We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Fischer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how do you think about risk?
I believe taking risks is an essential part of life. Challenging ourselves to step out of our circle of comfort and into the unknown allows us to learn who we truly are. Whether it’s calculated or a leap of faith, risk is important to a persons growth. With every risk, you grow more confident and you learn how strong you really are. For instance, going to college to study Art was a risk. Instead of diving head first into a career, I allowed myself to follow my heart. I knew that studying and practicing art was my passion, and I also knew I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t pursue it. A month before I was about to graduate, I changed my entire thesis for my BFA show. I had spent two semesters developing my art, researching and writing my thesis. I sat infront of my tryptic and said “Is this the best you can do?” The answer was no. Would I graduate with these pieces? Yes. Could I have finalized that thesis paper and stood infront of those pieces on opening night? Sure. But high risk, high reward. I scratched the idea I’d spent so many months developing and did an entirely new painting, wrote an entirely new thesis paper in 2 weeks and presented it in my last critique to a panel of professors for approval. I didn’t know if this would be my first and last time exhibiting in a museum and I just knew that it had to be the best piece of art I had ever produced up to that date. The painting and thesis were approved and actually were preferred over what I had been previously working on. High risk, high reward. It was a rush, I still chase in my art. It gave me the confidence to put myself out there, to think of myself as a fine artist, and to produce as much as I could.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art consists of fantastical characters such as demons, phantoms, oracles and seemingly quiet figures that allude an air of mystery. I have heavy influences from visually stunning 80’s movies such as Legend, Dark Crystal and the Labyrinth. I use watercolor and ink to create layers dreamy washes of color. Once done with an illustration, I will cut them out and raise them up on top of a different background. I feel the three dimensional depth of the art gives the figures a whole new feel, especially the way the shadows fall around them. I have encountered many challenges on my path as an artist but like most things in life, dedication, passion and a little bit of luck are key. Art is a learned skill. It takes time and practice and most importantly the ability to observe. You cannot be afraid to let your art evolve. Try different mediums, different techniques, ask questions, surround yourself with other creatives, immerse yourself in all types of art, as it will all ultimately contribute to your own evolution.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is so full of culture and creativity, and really, really good food. For a night out: The Bar in Coral Gables for drinks and excellent live music.. The Corner in Downtown for great mixed drinks and a little bit of mischief. Arts and Culture: Any play or musical at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. The Perez Art Museum & Frost Museum of Science. All areas of Wynwood to view amazing street art as well as small business boutiques and food spots. Sun and Fun: Virginia Key, you can bring your dogs to the beach! Bahia Honda State Park, for beautiful beaches with clear water and white sand. Food: Best Cuban Food: Rio Cristal in Bird Road. Best Indian Food: Saffron in Pinecrest. Best locally grown produce, milkshakes and boiled peanuts: Robert is Here in Homestead. Best Chili Cheese Fries on the planet: Arbetter’s on Bird Road.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person who deserves the most recognition in regards to the evolution of my art would be my mom. From a young age she always encouraged my creativity whether it was a craft box that she filled with endless supplies to being an artist herself. She had her own business making and selling yard art and I have countless memories during my youth, cutting and sanding plywood to sitting on the kitchen floor and painting with her. I believe those happy moments of bonding with her while painting contributed to the love I have for art. Her hard work and dedication was and still is an major influence to me. As I grew up, she would let me hang my art up any where in the house, even if she found my Medusa painting to be particularly creepy. She is my mentor, my aspiration and my biggest fan.

Website: https://www.emilyfischerart.com/
Instagram: Emily_Fischer_Art