Dwellephant wants to let his art speak for itself, hence the alter ego. Sorry folks, but I will not be the one responsible for leaking his real name. Last week at Gallery Night, he opened a new exhibit at Hot Pop (231 E. Broadway). “Dwella vs. Ella; a Pretty Good Sequel to a Pretty Good Art Show” is a collection of 50 original drawings from the delightful duo that illustrates the quotidian activities of July in Milwaukee.
First things first – where did that name come from? “I happened to be working at a library and reading a book about elephants and learned about their dwellings. I thought it might be cool if I could dwell like an elephant,” says dwellephant coyly.
Dwellephant and his nine-year-old counterpart Ella Martin created one drawing each day and chronicled experiences like riding a train, going to a concert, dog-sitting, cookouts with friends and practicing yoga. The diary-style drawings are displayed side by side. It was interesting and amusing learning about each artist and seeing the similarities between a 9-year-old and 30-year-old guy’s life. Most days, Ella was up to something far more exciting than dwellephant. Sadly, the realities of adulthood seem especially mundane when compared to a 9-year-old’s life.
Dwellephant befriended Ella’s mom, Margaret, several years ago and it was in fact Ella who picked out an original piece of artwork from dwellephant – his first piece sold.
So far the exhibit is attracting plenty of positive accolades from the young and old alike. “I normally expect my friends to say nice things, but two older women at the show kept complimenting me and it really made my day. If I were the type of guy who cried, it would have brought a tear to my eye,” admits dwellephant.
Three years ago, dwella and Ella put on a show together and were eager to work together again. Dwellephant exhibits in Milwaukee about four times a year and specializes in drawings and typography, and is a trained graphic designer. He also illustrated the children’s book Missing the Boat, available at local bookstores.
The free show is on display through September 21. For information on a closing-night party, be sure to check dwellephant.com.
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