In Focus | Ellen Houben

Ellen Houben is a dynamic local artist who specializes in painting and performance art. She is a very creative and passionate person who cares for those around her deeply. Ellen is motivated by the desire to see other people become free to follow their passion and express themselves fully. To find out more about this unique person read on:

If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?

A Governor General award in the arts would be amazing!

If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Vincent Van Gogh, because I have a Dutch background, and he seems so interesting. I would love to be a voyeur while he paints.

Who inspires you?
My family has inspired me to pursue my talents, they have encouraged me every step in my artistic journey.

If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Livia after our daughter.

If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
The day I marry my man infront of our children, the day we celebrate being in love together as a family.

What are you passionate about?
I love to be artistic, I used to draw all the time in school, my books would be filled with doodles. There is something about putting thoughts into images, it makes me feel more alive. I would say it's one of my clearest forms of expression. It is when I feel totally free, there are no rules, no guidelines, no right or wrong. I failed gr. 10 art because of the structure in which we were supposed to create. I love to choose exactly who, or what, when or for what reason I want to be creative and with whatever materials.

What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
It sounds cliche but truly it is the day my daughter was born. Everything changed, I became responsible for a beautiful life. All I want is to be the best Mom for her.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Finding the man of my dreams.

Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Quails Gate Winery is on the top of my list.

What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
All events that include the arts and/or wine.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Ellen Houben Fine Artist

What does your business/organization do?
Create art, paintings on canvas. Ranging from textured images to abstract, and portraits. I also do commissioned work.

Where can people find your business on Facebook?

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellen-Houben-Fine-Artist/204659596291635

How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Ellen Houben

What is your mission?
To retire my life partner.

If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To make oodles of money doing what I love.

Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
I would love to have my own studio and gallery.

What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
The ability to inspire people. To entertain, I am planning future exhibitions where I will perform live paintings.

How does your business/organization impact the community?
I hope I inspire people, in whatever way strikes them.

If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would want them to be experts in the fields that make them feel passionate. I would want them to share what drives them.

If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be
That it would be much closer to Vancouver Island and Calgary where friends and family live. Impossible I know.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
What a beautiful place! And amazing people. I am from Calgary, I have a huge appreciation for where we live now. Everything you could ever want or need is right here.

My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Carley and Tim @ Ashalt Shoes Kelowna

Some general comments I would like to share are
I am so grateful that I am where I am now, in large part because of who has been there for me. My friends and family, and people I don't even know yet are always promoting and supporting me. Thank you!!

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!