Ellie Carpenter completed University of the Arts London’s level three extended diploma in Art and Design and a Foundation year in Art, Design and Media, and is currently studying BA Visual Communication at Leeds Arts University. She works as a printmaking resource assistant and for the Widening Participation team at Leeds Arts University.
Defining her practice as illustration for social purpose, Ellie Carpenter explores critical social issues, particularly Black British History. She uses ‘Windrush Diaries’ (featured in Ones to Watch 2024) to investigate her heritage as well as her families’ experience of being black immigrants during the 1960s and the Windrush.
Using text from interviews with her Granny and transcripts from her Great Grandfather, Ellie communicates feelings and difficulties the Windrush Generation faced. Her work is heavily process based with ‘Windrush Diaries’ incorporating various printmaking processes such as lino printing, risograph and bookbinding using handmade techniques to reflect the intimate themes of the books.
