Emily K. Gilbertson
In
the three bodies of work presented, there is an invisible thread tying
them together.
While the portrait paintings depict women whom I respect, the
still-life
compositions echo those sensual curves of a female figure. The linoleum
block
prints define my love for the outdoors and represent familiar scenes
discovered
in the past. These pieces unfold stories and speak to one another when
displayed in a common space.
Throughout
my
years, I have often desired finding old household objects and
discovering new
ways of using them. It is refreshing to happen upon a naturally aged
item and
bring it back to life by recycling it, which enhances its overall form
and
character. Specifically, the wooden ironing board serves as a domestic
object
sheltering the human form.
In
my portrait work, I suggest a new style of domesticity by displaying
female
figures reflecting the past. I would like to be mindful of the nature
of the
home and all its senses by attaching narrative elements and heirlooms
from my
history expressing appreciation for what used to be.n
Portrait
painting is only one of my many interests in creative expression. I
greatly
enjoy the methods of printmaking and painting still-life scenes filled
with
rich, inviting colors. Since nature is a
part of who I am and something I must encounter on a daily basis, my
prints
consist of outdoor portrayals. The organic line repeats with ease and
spontaneity. This same lie
type is also seen in the portrait work. On the
other hand, my canvas paintings suggest thoughts about food and garden
abundance. Even though there are various
qualities carried out amongst these three subjects, they are all
interconnected
in some way that makes sense to the viewer.
