By Diana Colson
Ellen R. Solomons is a remarkable Sarasota artist. For the past two decades, she has explored a wide range of media, including sculpture, design, off-loom bead weaving, doll making, and jewelry fabrication. From those explorations, a distinctive style has emerged, one that combines wit and humor with lyrical designs and brilliant colors.
In 2010, she won “Best of Show” for her intricately constructed and beaded art dolls at the prestigious “Bead and Button” international 
In Ellen Solomons own words: “I have dabbled in almost every art medium and have sat in more classrooms than I care to remember. After my first beading class I couldn’t stop beading. The sparkling array of magnificent colorful beads was better than a candy store. I have never seen a bead I didn’t covet, and I admit to having an extensive collection.”
Ellen utilizes unusual materials in her distinctive art dolls: polymer clay, carved bone, decoupage, assorted found objects, peyote stitched seed beads, Swarovski crystals, etc. Dozens of marvelous one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls are displayed on Ellen’s web site: www.designsbyERachel.com. (Don’t let the site name confuse you: Rachel is Ellen’s maiden name and she’s married to Walter Solomons. They live on a lovely boat docked in Sarasota. When not traveling around in their motor home, they can often be seen zooming around town on Walter’s motorcycle.)
This amazing lady not only creates stunning art dolls, she also fabricates beautiful jewelry. For these glamorous pieces, she works in a variety of materials including fine metals, beads, enamels and polymer clay. Endlessly curious, the vivacious Ellen loves to challenge herself first by exploring new techniques and methods, then by finding fresh ways to incorporate these skills into various pieces. If you wish to learn some of her jewelry techniques, she holds weekly workshops at the Jewelry Design Center at 4225 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Check out their web site: www.jewelrydesigncenter.biz. 941.925.3335
Ellen has also been the creator of several striking needlepoint designs. For those readers interested in needlepoint, her canvases are
carried by the Bristly Thistle located on Amelia Island in Florida near Jacksonville. For custom canvases, e-mail Ellen at ellenrsolomons@yahoo.com.
Ellen R. Solomons studied at the University of Georgia, the University of Connecticut, and Massachusetts College of Art. She began her career as an apprentice to the famous illustrator, David Stone Martin, and found working with him to be a life-shaping experience. In Ellen’s own words: “He really gave the foundation of basic illustration, line and form.” As a young art student, she took this solid beginning and flew away with it like a bird, creating work of her own that is both delightful and unique.
Author: Siesta Sand