Of Earth and Sea
In Emily Wingate's latest show, titled Of Earth and Sea, she invites viewers to take a breath and slow down. These watercolor paintings are full of beautiful colors and intricate details. In this body of work, Wingate paints incredibly detailed close-ups of flowers, plant leaves, and water. These paintings offer viewers a chance to slow down, take stock of our surroundings, and be present in our bodies and space.
Because of her decades-long struggle with chronic pain, Wingate has had to learn how to make the most of the few hours that she can manage upright each day to paint. When asked about her artistic practice, she shared that, while she studied studio art in college, she didn't begin using watercolors until she was recovering from several surgeries about a decade ago. It was a quick and easy way for her to stay creative while in the hospital bed, as she sought to process her experiences and move forward as an artist.
Wingate's floral paintings are generously sized and full of graceful lines that emphasize the beauty in each blossom. They are both works of art and research; it is clear from each piece that Wingate has taken time to study each flower, doing it justice in her paintings. She can capture both the delicate nature of each flower and its strong color palettes in a perfect balance that makes them feel almost like geometric shapes. Her depictions of leaves and branches are just as detailed and vibrant in color and design. Each painting is carefully composed and executed.
There is a Whole Galaxy in my Veins
watercolor
40 x 30 in
Inner Glow
watercolor
40 x 30 in
When asked about what she loves most about the process of painting these nature pieces, she said: "I like looking at tiny details in a fern, or the way the sunlight leaves multi-colored shadows on a white flower. I want the viewer of my work to feel like they've just taken a break from the busyness of daily life and have a peaceful moment or two for themselves." The size of her floral pieces adds to this as well because many are as large as 30x40", so viewers are welcomed into really looking at each of these pieces.
The water paintings hold significance as well, as Wingate has shared that her body feels most at peace in water, cradled and rocked by the gentle waves. Understanding the artist's personal experiences adds even more significance to these graceful, soothing depictions of water, especially those that feature a woman floating and resting in the water. It is easy to see ourselves in these paintings and to remember the feeling of weightlessness that water gives our weary bodies.
This show is a reminder of how much we need and depend on the world around us for respite and renewal. Take time to look at each piece and reflect on the unique relationship we share with our bodies and with nature.