I am Elissa Belson, a 22 year old Artist from the UK creating raw, expressive work with depth, texture, soulful character and timeless presence. I work primarily with oil paint and mixed media. I aim to create a contrast between realism and contemporary art, blending classic influence with a more modern and expressive edge. I am drawn to creating pieces with each artwork holding its own presence, energy and visual story. Through textures, layers and contrast I aim to invite people to pause and connect with that they see in their own way.

I have had a passion and love for art for as long as I can remember, and I have continued to pursue that throughout school and my A-Levels, and into my own creative journey today. Creativity has always felt natural to me, having always felt that I view things from a different perspective, with a more free and imaginative mind in a world that can often feel very systematic. That contrast has shaped me not only as an artist, but also the way I understand expression itself. To me, art cannot be systematic, it should not be restricted by rules, fixed meanings or the expectation that everyone must see the same thing.

A large part of my work is inspired by boxing, a sport that has changed my perspective as well as the perspective of many others. Stepping into the ring gives you a different outlook, demanding discipline, resilience, and focus in a way few things do. Boxing is a display of art in itself. Many people see a finalised product, but do not see the art of the gruelling hard work, discipline and hour and consistent dedication, there is far more that goes on behind the scenes which is what creates and shapes this sport as an art. I chose to centre this within my work as a way of bringing those two forms of art together, connecting the physical art of boxing with visual artistic expression.