Emma Lamke

Art means more to me than a simple photograph taken by someone, or a sketch of a favorite piece of work.  Art is a beautiful way of showing what goes on inside an artists head, and the artist can bring it into a tangible subject.  The reason I create art is to express myself in a way without using any words.  Photography has been a growing process for me.  At the beginning, all I focused on was getting a photo that pleased others, while also being technically perfect.  I do still do those things, however, I have learned over the past year that I make art for myself.  Photography is a way for me to permanently document a time in my life; whether it is a happy feeling I want to remember forever, or a time of struggle for me.  I prefer to photograph people and  truly implement the feeling that person is feeling in the moment.  I do digital photography as well as black and white film.  Both are very important in their own ways.  Digital photography truly brings in the color and tone of the photograph while black and white film photography brings a sense of accomplishment once you go through the process of developing the film and photograph.  My work  is unique in the fact that  I use my emotions and try to exhume that into my pieces of work.  

​

Art has brought me out of dark times in my life.  Through dangerous activities I discovered that art still gives me that euphoria I was striving for.  I found my purpose in life, and that is art.  As I continue to struggle with PTSD and depression, art has been there to lean on and express exactly what is going on in my mind.  Becoming an art therapist to help those dealing with trauma or teaching young students art is my dream.  Everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves.  Everyone has a story.

​

My main medium is photography. However, I love to draw the human body as everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way.   I also enjoy writing poetry in my free time.   Many people that I show my photographs to say that they see growth over the years of me working on my technique.  They also say that I am able to capture moments and almost convey an emotion for the viewer that they can't quiet pinpoint what it is that they are feeling.    As an artist, I want to spread the message that it is normal to be a little different than others.  Every person is unique, and they deserve to feel safe to express themselves, whether it is through a tangible art, dance, acting, or writing.   I am inspired by many different artists such as many indie and alternative rock music artists, as well as visual artists such as Tim Burton.  Both types of artists add their own personalities and experiences into one cohesive piece.   Art is something that can truly impact someone.  For me, even though it may sound cliche, in a way brought me to find who I truly am as a person.