Get to know the hands, head, and heart behind Ellen Mote, a jewelry designer and painter whose story spans continents and creative mediums. From a childhood in Nigeria to a flourishing career in Texas, Ellen has woven resilience, vulnerability, and artistry into every chapter of her journey.
What began as a spark for painting grew into a passion for metalsmithing, jewelry design, and eventually a thriving collaboration with Magnolia Market. After a challenging pregnancy, Ellen returned to painting—this time with a renewed perspective—using dried florals and motherhood as central themes in her evolving work.
Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and finding beauty in unexpected turns. Ellen’s path highlights the delicate balance of hands, head, and heart in creative life, reminding us that limitations can become launching points for growth.
In this Curated Craftsmen™ conversation we chat about:
✘ 00:00:03 - Ellen’s Artistic Journey from Nigeria to Texas
✘ 00:06:55 - Discovering Metalsmithing in College & Italy
✘ 00:10:54 - Falling in Love with Jewelry Design
✘ 00:14:17 - Wrestling with Limiting Beliefs & Spiritual Warfare
✘ 00:16:51 - Launching a Jewelry Business & Magnolia Market Collaboration
✘ 00:25:13 - Experimenters vs. Finishers in the Creative Process
✘ 00:28:05 - Finding Beauty in Vulnerability
✘ 00:33:01 - Balancing Art and Motherhood
✘ 00:44:10 - Overcoming Creative Blocks
✘ 00:46:53 - Exploring Acrylics, Florals & Cyanotypes
✘ 00:52:14 - What Defines Good Craftsmanship
✘ 01:04:29 - The Value of Artistic Expression in Daily Life
✘ 01:07:50 - Art, Capitalism & Navigating Creative Pressure
Ready to be inspired by resilience, creative evolution, and meaningful artistry? Tune in to hear how Ellen’s journey continues to unfold through both jewelry and fine art.