Emily Van Engel
Emily Van Engel ARTIST STATEMENT My work explores what it might take, look like, or feel like to shift our behavior to be environmentally sustainable. I incorporate industrial imagery, mostly of oil refineries and resource extraction, because I want to be specific and transparent about the extraction, pollution and human decision-making that has led to large-scale global environmental degradation thus far. Working in glass allows me to convey depth and transparency on this topic, and the heat and pressure inherent to printmaking in kilnformed glass speaks to the formation of fossil fuels. There is an immediacy in the work that relates to a call to action on addressing climate change and for bringing balance to our relationship with our environment. I see opportunities for change in how we share resources and structure ourselves socially and economically for a more caring, healthier and sustainable existence. We are connected to each other and to our planet. ARTIST BACKGROUND Born Ridgewood, New Jersey Currently Oakland, California Education/Training 2019 M.F.A. candidate - pictorial art, San Jose State University, California 2012 B.F.A. Painting, California College of the Arts, San Francisco, California 2010 Graphic Design Certificate, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California 2001 B.A. Economics & French Studies, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut Professional Experience 2017 Art Instructor, Richmond Art Center, Richmond, California (from 2015) Public Art Advisory Committee, Alameda County Arts Commission, Oakland,
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