Wood artist, Metalsmith, Craftsperson
Elisa D’Agostino, affectionately known as Elsie, is a Virginia based craftsperson and artist who was born in 2001 and was raised in Falls Church City, VA. Elsie graduated from George Mason high school, a small public high school in her hometown. After graduation Elsie took a gap year where she took the time to look into art schools and eventually apply. She has since continued her education at Virginia Commonwealth University school of art. She is in the process of completing her degree, with one year left, in Craft and Material Studies. Elsie is studying with a concentration in woodworking, with a smaller focus in metalsmithing. She has also studied at various different craft schools across the east coast including Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft. Elsie also has professional experience as a Teaching Assistant to the VCU woodworking department's professor, Annie Evelyn. Through this, Elsie has found a passion for teaching and supporting students as they learn. In the future Elsie is striving towards attending grad school in order to further a career as a professor. Over the past few years she has also had work in the Seriously are you ok irl? show at Daniel Rickey’s Studio (Richmond, VA), the Aisle Isle Show (Richmond, VA), and the Hawthorn Gallery (Richmond, VA).
I often reminisce on childhood and the ease of making friends, and how simple it was to be kind to one another. I can't help but feel that continues to get lost on people as they age. The idea of professionalism, peer competition, and “Adulthood” is spoon fed to us from the moment we hit 18. As a furniture maker and artist I work to combat that, to make art that pulls people together. I want to bring out the kid in everyone by encouraging interaction with my work and with each other. There is something about "play" that lightens a person and brings people together in the simplest way. So, why did we stop playing? I want people to see the world through my lens. The one that makes puddles for jumping in, flowers for picking, and friends for hugging. I make multi person furniture that is structured to foster connection just by sitting down in it. An object that can draw people to smile at each other or share a few words is an object that has succeeded. That is what I strive for. I also find myself gravitating towards making interactive art. Toys are often my vessel for bringing out joy in my viewers. Pieces large enough for the masses to enjoy together create a unique experience that allows groups of people to not only experience a moment of wonder individually but also as a community. It comes down to that same principle of "play," being with each other and enjoying ourselves without second thought or judgment. Life through youthfulness is a kinder one, which is why I try unite people by encouraging viewers to get a little unserious with one another.
