Kia ora, I'm Elyse Lewis, an artist, designer and proud mum based in Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Art has always been a passion of mine, starting from when I was a child. What began as a love for creating has grown into a lifelong journey of exploring different materials, techniques and ways of expressing myself. I hold a Bachelor of Art and Design and have been taking on commissioned work since I was 17, including mural work for Stratford District Council while I was still at school. Since then, I've continued to work on private commissions across painting and design, while exhibiting my work and building my place within the art community.

My practice is strongly influenced by people, their expressions and the stories that can be held within a face. I'm drawn to historical photographs, particularly of Māori people from generations before me, and the sense of connection they create between the past and present. Through my work, I explore my cultural identity and my interest in history, whakapapa and the lives of those who came before us.

I'm interested in what a portrait can communicate beyond its physical appearance, from subtle expressions and emotion to the deeper connections we have with our identity and where we come from.

As an artist, I'm continually learning, experimenting and pushing my practice forward. My goal is to keep developing my work, connect with people through art, and establish a lasting presence within.the art and design industry..