Contemporary Master

Ella carty

Vanguard Tier · Multi-disciplinary

A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art, in Boston, MA, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting. After my first solo exhibition in Concord, MA, I decided to relocate to New Mexico. Here, I began my creative journey of historically preserving a quickly disappearing piece of American History – the road sign! My focus began on the Albuquerque, New Mexico, portion of Route 66 also known as “The Mother Road", because the signs were starting to quickly disappear. The few fortunate ones adopted, repaired and hung in a museum, the less fortunate lying on their side in some alley stripped of their neon elements and just set out for the elements to eventually bring them down to an unrecognizable pile of rust. For decades these colorful, brightly lit, sometimes flashing works of art have invited us off the highways to diners, gas stations, motels and businesses. Travelers on the open roads of America were lured to new places and new experiences that added more adventure to their travel experience or just a place to rest after a long day’s journey. Nostalgia has taken the place of what were once negative comments of these aged remains on our historical Route 66. A sentimental longing for the past, for the simpler times and for a period or place with happy personal experiences. Therefore, I record a minute, but important part of the history of America as it slowly disappears. Originating from Boston I still pursue my painting interests of cityscapes, escalators, subways, trains, diners and movie marquees. My work is held in private collections in the United States, London, Germany, Spain and Thailand.