published books which contain some of her art that is in private collections.
Eleanor has a blog and a Facebook, however you will soon read that she promotes her work in other ways. She welcomes questions about her work, so feel free to send her a message through Zibbet to discuss her paintings.
We are thrilled that Eleanor, a fine artist from New York City, has chosen Zibbet to display her work. We are sure you will enjoy this very interesting interview.
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Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a second career artist, so I guess I can say I have invented myself several times. I come from a working class background and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. In high school I chose an academic path and was the first one in my family to go to college. But I also studied art at the Educational Alliance in New York City, and won an award for draftsmanship. But I decided to major in Sociology-Anthropology at Brooklyn College, which was free in those days. Much later I went to the New School For Social Research for my Masters Degree, where I had tuition scholarships; and when I decided to go for a PHD in Economics at Cornell University, I became a teaching assistant, so I guess I am an example of the American dream.My first work after graduate school was in research, and I eventually became a Professor at Hunter College in New York City, where I taught research, writing, and critical thinking among other things.
Not too long before retirement age I began to go on walking trips in Europe, and during that time I began to sketch again. The first piece I did at that time is on sale right now on Zibbet.
I did it with a ball point pen! I knew I had to go back to my first loves, drawing and painting, and after taking plein-air (outdoor) courses in Italy, I started to study art at Hunter College until I retired. I continue to paint there. -
Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?
Somewhere in between I married and divorced, created my own family built on friendships with people I love, and found a place to live that I love.
I am a real New Yorker. I love good but affordable restaurants, theater, and museums. I found a wonderful place to live in Greenwich Village, with a view of the Hudson River, and for many years I went to Europe once a year.
But the most important part has been my becoming Auntie Ellie to the children of my “daughter-friend” Leah and her sister Lowie, and Gramma Ellie to my other “daughter-friend” Eddie. They have given me the joy of children in my life. There are 7 children now, all under 7 years old. I adore buying presents.
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What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?
You will notice that I am a contemporary realist. I am inspired by the beauty I see around me, whether places I have been to, the view from my terrace, or people who catch my eye. So I tend to take photos of moments in time, such as a sunset or a gesture. I then work with composition to design the image, and go from there.Recently, around 2007, I felt that I had to start expressing my anti-war feelings in paint, and I created my “Issues Of Our Time” series.
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Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?
I have always been excited and influenced by my teachers. All the way from elementary school through my art classes there have been wonderful teachers who saw something in me and encouraged me. In art I would love to mention Gabriele Evertz, who was my first art teacher at Hunter … when I moved from drawing to painting. She continues as a friend and a source of encouragement. My mentor has been Bob Swain, who taught me color theory, without which I could not paint as I do.
In another sphere, I admire Rachel Maddow, who broadcasts on cable TV, on MSNBC. She is one of the finest commentators, because she can be trusted to speak truth backed up by research, is not afraid to show feelings, and provides information otherwise not so easy to come by. As I grew up, there were no left-oriented sources in the media; but things are different now. -
What other passions do you have in your life?
As you can see from my last comments, I am a very political person. When I was younger I marched on Washington on peace issues. I am an activist on civil rights and anti-racist issues, and recently have become active in issues about our environment, global warming, and the economy.
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What do you like most about Zibbet?
I think Zibbet is beautiful. I am happy to send people here to see my work. Then I have to say that it is an environment in which the administration is warm, caring, and open to discourse. That is in contrast to most on-line art websites. I also like being in the company of crafts people as well as painters. -
What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?
I would like to have you offer affordable marketing choices for my Zibbet site; I would like Zibbet to work to be first in Google and similar searches.
I would like Zibbet to make the fine arts important in its promotions (and I guess this interview shows that you care).
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How do you promote your work?
I have my entire portfolio on Zibbet. I put my Zibbet link at the bottom of my email signatures. I have an image of a painting and my Zibbet address on my business card. I enter art shows that attract collectors; and will be in the Red Dot show in New York City this March. I always include my Zibbet address whenever I am asked for ID information, even in handouts at art shows. I still try to be in brick and mortar galleries, I am in one where a woman has bought several pieces. I am on several online sites. Exposure is everything.
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How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?
Put all your work on Zibbet, across a range of price points. Put your Zibbet link at the bottom of your email signatures. Always include your Zibbet address wherever you are asked for ID information. Even in handouts at art shows. Have a business card that includes your Zibbet address. -
In the future I’d like to be…
Famous as an artist; alive when the children in my life marry; healthy; and in a better, safer world.
