ely urbanski
printmaker

I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil. My father used to be a photographer and my mother a dressmaker, influences you can see in my works. I studied Art Education at the University of São Paulo with my main focus on printmaking. I developed a series of etchings, drypoints and mezzotints using the subway system of São Paulo as the main subject. I studied with well known professor Evandro Carlos Jardim.

In 1993 I made my first trip to Tokyo, Japan, living there for two years and then returning to São Paulo to start a series of works on fabrics. Sewing on to the fabrics, using hand written letters from friends, subway tickets and buttons, attempting to add trip memories and experiences to the prints.

In 1998 I went again to Japan, this time for a short stay in a  commune in Tsu (country side). Although I did not work on my art, I did have a remarkable life experience there that would mark the way I see the world.

I participated in some group exhibitions after returning to Brazil in 1998 but mainly supported myself by teaching. In 2002 I attended a Post-graduated program on Translation at the University of São Paulo.

In 2005 I returned to Japan, this time to Suzuka City in Mie Prefecture. Having no art studio available, I started a series of drawings with friends and acquaintances volunteering as models. Using the human form as an outline on paper, this was an expression of very basic child like manifestation. These works lead to a series of prints where the matrix was articles of clothing. I developed a printing technique because of the lack of proper equipment, where I used my own weight as the pressing instrument. During this time in Japan I participated in several group exhibitions and had a solo exhibition in Suzuka. After the earthquake of 2011 in Japan I decided to return to Brazil.

Back in Brazil and trying to rebuild my life I met my future husband online. In December of 2013 I arrived in North Carolina and became Ely Urbanski in January 2014. I have been developing my art in Siler City N.C. I am very happy to have the opportunity to show my works and once again the art path is open to me.