In 2009, when I permanently moved to Canada, I opened an art studio, and in 2011 – added art supplies as a side business. Many things happened since: RUSART expanded and our team had 20+ teachers and volunteers. Then with the pandemic, it shrank back to just me again. Then I started experimenting with hand-made art supplies, and just a few months later injured my hand. Then my family moved to QC and I started developing an online art supplies shop more than teaching due to my injury. Too many changes during such a short period of time.
And now, in 2023, I decided to move back to ArtMaterials.CA and abandon “RUSART” as a brand. What’s going to happen (well, what I’m planning to do):
- All RUSART-branded products that were hand-made by me will slowly move to the ENL brand (an acronym for my current name – Elena Nahum Leroy).
- All RUSART-branded products that were NOT made by me, such as paper, acrylic mediums etc. will go on clearance sale and will disappear from the shop once sold out
- I’ll keep searching for quality and affordable products worldwide to add to the shop, mostly brushes
- I’m planning to develop and make ENL watercolours in 2ml pans, pastels, gouache, oil paints in tubes, and watercolours in tubes. The goal is to create art supplies without “cheating” by adding extensive fillers, and additives and get artists a choice for informed decisions, when they know what’s inside.
I understand that competition is very high here and it takes quite a long time to finalize formulas and products, but that’s what’s calling me and inspires for new discoveries.
Thank you for your support in my journey!
With care and respect,
Elena NL