Tags: Egilpatr, Featured Zibbeters
One of the questions you asked Eleanor was “Who do you look up to?” I look up to Eleanor. I have known her for several years as an online artist friend. She has encouraged me as an artist , with excellent critiques and especially with her zest for life and her perseverance in showing and selling her work.
Her “issues of our times” series brings tears to my eyes, they are heart wrenching portraits of what is happening in this world. And her new nebula paintings are incredible, glowing abstractions in gorgeous colors.
Eleanor Gilpatrick is a wonderful, inspiring artist!
What a wonderful article on Eleanor! I love her work and it’s so great to hear about all the other things she’s up to!
Gilbpatrick uses the phrase “moments in time” - she shapes colors to bring those moments back to life for all of us.
Fascinating woman! Thank you so much for this interview, Eleanor!
Grandmother Carolyn
What wonderful insights into a beautiful person and outstanding artist! Thank you for the inspiration to be the very best that I can be!
You have a wonderful, inspiring story. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Your work is amazing, so varied! Seascapes, landscapes, even SPACE scapes! I particularly like Fjaerland Fjord, I’m not really a traveller but I’d love to go to Norway. Very good idea to show how your art might look on a wall. Good luck with your shop - though I’m not sure you need luck! http://www.zibbet.com/Egilpatr/artwork?artworkId=114783#art
I am so blesed by these wonderful comments. Thank you so much.
Eleanor
What a wonderful feature! And what beautiful work! Thank you, Eleanor and Zibbet, for sharing this with all of us!
I’ve known Eleanor from 1KM and I think that Zibbet is a better place becuase she is in it. Way to go Eleanor, how wonderful of you to be featured!
Kay
http://www.zibbet.com/acraftyarab
Wonderful interview and wonderful art!
I enjoyed this interview. Thank you Zibbet for highlighting this very talented artist. I have also known Eleanor for quite a while. We met at 1KM. She has led such an interesting life and I am very glad that I got to read about it. Keep up the good work Eleanor. Thanks again, Zibbet, for thinking of the fine arts.
The article and comments have brought tears to my eyes. Knowing Eleanor personally, I can attest to her genuine love for the arts, for the environment and simply,…for life. Yes, Zibbet,and may I add…The world is TRULY a better place because she is in it. She is my mother-friend, my mentor…my heroine
Eleanor is an amazing, inspiring woman! I am glad to get to know her thru this site. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
What a wonderful article about a wonderful artist. I admire Eleanor and her work and am just delighted to see Zibbet feature her!
Eleanor, Thank you so much for sharing about yourself. Your art is wonderful! Vicki
Wonderful article and truly gorgeous art!
I think her “re-invent herself several times” stuck me. Often times, we as online business persons, must have such capability to learn, to switch, to better ourselves and not “stuck” in the one thing we do day in and day out. That is a key to survive and that is the will to survive and that is the driving force for her success. Reinvent ourselves !! mcleodhandcraftgifts
I loved this interview. Elinor will be famous one day because she strikes me as a woman who will never stop reaching and stretching to be all she can be.
Elinor, you are an inspiration to all of us. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Faye of Woodcot Designs and the Bauble Bin
Thanks for your comment,Ms Mcleod. I think that women, especially, need to think of themselves as able to do anything they can imagine, and the self esteem to move carry it out. I think my mother saw me that way, but not herself, alas.
Eleanor
I need to edit this: couldn’t find the edit button
Thanks for your comment, Ms Mcleod. I think that women, especially, need to think of themselves as able to do anything they can imagine, and develop the self esteem to carry it out. I think my mother saw me that way, but not herself, alas.
Eleanor
Eleanor, Great interview/profile. Glad we all landed here after 1km. Best of luck - may all your dreams come true!
Judi
I love this interview. I grew up in Westchester County, 20 miles north of NYC and used to take the train into the city and loved going to Greenwich Village. Would have loved to have gone to art school and then live in The Village as an artist.
Nice interview, I really enjoyed it. Happy for you to have been able to do all you have done.
Best wishes,
Judy
Eleanor,
You are an inspiration. Your story or reinvention truly inspires me to be fearless about my new venture into the artisan space. I struggle with calling myself and artisan and have found that I’ve purposely avoided the term because I didn’t feel like an artist. However, I realize more and more that I have a talent and I need to fully immerse myself (re-invent) to show my true inner artist.
Thank you so much for the inspiration and I will no longer hinder my passion.
Julessa
Nice to ‘meet’ another Zibbeter from Brooklyn! Beautiful work.
I absolutely am taken with your work. Your paintings are breathtaking! Thank you for telling us about your fascinating life!!
Thanks everyone. I so appreciate what everyone has said!
Wonderful to hear your story, thanks for sharing! I admire your work and someday would love to own an original!