About Me
I am Emily-Kate, a multi-disciplinary artist, and art has always been my primary mode of expression. Born into The Bergerfolk, a family Folk singing group, my childhood was filled with music and travel. From an early age, I was drawn to visual art, setting up caricature stands at our concerts by the age of five. Inspired by Pablo Picasso's notion that "Art Washes Away The Dust of Everyday Life," I see art as my escape, my sanctuary. It's where I shed the constraints of time and let my creativity run free.
After graduating from the sculpture department at the University of The Arts, I co-founded the Vox Populi Artist Cooperative Gallery in Philadelphia. My commitment to art deepened as I initiated the original First Friday event in 1989, a now integral part of the international art community.
My artistic journey took a profound turn when I faced breast cancer. This challenge didn't dampen my spirit; rather, it redirected and intensified it. Art became more than just an outlet – it was my strength, reshaping my work with new perspectives and directions.
Currently, I am creating an innovative collection of sculptures and wearable art from recycled materials like vintage denim, paper, and fabric. These pieces are visually striking and deeply meaningful, mirroring the transformation and rebirth themes that echo my personal journey, especially my battle with breast cancer.
I am also exploring literary and photographic realms. I'm working on a book titled "Draw it Out," a collection of drawings and thoughts from my sketchbooks during my fight with breast cancer. It's a deeply personal narrative intertwined with my artistic journey. Additionally, I'm compiling a photography book capturing the essence of the 1980s-90s hip-hop and rock scenes, based on my photographs from live shows in New York and Philadelphia.
My work is generating excitement for my upcoming exhibitions. I showcased a piece at Northside Artspace Lofts in December 2024 and am currently engrossed in a solo show at the same venue, running from January to March 2024. These exhibitions are a testament to my artistic and educational endeavors, revealing the layers of my experiences and the transformative power of my art.
In my world, art is more than an expression; it's a lifeline connecting me to the broader narratives of life, resilience, and constant reinvention.