Emilie Sommers

2012 Visual Arts Scholarship Recipient

Emilie's appreciation for art lies in its ability to embrace various processes and ideas, allowing for creativity, vulnerability, and exploration. She finds beauty in the openness and potential of art to express emotions, personal experiences, and innovative perspectives. Through her passion for photography, Emilie has developed a keen eye for detail, light, and context, which has broadened her understanding of the world. Inspired by photographers such as Sally Mann and Emmet Gowin, she strives to incorporate the imperfections of age and subtle nuances into her own work, creating images with an elegant intensity.

Street art and urban decay, influenced by artists like Banksy and Aaron Siskind, have captivated Emilie's fascination. She admires photographers like Joel Sternfeld and Robert Adams for their powerful landscapes and subjects, which have inspired her to explore new ways of perceiving and composing artwork. Printmaking has also become a significant medium for Emilie, offering a sense of curiosity and spontaneity. The unexpected outcomes of pulling a print fuel her passion for the process, as she embraces the boldness and freedom it provides.

While Emilie does not have a definitive vision for her future, she recognizes the interconnectedness of perspectives and believes in the power of exploration. Art has become an integral part of her life, shaping her worldview and personal growth. Regardless of where her journey takes her, Emilie knows that art will always be present, influencing her experiences and contributing to her self-discovery. She hopes to continue broadening her horizons, immersing herself in different cultures and mindsets, allowing art to be a constant companion that deepens her understanding of herself and the world around her.