Emily Counts

"There are always some nerves before meeting someone for the first time, not knowing what to expect. I was really pleased that you were so warm and had spent time with my work. It was helpful, lovely, to hear about your process and experience as well. I felt like we had some common themes regarding nostalgia and memory. It’s so good to find commonality and have conversations with other artists. After our chat I was very appreciative that you reached out to me and created this connection. It’s important to have reminders that we are all part of a community." 

REPRESENTATION 

studio e, Seattle, Washington

Nationale, Portland, Oregon

Past

Field Studies, a solo show at Nationale in Portland, Oregon opened on October 21 and closed on December 4, 2022. 

Upcoming

Sea of Vapors, an immersive installation opens at the Museum of Museums on June 2, 2023.

Wilting Flowers in Lavender and Gold, 2021, glazed stoneware, 17 x 10 x 3 inches each

QUESTIONS 

1. In what ways do you let out your inner child? Walk us through that journey when it comes to your work. 

"In my work I am combing through memories of objects and experiences that were formative for me as a child. I have always been an aesthetically focused person and through sculpture and making I examine those things that were fascinating or magical to me at a young age. The memories still are strong and this process of inhabiting my younger consciousness captures those intense feelings, transforming them into something new and unexpected." 

Spider Queen, 2021, glazed stoneware with gold luster, stained glass, plywood, epoxy clay, electrical components and lighting, 53 x 15 x 10 inches 

2. What is the focal point of your artistic process? How much of it would you say is conscious versus subconscious? 

"Usually the concepts for my pieces come from the practice of drawing in my sketchbook. It’s an important step for my work because this is when ideas and images are pulled out of my subconscious mind, often it feels like they are emerging from a mysterious ether. When I am physically working on things many surprises happen as well. But once a piece is underway a lot of the process is consciously problem solving and visualizing the end result. When I go hiking I am doing this for hours, envisioning how the finished sculpture will come together." 

Vampire Eyes, 2022, glazed stoneware with gold luster, electrical components and lighting, 60 x 29 x 29 inches  

3. Describe your dream artistic community. What would you like to see for the artistic community of the future? 

"I don’t know if I have a drastically different vision for the future. I would want for us to continue to reach out to other artists, learn about new work and be interconnected. It’s so great when you can participate in local art communities, to be active where you live by going out and supporting exhibitions, doing studio visits, making friendships. And I hope that people also continue to do those same things and make connections outside of where they live, virtually and through travel." 

— 

I had the awe-inspiring opportunity to speak with Emily Counts, mixed media and ceramic artist born and based in Seattle. Her work is a gorgeous manifestation of dream-like, playful portals that poke at the complexities and inner workings of our inner child; our yearning for youth, and the magical memories that, when turned over, reveal a sense of whim and peculiar mystery.

I saw Emily’s disposition open up as she spoke about her story and her work. I intently watched her eyes light up when she shared about her upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Museums where she’ll go on to show elaborate works of life-sized soft sculptures made from vintage velveteen fabrics.

Emily likes the rain. Enjoys a long hike. Keeps a sketchbook close. An absolute delight to get to know.

This series is and will always be about propelling passions forward, fostering and cultivating empowering relationships with artists, for artists. The advancement of emerging artists excites me, and I look forward to continue creating gardens for creatives to grow in. I’ll certainly never forget my first feature. Thank you, Emily. See you in Seattle.

X

ASH