Linda Elder

Sculptor

Portrait © Donna Granata 2000

Linda Elder was first introduced to her favorite art form when an art teacher in high school allowed her to do sculpture in the back of the class while the rest of the class worked on drawing projects. But she didn’t return to explore art again until after her three sons started grammar school, and she entered college a second time – the first time she had studied oceanography.

After extensive study and work in painting and drawing, she found two-dimensionality too limiting, and by chance rediscovered the area of sculpture. The three-dimensional and multi media options available to sculptors were far more challenging and in complete harmony with her own sensibilities.

Throughout her career as professional sculptor and teacher, Elder found the aspect of problem solving to be the most rewarding in her work. In her art she thoroughly investigated the additive process of clay modeling and pargeting – the process of coating with plaster. Linda found that pargeting with such new media as cement, and the use of uncial (a calligraphic type of rounded-off Roman capital letter forms) or Japanese movable screens called byobu, all presented her with endless artistic possibilities. She stated that “Woodcarving carries the majesty that is magnetic and teaches me patience. In regards to my teaching, I have found in sharing with my students the many sculptural processes and techniques that, once again, the act of problem solving continues to be the most rewarding.”

Linda Elder was married to FOTM extensively documented artist David Elder.

Linda Elder’s documentation took place in 1999. The FOTM Archive contains extensive information about this artist.