Ellen Giggenbach was born in Bavaria, Germany. She now lives in the seaside village of Eastbourne in New Zealand. After studying Graphic Art in Vienna for 2 years, she went on to receive a New Zealand Diploma with Distinction in Design. After several years as a successful freelance illustrator, Ellen has realised her dream of opening her own retail outlet.  

For 4 years, her store“ ELLEN G” in Petone has been selling her prints, homewares and paper products all featuring her designs. Her art works are inspired by traditional European folk art, her unique natural environment and love of the distinctive colours and forms of mid century illustration and design. Each piece starts its life as an idea only. Piece by piece it grows like a puzzle, layers are added  till even one more element would upset a carefully crafted balance of shape and colour. Ellen’s art works are unashamedly decorative and joyful. Vibrant yet sophisticated, intuitive yet precise.