We are please to share the work of Emily Furr with you! Not only is she an amazing artist, but a wonderful friend.

Tell us about your background, where you are from and how you arrived at you current profession.

I am originally from Southern Illinois and moved to NYC several years ago. I have made a living on-and-off from graphic design, though my passion has always been fine art.

In this world of instant gratification, how did you land on oil painting as a medium?

It’s funny, a lot of artists started out as realist painters and ended up as abstract artists. For me, it was the opposite. I started out doing complex pattern abstractions with pencil or ink. But oil paint kept calling to me and I slowly warmed up to it. Oil painting is a delicate dance — you have to let the paint speak to you and tell you where it wants to go. As I was experimenting, I found myself creating more and more realism. So even though in my circle realism was unpopular at the time, I just went with it.

Tell us about your subject matter.

My intention is to merge modern themes with classical style painting. I am trying to illuminate our era with the light of history and human meaning. I want the viewer at a glance to think he or she is looking at an age-old painting, then to slowly realize it is from today.

I like the juxtaposition of old and new in your paintings. How do you decide how far to push those concepts?

My mantra has always been simplicity. I’d rather allude to things than say them outright.

When you are not painting, what inspires you?

I am intensely inspired by NYC, but I also love nature, especially a forrest landscape.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

Chocolate cake.