
Every one of Elissa Farrow-Savos’s figures expresses a story. Sometimes they’re enigmatic and you feel that you’re intruding into a pensive moment. Other times the message is very clear and you feel yourself swaying in kinship or sympathy. But you always feel a connection to the figure.
Elissa makes her figures with polymer clay and other materials, building on a base and then painting with many layers of oil paint to make faces that are reminiscent of the poignant expressions of impressionist figures.
I love that...
Elissa’s figures are rich with story and emotion. Their faces express a palpable feeling of longing and of both hope and resignation. Even if I don’t always understand every piece, I’m left with the feeling that each one tells a secret story to just the right person.

Photos by Gregory R. Staley.