A Life in Print and Paint
Ella Mätik was an Estonian graphic artist and painter. Born in the Saint Petersburg Governorate, she pursued her artistic education at the Pallas Art School in Tartu. During her studies, she initially focused on painting in the master studio of Ado Vabbe before transitioning her focus toward the specialized field of graphics. Her technical mastery expanded through the guidance of instructors such as Hando Mugasto, Arkadio Laigo, and Roman Vaher. By 1939, she had completed her studies at Pallas, presenting thirty-five works across various techniques.
Her artistic output included oil paintings, book illustrations, bookplates, and ex-libris. In her graphic work, she utilized techniques such as drypoint, woodcut, linocut, and aquatint. Her subject matter often featured landscapes, portraits, and depictions of rural life, including workers and villagers. Her compositions were noted for their use of light and shadow, as well as a sense of sculpturality and simplicity.
Exhibitions and Legacy
Mätik's work was featured in several exhibitions, including:
In addition to her work in fine arts, she served as a drawing teacher at the Haapsalu Gymnasium and the Tartu Commercial Gymnasium. She died in Tartu.
