Ellen Dinerman
Ellen is a New Jersey native who ventured out west to work on Judy Chicago’s feminist epic piece, “The Dinner Party”. As soon as her work on the project was completed, she began developing her own
aesthetic in ceramics. To further hone her skills she studied with Paul Soldner and others, receiving an MFA from Claremont Graduate School in ceramics and sculpture.
For many years Ellen taught art and more at a small private school in Pasadena.
She viewed teaching as a shared creative process. During this time she began viewing jewelry as a form of sculpture, using Precious Metal Clay and lost wax casting.
Inspiration came from botanical forms as well as other objects from various cultures.
Ellen became interested in mosaics and guided children to build several architectural murals. Her passion led her to incorporate mosaics into her jewelry design and the pendants were born. Studying in Italy gave her both a deeper historical understanding and a view of contemporary mosaics.
These are one of a kind small Zen gardens, or tiny worlds of wearable art. Using varied materials including smalti (Italian glass), stone, and organic materials offer unlimited options for design.
She now works in her studio in Altadena, as well as teaching mosaic-making for adults for Piece By Piece (www.piecebypiece.org), and privately.
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