Artist Bio  

Emily Mullet is a mixed media artist based in Phoenixville, PA. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Painting and Graphic Design from College of the Ozarks in 2012. Growing up in the Philadelphia area, graffiti and street art have been consistent visual influences for Emily’s entire life. In her work today, she uses the contrast of industrial materials, such as aerosol paints and cement, to create feminine portraits filled with flowers. Emily’s work has been shown in galleries throughout southeastern PA and is featured in multiple print publications. She is also the founder of the PXV Art Mag, a magazine highlighting artists in her local community.

Artist Statement  

The flowery portraits on concrete are my fourth iteration of the Mind Blooms portraits. This collection was made by pouring cement on wood panels. From there, different papers and paints were continually layered onto the surface and then sanded back down. The figures and flowers from the original Mind Blooms were translated into simplified stencils to create the new portraits.  

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by old abandoned buildings. From the graffiti scrawled across their surfaces to the vines and moss steadily reclaiming them. Spying these structures from the passenger seat was my favorite part of long family car rides. The early influence of these visuals has served a large role in making this collection.

Through creating a body of work that resembles abandoned structures, I am exploring the theme of returning to a version of one’s past self. There is a sense of history with the layers of chipping paint and torn papers. What is left behind is as valuable as what has been torn away. My goal was to visually integrate the opposing themes of endurance and evolution.

www.emilymullet.com  

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

I resisted pursuing art professionally for a long time. When I was high school age, I didn’t have any role models of working artists. It felt frivolous and unrealistic to pursue a career in art. I remember wishing I was talented in “normal things” like math and science so I could get a “real job” with benefits. It wasn’t until college that I realized fighting against my strengths took far more energy than leaning into my natural talent. I changed my major to studio art and studied graphic design, painting, and ceramics. Amusingly enough, after college, I ended up with a job designing hand-painted ceramics with benefits and all. High school Emily would have been shocked.  

Whether fellow artist or friend, who has continued to inspire your work?

Although I was utilizing my artistic skillset at my day job, I wasn’t tapping into it for personal artwork. A turning point for that was connecting to my local art community where I met my friend and fellow artist Sarah Detweiler. She became my first real-life artist role model. Sarah exemplified what it looked like to take your own art seriously, submit to shows, and mentor others. When I knew I couldn’t ignore my inner artist anymore, I reached out to Sarah for support and feedback on my art. Over the years, Sarah has consistently inspired my art practice on many levels.  

What do you enjoy exploring through your art?

Conceptually, I find myself continually exploring themes of identity, growth, and truth. Florals have been consistent imagery I use to communicate these ideas metaphorically. I often pull symbolism from the Victorian era language of flowers to infuse further meaning into my pieces. It brings me joy to connect my thoughts and weave meaning into my work, even if it’s only for me to know.  

When it comes to art mediums, exploring new materials is a large part of my creative process. In my latest body of work, concrete was my canvas of choice. I was completely enthralled with the challenge of transforming the rough gray surface into a piece of art. My goal was to make the work feel dirty and worn while simultaneously embodying beauty and femininity.  

Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?

I would tell myself that nurturing your strengths is so much easier than fighting them. I would also say that when you cultivate who you truly are, your strengths will grow and expand beyond what you could plan.

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

When someone encounters my work, I hope they receive the same messages I keep telling myself. That the truest version of you is valuable and worth nurturing.