Check out Christian Ely’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Ely.

Christian, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I grew up, like everyone else, with an unknown passion. I was fascinated by cinema, the way it could you feel, how it could completely change your perspective, how you could learn about a whole new part of life. I remember crying at movies when I was 8, and being so confused as to why I was so moved. I had no idea the thing that moved me, taught me, changed me, was STORY. In high school, I entered into a video contest for the Phoenix Police Department. The goal was to make the most impactful Public Service Announcement on the issue of teen drinking. Our video got 3rd place and we won some money. My dad, a chiropractor running his own business, saw the opportunity before I did. “You could make a living off of this”. Why would anyone give me money to make videos on camera? I thought he was crazy. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized the value of filmmaking. It finally clicked in my head. Everything is a story, people, places, experiences. Take away everything you have in this world, and all that is left is your story. Fast forward to now, I am shooting everything I can. Stories are so interesting, and I’m on a mission to see what stories I’m most passionate about! I shoot mostly Commercial and Wedding films. I’ve had the opportunity to work on music videos, short films, and all sorts of photography work. I love telling stories.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I believe that art has a bigger purpose than the artist himself. When people see my work, I want them to see something bigger, more important, and more inspiring than myself. With wedding films, I’m telling the story of love. With commercials, I’m telling the story of diligence. With my own personal projects, I try to leave the purpose of the video up to the viewer. The purpose can be as little or as big as you want it to.

Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I think that art is constant through time in terms of value. The only thing that makes this industry harder is our own viewpoint on it. If only I just used Instagram for posting and advertising my content, I’d be a lot further down the road. This current age of time has created outlets for us to look at ourselves obsessively. The truth is, we all have really ugly sides to us. The more we self-reflect, the more we become discouraged. The less I look at myself and look towards the goal I’m chasing, the more successful I am. That’s a fact.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work is available on my website, christianely.com. My Instagram is @christianelycreative. The best way to support is to tell people about me! If you know anyone getting married, or in need of their story to be told, tell them about me!

Contact Info:

• Website: christianely.com
• Email: elycreative1@gmail.com
• Instagram: christianelycreative

Image Credit:
Christian Ely

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