About

Emily Rapport studied painting at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York (94-95), and received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005.

“I depict scenes of daily life that reflect a distinctly American experience: El tracks, store windows, fast food drive-thrus, houses and people. Painting is an active mediation on the symbols and experiences that connect us.

I am especially drawn to artificial light (neon, flourescent store lights) within the urban landscape. There are no stars in the city but there are traffic lights and PayDay Loan signs.

My work is representational, but the “feel” of the thing is more important to me than trying to create an exacting drawing. My technique is to work quickly, I prefer wet-on-wet painting. I try not to become too precious about anything. I enjoy working with the details of rust, wet streets, graffiti – broken down things have character. These cultural landmarks are proof of use and history. I am looking for something that tells a larger story and to imbue these mundane scenes with an element of the sublime.”

Selected works also available to lease through Chicago Art Leasing.

Emily creates intuitive design for web and print at Eat Paint Studio. Although Emily now works from her home studio, she is still actively involved with the Cornelia Arts Building in Chicago. Review her street creds here. Please join the quarterly mailing list for Emily’s studio news to receive invitations to events and shows!

In 2011, Emily was interviewed for the Neoteric Art blog. You can read the article here: Interview with Emily Rapport