Emily Strange

STATEMENT

“Each person has a deeply personal story. With my work I am to create a visceral connection with the viewer and provoke an internal dialogue. My artistic vision is to educate the uneducated, make the comfortable uncomfortable (and vice versa), and become a voice for each individual’s most hidden struggles, and generate a second thought, discussion, and debate.” -Emily

BIO

Emily Strange was born in Columbus, Ohio, where she discovered her passion for creative expression at a young age. However, a series of personal challenges led her away from her artistic pursuits for several years. During this difficult period, Emily encountered various traumas that ultimately led her to seek a fresh start beyond Ohio. She relocated to NJ and found support from a homeless shelter, where her artistic talent was recognized. The shelter provided her with a position in the art department and assisted her in obtaining her GED, preparing for her SAT, and applying to colleges.

This support paved the way for Emily to receive a full scholarship to Parsons The New School of Design in New York City, where she lived for the next 12 years. During Emily’s senior year, she faced a profound loss when her best friend ended her life due to heroin addiction. This tragic event marked a turning point in Emily's life, prompting her to choose sobriety.

Her focus and art shifted, becoming a voice that reflected her own struggles and the struggles of others. With her art she hopes to educate the uneducated on the realities of addiction, surviving “the day to day”with mental illness, and touches on PTSD, DV, homelessness, and suicide. She strives to be heard for the people that are seemingly invisible.

In addition to her visual art, Emily established herself as a freelance photographer, collaborating with fashion designers, artists, musicians, and nightlife venues. Her photography and artwork have been featured on album covers, promotional materials, and in notable publications such as Timeout New York and Auxiliary Magazine

Emily Strange is a full-time artist based between Brooklyn, NY, and Columbus, OH. With nine years of sobriety she remains dedicated to her craft, continuing to create impactful work that resonates with her experiences and those of the broader community.