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Elena Bond was born in the beautiful old city of Samara, Russia, in 1965, to a military doctor and a classical pianist. Elena started drawing at a very early age, using everything from a pencil to her mother's make-up. She came from a family of artists including her grandfather and great grandfather. Because of her father's military work, Elena's family moved frequently around the Soviet Union: she lived in Kazakhstan, Byelorussia, Ukraine, Latvia, Litva, St. Petersburg and Moscow. But, the largest part of her childhood was spent in Germany. As a result of her many lifestyle changes, Elena was able to preserve memories from many different cultures and experiences. At the age of 11, she attended her first art school in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was from this early experience that she came to the conclusion that she could be nothing other than an artist. The students from this particular school spent most of their time at museums such as the Russian Museum and Ermitazh, where they learned not only basic art, but theory as well. Elena's family moved to Middle Asia, which was then part of the Soviet Union, to the beautiful, sunny, and friendly state of Uzbekistan. When she was 15, she attended State college of art in Uzbekistan majoring in Scenic Design which she completed with honors. She then went on to study at the Academy of Art, where she earned a Masters Degree in Fine Art. During this time Elena took part in many international, state and local exhibitions. She became a member of the Artist's Union of Uzbekistan. She also worked in theatres creating set designs for the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and the Bolshoi theatre in Moscow. Returning to Uzbekistan, she continued her work in the State Museum of Art as a restorer, teaching at the local University, and participating in exhibitions. With the dismantling of the Soviet Union life changed. The divisive issues of nationality and religion resulted in the loss of wealth and stability for so many Soviet citizens. Fortunately, in 1999, Elena's family won a Green Card Lottery and immediately moved to the United States, where Elena was able to resume her painting, both recreationally and professionally. In her painting she has tried many styles and techniques from simple still lifes and portraits to difficult philosophical multi-figured art. Whatever she paints, her main goal is to be honest and love what she creates. Bond currently resides in Miami, Florida, with her husband and two daughters where she paints professionally, and is a scenic designer for the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida. |