Being an Artist

There isn’t an experience I don’t participate in that doesn’t have me both cataloging and exploring as an artist as well as with the awareness of the influence of nature. Every project I create begins in research. Facts and images are assembled so that the work is charged with intention. Once the ground work is excavated I allow it to influence all the mark making and imagery that is created. You can feel the purpose when experiencing the work.
I approach each project with a targeted voice as seen in my diverse portfolio.

Hello! My name is Ilena (e•lay•nuh) Finocchi (fee•no•key) I’m am a creative soul.

Being an artist is not just a profession but a way of life for me. I’ve spent over 30+ years professionally as a designer, illustrator, artist, sculptor, maker, educator, public artist and filmmaker. When I was a kid, my family was the biggest influence on my creative spirit, and it continues with me to this day. Feel free to follow me on social media where you can find free tutorials and creative projects I am working on. Cheers!

BIO

As a celebrated multi-disciplinary artist, Ilena's sculptural work has been exhibited nationally, including Art Basil Miami, SoFA Chicago, and the Museum of Art & Design, NY. In addition, Ilena has been an artist-in-residence at the Archie Bray Foundation, MT and the McKnight Residency, MN. Working in public art she worked on a grant funded library project featuring a 20’x30’ mural and flip book workshop series, an interactive mural at California’s Natural Resource Center bringing awareness to the keystone Salmon species. Ilena holds a BFA in fine arts from Youngstown State University and an MFA in ceramic sculpture from Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a self taught animator. She has worked professionally for over 30 years as a designer, illustrator, artist and arts educator.