 Elena
Bond was born in Russia in the beautiful old city of Samara on March 20,
1965 to a military doctor and a classical pianist.
Elena started drawing at a very early age, using everything from a
pencil to her mother's make-up. She came from a family of artists, where
her great-grandfather and grandfather were both artists.
Because of her father's job in the military, Elena's family had to move
around the Soviet Union frequently. She'd lived in Kazakhstan,
Byelorussia, Ukraine, Latvia, Litva, St.Petersburg, and Moscow.
The largest part of her childhood, she spent in Germany. Because of the
frequent lifestyle changes, she was able to preserve memories of many
different cultures and experiences. At the age of 11, she attended her
first art school in St.Petersburg, Russia.
It is from this early experience, that she came to the conclusion she
could be nothing other than an artist.
The students of this particular school spent most of their time at
museums such as the Russian Museum and Ermitazh, where they learned not
only basic art, but also theory.
 At
the age of 15, Elena's family moved to Middle Asia, which was then part
of the Soviet Union, to the
beautiful, sunny and friendly state of Uzbekistan.
At 15, she attended the State College of Art in Uzbekistan, majoring in
Scenic Design, which she completed with honors. She then went on to
study at the Academy of Art, where she earned a master's degree in Fine
Art. During this time, Elena took part in many international, state and
city exhibitions. She became a member of the Artist's Union of
Uzbekistan. She also worked in theatres creating set designs, including
the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and the Bolshoi Theatre in
Moscow.
Returning to Uzbekistan, she continued her work in the State Museum of
Art in Uzbekistan, as a restorer, teaching at the local Universioty, and
continued to participate in exhibitions.
In her painting, she tried many styles and techniques from simple still
life and portraits to difficult philosophical multi-figured art.
Whatever she painted, her main goal was to be honest and to love what
you are creating.
With the destruction of the Soviet Union, the lives of many people were
fraught with troubles that began with nationality and religion and ended
with wealth, location and money.
Fortunately, in 1999, Elena's family won a Green Card Lottery and
immediately moved to the United States where Elena has been able to
resume her painting both recreationally and professionally.
She currently resides in Miami with her
husband and two daughters where she is a scenic designer for The Arts
Ballet Theatre of Florida. |
