Emily Wilker
Water Taught by Thirst

ABSTRACT

I am interested in the practice of painting as a way to deepen one’s relationship with nature and its many ecosystems. To me, art not only illustrates these experiences of entanglement, but also is a realm for a sensorial engagement that surpasses representation. During my time at RISD, I have learned that painting can act as a generative tool, a therapeutic ritual, a release of energy, and a place to bridge connections to other facets of my life. It is through the conception, envelopment, and evolution of materials and their relationship to an anthropocentric society that I continue to investigate instances of self-reflection, the embedment of matter, and the inherent subjectivity that comes along with being a visual storyteller. I am curious about the parallel relationships of artistic practice to the cultivation of soil and domesticity within the modern world, and how working to create a form of sustainability for myself has become an act of resistance. Through plein air, self-reflection, and embodied entanglement, this body of work consists of paintings and drawings that weave together my studio practice, through the use of observational and autobiographical approaches, with an emphasis on the layering of material processes and rigorous attention to detail to create kaleidoscopic landscapes.

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A painting of a first person perspective of a woman's bare legs sitting in the grass looking at a book that illustrates a grass drawing.

A Day in the Park

Acrylic on Panel 

18" by 24"

2021 


 

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A painting of water reflecting a woman/Dorothy

If Dorothy Was From Missouri

Acrylic on Canvas

20" by 24"

2020

 


 

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Nude figure floating in fresh green waters

The Tubs

Acrylic on Canvas

24" by 30"

2020

 


 

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Reflection of figure in water

Looking For Tadpoles

Acrylic, millet, coffee grounds, rice, egg, plaster, and salt

12" by 16"

2021


 

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Painting of a compost pile covered in frost

Seth’s Compost

Acrylic on paper

9" by 12"

2021

 


 

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A exterior window of a red barn reflects a winterscape of snow covered trees

Red Barn Window

Acrylic and Spackle on Panel

48" by 60"

2021


 

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A painting of a woman floating on an inflatable swan in a pond

Judgemental Swan

Acrylic and Sawdust on Canvas

33.5" by 33.5"

2020


 

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A painting of a first person perspective swimming in water

Routine Laps

Acrylic on stretched canvas

48" by 60"

2020


 

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A painting of a puddle near a pond

A Puddle Near a Pond

Acrylic, plaster, and salt on stretched canvas

16" by 20"

2021


 

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Drain Hole

Drain Hole

Acrylic, Plaster, and Salt on Panel

16" by 20"

2021


 

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Frozen Compost

Frozen Compost

Acrylic and human hair on paper

9" by 12"

2021


 

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A painting of a compost pile

Colleen's Humus

Acrylic on stretched canvas

16" by 20"

2021


 

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A painting of wetlands and foliage in the fall

Wetlands

Acrylic, plaster and salt on panel

36" by 60"

2021


 

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A landscape painting of a forest overgrown with thickets and briars

Thickets and Briars

Acrylic, millet, sawdust, plaster, salt, and coffee grounds on curved panel

36" by 72"

2021


 

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A painting of a cannabis plant in front of a body of water

First Crop

Acrylic, sawdust, and joint compound of canvas

18" by 24"

2020


 

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A painting looking through prescription sunglasses to a pond

I Love My New Prescription Sunglasses!

Acrylic on camouflage canvas

26" by 52"

2020


 

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Painting of a compost pile with shadows of tree

Hot Compost

Acrylic on unstretched canvas

96" by 112"

2021