I was born 1955 and grew up in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. Childhood memories are of wondering in the countryside, sometimes with a dog and childhood friends, playing in nature, and riding ponies. I would use the pigments from pebbles by the creek to draw pictures on larger rocks and sticks and leaves to build little villages around the roots of the chestnut trees. Goddard College, Vermont, is where I received a BA, studying art; abstract expression painting, sculpting, anthropology, Chinese self healing techniques and yoga.

Later, I lived in London, England for 15 years and had two children. There were many museum

and gallery trips with my little children in tow. I completed a post-graduate ceramics degree at Goldsmith’s College, University of London, followed by opening a clay studio, where I made and sold art, next to Herne Hill British rail station. My studies continued at Morley College doing jewelry design and fabrication. In 1990, I came home to the United States, establishing a new clay studio in Pennsylvania.

As an active parent in my children’s school years, I began teaching more regularly both at their schools and as artist in residence at various schools, colleges, establishing ceramic classes at art centers and private lessons. I thrived on the connections with others, sharing my skills and love of creativity.

When my children left home, I became an artist in residence, living at Clay On Main, Oley, Pa. I entered many juried art exhibitions all through those years, sometimes getting rejected, sometimes winning awards. Philadelphia years followed, where I continued to make art and work for several non-profits, while learning and practicing yoga and becoming a yoga teacher. Another job was teaching equestrian skills at Work to Ride, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Many years of multi-tasking, channeling the experiences into things I make with paint, small metal work, and clay.

Presently, I live in California, deeply engaged with personal creativity in a beautiful, sometimes

shocking environment, being enriched by friendships and forever learning, teaching and exhibiting.

Instagram - Elise Arnold the_goldenwest_arts

elise@elisearnold.com