Elona Van Gent's sculptures have roots in surrealism, combining opposing elements in order to create intriguing compositions. Often working with various metals, her work is known for its edgy forms depicting elusive, mechanical-like inventions and creatures. She relates her subjects to the sixteenth century "wonder cabinets", which attempted to create an encyclopedia of artifacts from all over the world. She received her Bachelor of Art in English in 1984 from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and received her Master of Fine Art in Sculpture in 1989 from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.