By Grant Pelley
Special to The Packet
CLARENVILLE, N.L. — “Home is such an integral part of everyone’s life, and I’m fascinated with the idea of homes and how we find our own identity and personality through them,” says Emily Pittman as she continues to create her art exhibit titled “Unsettled.”
Pittman, who grew up in Clarenville, was recently named artist-in-residence at The Rooms art gallery and provincial archives in St. John’s.
In an interview with The Packet, Pittman says she had a love for art since she was a child. She became involved in art classes in the Clarenville area during her high school years to prepare her for Guelph University, graduating with a double major in studio art and English.
The Elbow Room Residency Program allows emerging artists like Pittman to use a designated space within The Rooms to create works of art. On completion, the art becomes a public exhibition.
“Art, whether you’re writing about it, looking at it, talking about it, or making it . . . adds to anyone’s life.”
Pittman’s art has a distinctive style and theme. She likes to focus on architecture in her work, incorporating the shapes and styles of buildings that surround her.
“Colour is a huge part of my work, especially in Newfoundland where the houses are painted many different colours,” says Pittman.
Unburdened by the architectural rule of exact measurement and proportions, with her x-acto knife and paintbrush, Pittman adds her own twist to architecture.
“Art, whether you’re writing about it, looking at it, talking about it, or making it . . . adds to anyone’s life. It reminds people that there are more than just things that make sense in our daily lives,” says Pittman, who is a huge advocate for the importance of art in everyday society.
When Pittman isn’t creating art, she enjoys writing, specifically about art. She co-authors an art blog called “The Gathered Gallery”, https://www.thegatheredgallery.com/ — to promote the work of other upcoming artists.
“I love to support other artists, it gives them an opportunity to show their work,” she says.
While the residency project at The Rooms will to take up most of her time this year, she has found time for another project.
Pittman will be co-hosting a residency at the Two Rooms in Duntara at the end of August.
For other upcoming artists, Pittman has some advice.
She encourages them to “get involved in your community as much as you can, specifically the art community, and you will gradually see familiar faces.”
To learn more about Pittman, her art and her Elbow Room project at The Rooms, visit: www.emilypittman.ca
