About
Elana Maraldo is a charcoal artist and oil painter based in Hinckley, Ohio. She is currently studying painting and drawing at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and intends to graduate with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in August of 2026. She previously attended Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Parma, Ohio, and graduated with her Associate of Arts degree in 2024. During her time at school, Elana’s work has been exhibited in Tri-C’s invitational student and alumni show in 2024 and BGSU’s Undergraduate Exhibition in 2025.
Working primarily in oil painting and charcoal drawing, Elana’s work focuses on domesticity, intimacy, and close familial relationships. She is inspired by small moments of touch and affection and seeks to elevate them in her artistic practice. She is particularly drawn to the memories that linger as a result of familial affection, or the craving of absent memories that may have never been experienced.
Artist Statement
The driving force of my work comes from the exploration of relationships, and the tenderness and history that lies between two different individuals. Inspiration arises for me through physical and emotional closeness with others. Surrendering oneself to another human results in a moment of trust, intimacy, familiarity, and closeness. My interest in these subjects stems from the feelings of love and contentment that I experience when I am involved in these moments. Being away from my source of comfort and familiarity — my family — while I am at school has contributed to my increased observation and interest in these subjects. Drawing these moments allows me to prolong the experience of closeness that I have missed while I have been away.
Using charcoal ensures that my presence is visible in the work. It demands a close physical connection to the artwork, with a productive workday resulting in dust all over my hands and smudged on my forearms, face, and neck. The process of using charcoal mirrors the intimacy that my subjects are experiencing in the drawings. The dust of the charcoal reflects how impermanent a moment truly is. Creating these drawings helps to elevate these experiences to something that demands immortalization and attention. Both the large and small pieces echo the feeling of trust that results from an accumulation of intimate gestures. Without smaller gestures, such as holding hands, braiding hair, or preparing a meal for a loved one, the larger demonstrations of affection are not as meaningful. People do not seek out others to use as rest without a build-up of these smaller interactions. Through these works, I aim to communicate the humble qualities of familial affection, and the imprints that touch and emotional surrender leave on the soul.
