Meet Elia Ransom, Artist and Aspiring Tattooist. A recent graduate from Northridge High, Elia, is heading to Algoma University of Canada on a wrestling scholarship. She will major in art and minor in accounting, combining her creative passion with a practical focus.
Elia discovered art at age six after joining her older sister's class. Early comparisons to more advanced students led her to stop for a time, but in junior high, she returned to art — this time for her enjoyment. Starting with a pencil, she explored new techniques and eventually embraced mixed media. Now, oil paint is her favorite medium, and most of her work blends at least two styles.
Her featured piece, Mirror Image, holds special meaning. It's her first self-portrait, exploring the idea of self-perception versus how others perceive us, depicted through a colorful figure gazing at a grayscale reflection.
Elia enjoys painting portraits and often uses reference photos she takes of friends and family. For Elia, art began as a hobby but has grown into a path of expression, healing, and connection.
"I want my art to make people feel something," Elia says, "and maybe even inspire them to try creating something of their own."