Artist Transforms Personal Stories into Architectural Art in Christchurch

Ellie Compton, a former architect, has embraced her passion for art by founding Maker of Chaos Studios in Christchurch, New Zealand. After dedicating five years to the architectural field, Compton shifted gears three years ago, opting to create intricate black and white illustrations that merge personal narratives with architectural cross-sections. Her work has gained traction not just locally, but also in Australia, the UK, and Mexico.

Compton’s artistic journey began in her childhood. “I was always an artistic kid and from the age of nine was drawing housing plans,” she said, acknowledging her parents’ influence as creative musicians who released a Christian rock album in the 2000s. She pursued a master’s degree in architecture in Wellington, where she worked for two firms before deciding to follow her artistic instincts.

Relocating to Christchurch was a mutual decision for Compton and her husband, Sammi Harris, a recreation sport team leader. The couple, high school sweethearts, found it challenging to purchase a home in Wellington. The move back to Christchurch allowed them to settle near family and ultimately buy their house in Redwood in 2020.

The couple’s home is a modest 85m2 1960s property that they have transformed to fit their lifestyle. Compton expressed a desire for an open-plan space, ideal for hosting board game nights with friends. “We definitely wanted somewhere warm, and this place is double glazed with a beautiful gas fire,” she noted.

Emphasizing her love for interior design, Compton described how they made the house their own. Most of the necessary renovations, such as re-wiring and re-plumbing, had already been completed. However, one of the first changes they made was to replace the deep purple kitchen cabinets. “In our first week in the house, I painted them black and added new handles, which completely changed the look of the kitchen,” she said.

The couple undertook further renovations, including a bathroom makeover that featured a new 1.2-meter shower with rain heads and a simple wooden vanity. Though not professional builders, they followed instructional videos to construct a wrap-around deck to enjoy the sunshine. Compton humorously recalled that what she thought would take two weeks turned into a two-month project. “It was a good bonding exercise for newly-weds,” she added.

Their love for simplicity also extended to their garden. Compton decided on low-maintenance options, removing difficult plants and planting buxus hedges, feijoa trees, and a vegetable garden. Upon moving from Wellington, they brought minimal furniture, relying on a buffet table received as a wedding gift, and opted for an industrial aesthetic complemented by warm tones and vibrant colors.

Though they love their current home, Compton acknowledged a future need for more space. “I think every architect probably wants to design their own home. I certainly do,” she remarked. Her vision includes a New York loft-style design combined with a warm barn-like ambiance. While they prefer city living, she dreams of a quiet section not far from shops for their future dream house.

Compton’s journey from architecture to art illustrates a profound connection between personal passion and professional endeavors. Her story resonates with many who seek to blend their creative aspirations with their everyday lives, making her work a testament to the potential of pursuing what truly inspires.