May, 2024 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Howard Elj
This month’s featured CAVARTist is a U.S. Navy Veteran whose journey from military service to healthcare and art reflects resilience and curiosity.
After personal loss, creativity became a space for reflection and renewal. His photographic piece, Floral Study, explores the balance of light and darkness, reminding us that art and possibility can emerge even from the darkest moments.
Name:
Howard Elj
Branch of service:
U.S. Navy
Short bio:
Hello! I was a navy corpsman from 1982-1988.
I never was assigned to a ship...🙄 Instead, I was an “8404” corpsman assigned to the 3rd marine division at Kaneohe MCAS, Hawaii. (What I would do to go to Hawaii!)
I then attended the University of Hawaii getting a BA in journalism. I’m now an RN living in Georgia with my new wife.
Social Media Handles:
Eljclan001
Title of piece:
Floral study
Medium of piece:
Color photography
Meaning behind piece:
A study of color and inter-playing with light and darkness. Art CAN be made even in the blackness...
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
I originally earned a minor in art/photography as well as a BA from UH. Yet, I really didn’t get into photography, or art in general until my mother died from cancer in 2020.
My family, when sorting through her estate, gave me her old oil painting set. The memories of being a child and seeing her paint came to me again. That has been my inspiration.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
Art has allowed me to relax.
Art has given me a sense of re-direction, especially away from the stresses of my job. (I’m a “detox” RN) Art has also given me playful competition. I present my art to the public with the hopes that they’ll like it.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
I believe that the pursuit of art is the pursuit of experimentation. Experimenting with different forms of art, when you’re unfamiliar with the media you’re trying out, is challenging.
I love to experiment! Even with the many failures that comes with experimenting, the failures means you’re willing to learn. And, that is important.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
I read. I read about the masters of art that have gone before; Picasso, Matisse. Adams, O’Keefe. I read about art techniques.
Then I go about my own attempts at art. trying my best to apply what I learned. I even watch Youtube.
Once I do that, then I place my butt in my little art corner, and get to work. 😂
What does CAVARTS mean to you? :
Learning and seeing the talents my fellow vets have, and participating in that process. It means motivation and encouragement.
It means being there when another Veteran needs someone that understands...
Our monthly theme for May is May Flowers, but Howard submitted this form in January, when we were celebrating New Year, New Possibilities. How did you plan to celebrate New Year, New Possibilities?:
I’ll be celebrating by staying home and creating art. I’ll be celebrating by reflecting on what I have, and where to go from here.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Just do it! Create! Be a creator!
The only “failures” are not creating, not doing! LETS SEE WHAT YOU GOT!
