Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ellenina grew up sketching in charcoal and pencil with her father, an accomplished illustrator, and doing crafts and needlework projects with her mother. She enjoyed experimenting in media and gradually explored the use of everything from finger paints and pastels to water colors and wax. Finally, Ellenina discovered the joy of blending her fascination with pattern and color using fabrics, thread, ink, paper and paint.

Ellenina’s art is characterized by her vibrant use of color and pattern.  Her work is a unique mixture of media that often combines her skills in quilting, basketry, painting and drawing. The presence of natural elements and female forms predominate in her recent work.  Ellenina’s desire is to create imagery that gives voice to her perception of the world. A feeling of vibrancy, introspection and respect for nature are also conveyed in her work.

Ellenina studied art at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and has shown in her work in a number of group and juried exhibits in Southern California, including the Ventura County Museum of Art. She has also created several commissioned works for private collections. She currently offers art classes to adults and children; and resides in Thousand Oaks, California.