About

Artist Statement

Since the 1960’s my adventures using photography have run the gamut from the ridiculous to the absurd with a smattering of sublime. Before then, I was simply mind-boggled by the fact that my Kodak took such awesome out-of-focus photos. 

Brownsville, Bed-Sty, Manhattan and South Bronx gang kids helped solidify my goal of telling one-photo stories and confirmed how powerful non-verbal communication is to both the artist and the viewer; people with brain injuries and other disconnected synapses (like my dyslexic brain) taught me how absolutely powerful visual communication can be in helping people manage and orient their lives; kids in Haiti, who had never seen themselves in a reflective surface, taught me the power and joy of photography in forming or changing self-image; photographing the elderly, who universally saw themselves as flawed, taught me- again – how to help people redefine themselves as beautiful and worthwhile – with stories to share.  

I continue finding joy, power, excitement and purpose – albeit mindless at times – in that extension of myself, my camera. Seeking the emotionally profound/technically spot-on image, however, is a lifelong journey that I will continue seeking to attain.

I dither between being a better teacher than technical photographer, and whether I want to enjoy the exploration only by myself or with others. Honestly, it depends on the day – and sometimes the moment.  I love teaching others and I love exploring by myself. I do know that communicating visually with others is critical to me. So, enjoy, give feedback, ask questions, but most importantly bask in knowing that you, the viewer, make the artistic process complete just as those people, forms, and objects that appear in my photographs were gifts given at the beginning of the process. 

Photography Resume

Ellie Ludvigsen is both self- and formally-taught in the field of photography. She has incorporated visual and performing arts into her work throughout her life. Upon completing her undergraduate work in psychology, she worked in NYC government for over 30 years in the criminal justice field. Shortly after arriving in NYC, she created a citywide Communication Arts Program for youth in street gangs. It became a national prototype for evoking effective expression and change with those labeled “hard to reach.”  Ellie incorporated the private sector into this program so the youths’ work could be showcased, recognized, and sold. 

She completed her Masters Degree in Public Administration and Forensic Psychology. She studied and experimented in both learning and personality styles as a way of more effectively reaching and teaching people. As a direct service person, she used the arts to work effectively with offenders, victims, and children. As an administrator of special programs, consultant, trainer, adjunct professor, and executive coach, she incorporated the arts because it worked for everyone.

In 1995, Ellie returned to Colorado due to family responsibilities. She morphed her love of photography into a business, specializing in nature, fine art, and street photography as well as teaching photography and art presentation.

Ellie is a Signature Member of the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild, served as chairperson of the 5-year planning committee and on the board for over five years. She retired as President of that organization in January 2015. During her tenure as president, she was the driving force in opening GCRAG’s art center in Old Town Castle Rock, CO. She continues to actively support the arts and views visual and performing arts as integral to creating, building and promoting the heart of any community.  Her work has been juried into a number of venues, in- and out-of-state, winning recognition and many awards. She often juries and judges art shows. Ellie teaches on-going group and individual classes in Colorado and offers out-of-state and out-of-country classes periodically.