ABOUT PAUL
Paul Elia is an artist whose work transcends mere visual representation, bringing to life the essence of neighborhoods and places through his distinctive photo-based illustrations. Known for his evocative depictions of Southern Ontario’s post-industrial cityscapes, including Hamilton, Toronto, Brantford, and Windsor, Elia recreates entire city blocks, highlighting the surreal contrasts between their industrial pasts and modern developments. Elia’s art conveys not just what these places look like, but what it feels like to be there, capturing the lingering echoes of their manufacturing history alongside the vibrant life of today. His work offers a unique perspective on urban evolution, enriching our understanding of place and identity.
Featured Artwork
It’s always hard to pin down my process because it blends so many creative practices. Typically, a piece starts with dozens of photographs that I digitally stitch together into a photo collage, and then I illustrate over the whole thing to form a seamless image. For simplicity, I call it a digital illustration, but at its core, my work captures Hamilton’s raw, unvarnished streetscapes—much like the sturdy, resilient spirit of the neighborhood I now call home.
Featured Series — Hamilton
I love observing how our environment reflects so much about who we are and what we value. I also love the contradictions that a city like Hamilton often presents, such as when a dilapidated block of houses or towering smokestacks are both ugly and beautiful. The desire to capture this intersection has informed my work in and around the city where I live.
Many thanks to the Hamilton Spectator for this thoughtful [...]
Honoured to have The Hamilton Spectator share the story [...]
We are thrilled to have our home renovation featured [...]
