artist statement
Hello! I’m Elise Weir, but you can call me El (she/they).
I’m an artist that works in a unique space between realism and illustration. My main inspirations are the natural world, animals, history & myth, gender, social justice, and in retelling common stories with a view of the oppressed or downtrodden as the foci. I am working on a series of pieces called Femina, -ae, which constitute a retelling of popular myths and historical writings, giving space for the maligned women of these tales.
On the other hand, I enjoy providing whimsical views of our beloved pets, or even simple everyday objects. Because of this, I regularly offer private commissions and design work because I love creating pieces that honor our furry friends & family members. There’s nothing like a piece of joyful art to make your home feel complete!
Outside of my work, I enjoy traveling (especially to Europe; really, Italy; well, Rome); I love to visit museums and see history, to walk in the footsteps of people long gone. It’s also why I love to read old texts - discovering Catullus felt the same grief as me, thousands of years ago, breaks down the barriers of time and space. It’s a rare and precious magic.
My free time also consists of a lot snuggles on the couch with my beloved furry family members - Louis, Moop, and Kronk (a given), watching The Expanse - my favorite TV show and book series; as well as rewatching other favorites like Schitt’s Creek, Derry Girls, Fleabag, The Great British Bake Off, and of course classics like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Mummy, Jurassic Park, Wedding Crashers, and Titanic.
Back to my work, I suppose. It’s important to note that my neurodivergence, a relatively recent discovery, has led me to reconsider how my art shapes my world, and vice versa. I am autistic, with ADHD & GAD, and I try to create work that brings me joy (either to tell or to see) - as well as provide realist looks at my everyday life in the hopes of providing comfort and camaraderie to others. Sometimes life is fantastic, other times it’s hard, but it’s always worth it. Thank you for your interest in my work - feel free to follow along @itseliseweir .
In October 2022, my dog Indy was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a cancer originating in the adrenal gland, and after a magnificent fight, Indy crossed the rainbow bridge on February 5, 2023. Indy’s battle took the peaceful pace of my life and forever altered it, down to the marrow. I am not the person I once was, and in Spring 2023 I decided (after years of consideration) to finally chase my deepest passion - veterinary medicine, specifically oncology. I am currently in veterinary school at the University of Minnesota and plan to specialize after receiving my DVM.
Please note: I am not currently accepting commissions, but may some time in the near or distant future. Please check back regularly or submit a contact request.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Elise Weir (she/they) is an American artist, illustrator, writer, poet, and painter born and raised in the Northeast. Raised in the heart of Pennsylvania, they developed a deep love and respect for animals and nature. Elise’s knowledge and love of animals, the natural world, history, and mythology play a significant role in their work and always acts as a compass for future projects and initiatives.
After gaining a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies from Penn State University, Elise worked at the School District of Philadelphia as an educational researcher for over five years before spending the next seven years as a full-time, professional artist. El’s time in Philadelphia changed their entire life trajectory, redefining their view of society, health, justice, and equity.
El believes in using art for good, and operated a variety of fundraisers, using her art to draw people together from around the world. Her most famous fundraiser, Prints for Paws, has raised over $25,000 for rescue group French Bulldog Village. El also partnered closely with wildlife rehabilitation center and rescue Gilbert & Friends, which focuses on rehabilitation, care, and education of Virginia Opossums, and has completed projects for other rescue organizations like Living with Pickles, a California-based farm rescue.
To know El is to know Indy. The pair were a registered therapy team and provided services to local libraries and elementary schools near Philadelphia. Indy was a bit of a local celebrity, and El created coloring pages and encouraged children who worked with Indy on a weekly basis to keep reading via Indy’s Book Club.
commission or press inquiries
If you’d like to contact Elise for a private or public illustration or design opportunity, or are a member of the press looking to contact El, please email hello@eliseweirart.com or get in touch via our contact page.
For commissions, please submit a project inquiry request.
