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Elena Bondar

Visual narrative artist, author and educator.
Textile designer
Founder of ”ELLUNHUOPA”
Felt maker from Finland

I was born in the Ural Mountains near Ekaterinburg, Russia. I spent a happy childhood with my family and friends. My first teachers were my mother and grandmother, who inspire for needlework and taught me the basic techniques of sewing and embroidery.

Then I studied at the art school in the city of Novouralsk. There I learned the art of drawing and modeling.

But before art became my main occupation, I was a professional athlete.

Awards:

Winner of the Russian ski-orienteering competitions
Winner of the Rogaining European Championship 2009 in Finland, Ylläs
Competitor of the World Ski-Orienteering Championships. Ski-WOC 2009 in Rusutsu, Japan
Participant of the Adventure Racing World Series in South Africa, Portugal, Sweden and Turkey

After 10 years of sports career I moved to Finland. Here I met the wool and learned wool felting technique. I was immediately taken to the opportunity that wool provides for mee. With this material, I could combine in my artwork all the knowledge of drawing and modeling, which had previously. I’ve been doing custom wool paintings since 2010.

Artistic education

School of art, Novouralsk Russia / 1993-1997
The Vocational Education Centre JEDU, Piippola (Siikalatva) Bachelor of Arts and Crafts, Artesan / 2015 – 2017.

If you are looking for something artistic and unique

After 10 years of successful sports career I met wool and learned the wool felting technique. I was immediately taken to the opportunity that wool provides for me. With this material, I could combine in my artwork all the knowledge of drawing and modeling, which I already had beforehand. I’ve been doing custom wool paintings since 2010.

I founded ELLUNHUOPA -company in 2011. Today I make original wool paintings and hold professional felting courses.

In my own work, I want to emphasize nature, from which I get a huge amount of energy as well as inspiration. I like of old woods a lot, as well as small lakes. The smell of moss pleases me, not to mention the scents of wild berries. In my work, I like to use some unusual and unique decorations. Forest fairy style is also a big part of my style and inspiration.

In my artist career, I am pleased to have already achieved this much. I have developed my own style and make a living from what I love to do. It took me over ten years or very hard work to get to this point and now I can help others to uncover their true artist self and guide them how to tap into their inner strength.

These days, I work in my home studio located in Kuopio, Finland. I also keep workshop and online classes for my students both locally and worldwide.
Lately, I have been focusing on wool paintings of a visual narrative art, since this inspired me in the first place.
My heart is as closely connected to nature and ecological material as possible.

~ ”I do my work to make your life more beautiful. I hope to inspire you by this beauty of Earth.” – Elena Bondar

Publications

2020, vlog ”Korpimakasiini”, Jasko
2020, magazine ”Maaseudun Tulevaisuus”, Sari Penttinen
2020, magazine ”Maaseudun Tulevaisuus”, Petsi Jauhiainen
2021, TV Broadcast ”Egenlandin matkakohteet”, Hannamari Hoikkala & Nicke Aldén
2022, magazine ”Lammas & Vuohi”, Finnish Sheep Breeders Association

Solo exhibitions

2019, Between the roots, Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, Kuopio, Finland

Group exhibitions

2017, ”Wool in nature”, Galleri Frøya, Kalvåg, Norway
June 2022, virtual group exhibition ”DISCONNECT”, The Holy Art, London, United Kingdom
July 2022 Virtual Exhibition ‘UNITY’, The Holy Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom
2-8 Sept 2022, exhibition ”ELSEWHERE”, The Holy Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom