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Elon Ebanks
www.sdvag.net/E/ElonEslide.htm

Artist Name: Elon Ebanks

Title of Piece: The Winning Yacht

Media: mild steel and paint

Dimensions: 7’W x 4’2”H

Retail Price: $17,500 + tax

Artist’s Statement: The Winning Yacht was inspired from America’s Cup race off San Diego coast in 1994. I was invited aboard the Coast Guard Cutter “Tybee,” which kept the coast clear for the race at the finish line. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

Artist Bio: For metal sculptor Elon Ebanks, nature is his greatest inspiration. “Everything in nature is in rhythm, flowing—nothing is out of proportion,” Elon says. “You can’t beat Mother Nature on shapes. If you just look closely at nature you’ll never run out of ideas.”

The artist grew up close to the sea on the tiny island of Cayman Brac in the Caribbean Sea. As a boy he would pick baby sea turtles off the beach when storms dislodged them from their sandy nests, bring them home and take care of them until they were strong enough to return to the sea, usually after about a year. Originally drawn to art to immortalize the sea creatures he has loved since his youth—in 16-guage metal sculptures—Elon quickly expanded to create a multiplicity of sculptural forms.

The power and beauty of the natural world characterizes Elon’s artworks, which he executes in many metals, from titanium to bronze. Creating one-of-a-kind art in a variety of styles, he makes abstract sculptures and realistic marine life reliefs, as well as a variety of custom work for clients’ homes, offices, and businesses.

Elon’s art evolves from his involvement with life. When he heard about a landlord in his town who trimmed the trees on his property knowing it was nesting season, the sculptor’s outrage took form in an abstract sculpture called “The Wounded Birds of Solana Beach,” an homage to the baby birds that died.

Clearly showing the influence of sculptors Alexander Calder, Eduardo Chilida, and James Hubbell, Elon’s abstract constructions are the result of a continual process of growth, drawing upon 25 years of experience working with exotic metals.

In addition to his signature sea life sculptures, Elon also creates abstract works on a regular basis. Constantly experimenting, he says no work could ever duplicate another. “Taking risks is what makes it fun,” the artist says. The joy of the artistic process remains his sole motivation.

For further information, you can call Elon at 760/ 945–7441

Photo: Rachel Cobb