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Elena Camargo Kern
The only child of Ramon and Julia Camargo, Elena was born into a family of diverse artistic talent on May 2,1942 in San Fernando, CA. Her maternal great-grandmother, Julia Steelman Nichols, was a scientist, published poet and artist. Julia and her husband, Dr. W. T. Nichols, of Glendale, CA. were patrons of the arts. Among their many artist friends was renowned Early California Plein Air painter, Granville Redmond [1871-1935].
Elena's mother, Julia Steelman was a pioneer Hollywood stunt-woman. Elena's uncle, Henry Steelman, doubled for silent screen star, Mary Pickford. Her aunt, Dolores Steelman, was a nationally known rodeo performer. Hosea Steelman, silent film actor and Elena's grandfather, was assistant to famed Hollywood movie director, C. B. DeMille. It was through their friendship with the legendary silent screen star, Charlie Chaplin, that the Steelman family became lifelong friends with deaf artist, Granville Redmond, who coached Chaplin in sign-language and pantomime.
One of Elena's earliest childhood memories is that of naptime and drifting off to sleeep while gazing at a particular Redmond oil painting of the sea.
Elena is a self-taught landscape painter whose natural talent is deeply rooted in family genes. She is cousin to the late actor, Ralph Camargo, his daughters' Felice Camargo[actress] Victoria Wyndham [ actress and accomplished sculptor] and Christian Camargo [actor].
Elena first tried her hand at oils in 1963. However, for various reasons she retired her brushes for nearly forty years.
Elena began painting again in 2002 and opened Four Corners gallery in Idyllwild, CA. in December of 2003... and found her heart.
Several years after establishing Four Corners Gallery Elena was surprised and delighted to learn that she had a second cousin, Elizabeth Parsi, also a member of the Steelman family. Elizabeth is an amazingly talented artist...Elena is proud to have Elizabeth as a member of Four Corners Gallery.
Artist Statement:
"My paintings are, for the most part, born in my imagination... places of sun, soft breezes, laughter and memories. My parents shared a love of the great outdoors and the beauty of nature. Sunday drives with stream and lakeside picnics were a large part of my childhood. The places we visited have left me with a wellspring of images that are indelibly etched in my memories of weekend outings with my beloved parents and grandparents. There is a little bit of them in every painting that leaves my easel..."
Elena's motto is: "It's never too late to become what you might have been!"
MEMBERSHIPS:
ART ALLIANCE of IDYLLWILD
CALIFORNIA ART CLUB est: 1909
DIAMOND VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL
NATIONAL MUSEUM of WOMEN in the ARTS
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