Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Fens.
Emily, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been immersed in art since I can remember. My earliest childhood toys, books, and travels taught me about art and its history. These early experiences inspired me to make art and gave me deep appreciation for the greats of earlier eras. Throughout childhood, I created art constantly, studying at Glassell School of Art since about 6 and training technically and conceptually at High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA). By the time I was in my mid-teens, I realized how important the mind and brain were to my practice. So, I got a BS in Neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where I also continued my art history studies, partook in art exhibitions, and enjoyed the vibrant art scene of Los Angeles. Since graduating in 2016, I have been in Houston creating art.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create colorful, intricate portraits of the brain that pull from neuroscience and my day-to-day perceptions. In my body of work, use a variety of media, including watercolor, black and neon pens for detailing, colored paper carved with a precision knife, and holographic and mirror paper. Mixing media liberates me in the studio and is the easiest way to materialize what goes on in my head.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
In my artistic practice, I feel successful when my creations match or exceed what goes on in my head. Just like any other field, success requires hard work and discipline. I think the qualities essential to artistic success, specifically, are an unrelenting belief in what you are creating and lots of self-motivation.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Website: emilyfens.com
– Portfolio & contact information
Instagram: @emilyfens
– Easy way to connect, receive updates, get a behind-the-scenes look at my process, and view my latest work
Mailing List: emilyfens.com/connect
– Sign up to get updates on upcoming shows & shop announcements
Upcoming Openings:
I will be in the Making a Mark 2018 exhibition at Wallace Tower, Texas Children’s Hospital (6701 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77030). The opening reception is on Saturday, September 8 from 2 – 4 PM. This show will feature artwork by children touched by cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers. Through the Periwinkle Foundation, I had the honor of working with these amazing kids this past summer to create a colorful, collaborative art piece that will be featured in the Making a Mark exhibition and then travel to other spaces.
In early 2019, I will have an opening at the Menil Collection Bookstore (1520 Sul Ross Street Houston, TX 77006). Sign up for my newsletter (emilyfens.com/connect) and follow me on Instagram (@emilyfens) for updates. For further inquiries regarding purchase of work, studio visits, or anything else, feel free to email me at emilycfens@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: emilyfens.com
- Email: emilycfens@gmail.com
- Instagram: emilyfens
- Other: emilyfens.com/connect
Image Credit:
Main photo: Hillary Fens
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