Emily Tripp is an artist working with ceramics and painting. They were born in Lansing, MI, raised in Detroit, MI, and then later lived in Milwaukee, WI. Tripp received their Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, in Painting and Drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2018. Since, they have participated in various group shows around the country including, We Might Have Been Born Yesterday, But We Stayed Up All Night curated by Shane Walsh at Between Two Galleries, Within and Against: Brennen Steines and Emily Tripp at galerie Kenilworth, and The Busker Show at Usable Space Gallery. They are currently living and working in Brooklyn, New York.
Tripp’s practice predominantly centers on painting. Their paintings begin by creating drawings or collages which utilize gestures as form colorfully honoring the visual representation of an object, a human, or a place. Sourcing through objects and ephemeral activities, Tripp archives with drawing and shooting film photography, to collect the vitality which propels and inspires these paintings. This collection happens while traveling, existing in human relationships, reading literature, dancing, and being immersed in a physical setting.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in the arts.
I was born in Michigan, and raised in the Detroit area until I moved to Milwaukee, WI in 2007. In 2018, I went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, with a BFA in Painting and Drawing. After graduating my painting practice continued when I obtained a studio in Milwaukee for around three years. In November of 2020, I moved from Milwaukee, WI, to Brooklyn, NY, and have been creating at my newly obtained studio in Bushwick. I work as a painter creating abstract paintings rooted in the exploration of color. These paintings are derived from landscapes, people, objects, and experiences, but the end result does not convey such objects. The painting becomes an allegory while existing in the abstract. My paintings are large, the gestures are rough, the colors are soft, bright, and emit light. Often the images begin as I am thinking of paint's romantic capabilities and find its end as I consider its own physical characteristics as paint under my guidance.
What kind of work are you currently making?
I am currently working on oil paintings on canvas that are 20x24". I usually create multiple paintings at a time, while focusing specifically on one painting to complete. I am always creating and documenting imagery to provide myself resources when creating drawings and collages. Each painting is created by a collage playfully honoring the visual representation of an object, a human or a place. I collect, through objects and ephemeral activities, the vitality which propels and inspires these paintings. I am often influenced by my experiences while traveling, shooting film photography, existing in human relationships, reading literature, dancing, and immersing myself in nature. As much as my work drives me to be in the studio, it also drives me cultivate experiences by interacting with the world around me in engaging ways.
What is a day like in the studio for you?
A day in the studio usually begins by picking up where I left on my most current painting. Each painting begins by mapping out an initial composition, pouring paint onto the canvas, and reacting to initial marks made. While waiting for paint to dry, I prioritize building and preparing future surfaces, creating drawings or collages, and maintaining genuine studio hygiene.
What are you looking at right now and/or reading?
Currently, I am reading Jack Whitten's, "Jack Whitten: Notes from the Woodshed," and James Baldwin's "Another Country". Regarding paintings, I am looking at many painters including Lee Krasner, Sarah Awad, Tal R, Georgia O'Keeffe Jean Nagai, Clare Grill, and Cecily Brown.
Where can we find more of your work?
My work can be found on my website; emilyttripp.com, and my instagram; @em.tripp.
