HI, I’M EMILY
I’m a Dutch-Portuguese artist based in Rotterdam, balancing abstract and realistic elements in my work. Inspired by the architecture of cities, nature, and personal stories shared by others, my work is a reflection of both the world around me and the memories that we carry with us. I want to create pieces that bring a sense of calm and joy.
I’ve been painting and creating for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was lucky to be surrounded by people who encouraged my love for art. My journey started with inspiring teachers, the Russian School of Arts in Rotterdam, and all the creative activities my mom signed me up for — whether it was at the library or somewhere in the city.
I paint because it brings me a sense of calm and because I love making others happy through my work. There’s something so good about creating something valuable — both for myself and for the people who experience it. My hope is that my paintings bring a bit of happiness to your day, maybe even stir up a memory or a feeling that makes you smile.
Right now, my inspiration comes from so many places — photography, architecture in cities I’ve explored, movie shots, social media, zooming in on details, and of course, my hometown Rotterdam. Then there’s Portugal, with its stunning colours, the blend of human life and nature, and my own memories of the place. I’m also very much inspired by the memories and stories you share with me. Every day, I try to capture a bit of all these influences in my work, hoping to bring the same joy and inspiration to you that I’ve found in them.
"Just pick a topic and create something. It doesn’t matter what it is at first, just start. You’ll create something beautiful."
— Advice that has stuck with me from my high school art teacher
I balance abstract and realistic elements in my work, always looking for the sweet spot between the two. I started my journey with mainly abstraction, due to the structure and sense of ‘perfection’ it can offer. However, inspired by artists like Jochen Mühlenbrink, I’ve recently been exploring more realistic features to bring more depth and dimension to the scenes I create. This shift has allowed me to play with how much detail is truly necessary — stripping away what’s unnecessary while staying true to the essentials.
Every piece I create is about calming the eye, inviting viewers to focus on what matters. By reducing visual noise, I hope to create a sense of happiness and peace for those who see my work.
I primarily use acrylic paint, combining it with a lot of tape to achieve sharp lines and contrasts. My tools of choice are either a very large brush for broad, sweeping strokes, or the smallest brush I can find for those tiny, precise details. Lately, I’ve been expanding into mixed media, experimenting with new materials to push the boundaries of what my work can say.
Usually, we start with themes, topics, or any inspiration you have, and I create the first sketches. From there, we brainstorm together, fine-tuning details until we’re both excited about the direction. Once we’ve landed on the perfect vision, I get to bring it to life! Of course, if you prefer a carte blanche, I’m always up for a challenge too.
“I was a child who went about in a world of colors.”
— Frida Kahlo, one of my biggest inspirations