Emory Gaddis

“Growing up in Idaho, the outdoors have always been something that have represented a great part of my identity; I have made some of my greatest memories in the outdoors and these experiences in nature have significantly shaped who I am today.”

Daydreaming

Acrylic paint on canvas [23 x 31 cm]

Serenity at Sea

Acrylic paint on canvas [30.5 x 40.6 cm]

“This acrylic painting of a seascape aims to capture the serene and surreal feeling of the ocean after a stormy summer day. After a trip to San Luis Obispo in 2018, the refreshing feeling of the ocean on a cloudy day inspired me to recreate the calm and tranquil emotions I felt on the trip. The neutral colors and smooth brush strokes create a calm feeling that allows one to imagine the refreshing salty air and the serene sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.”

Out of Reach

Colored pencil, acrylic paint, found pressed flowers, found New York Times and Express newspaper clippings on paper [38 x 28 cm]

“This multimedia collage aims to demonstrate the failure of humanity to take care of planet Earth, as it is through our own actions as a society that we are destroying the environment. The left hand, representing nature, is trying to reach the right hand, which represents climate change and environmental disasters caused by humans. The rip between the two hands creates tension and conveys how the true beauty of our planet will eventually be out of our reach forever.”

Harper’s Hummingbird

Colored pencil, watercolor pencil on paper [35.6 x 34.3 cm]

“This colored pencil drawing of a hummingbird is in memory of Jim Harper, a family friend and talented artist who inspired those around him to enjoy life and appreciate nature. The use of bright colors exemplifies the emotion of happiness, which Harper would bring to those around him. This piece highlights the concept of life, shown through the flying hummingbird and the bright flower. Jim brightened the lives of everyone around him, so liveliness and happiness are exemplified in this piece.”

Dreaming of the Sawtooths

Acrylic paint on canvas sheet [74.8 x 141 cm]

“Inspired by Renan Ozturk, the bright and colorful style of this acrylic painting aims to capture the vivid and lively nature of the Sawtooth Mountains. Being present in this place inspires, motivates, amazes, and recenters someone’s soul. Strong, complementary colors were used to create boldness that helped capture this mountain range’s vivacious essence and to create a dreamlike feeling that is centered around the beauty of the Sawtooths.”