Emily Dowdey: capstone

Abstract

The artist's statement: Beginning my art career at a young age, storytelling has always been my main objective. I have always strived to create visual narratives that evoke emotion and empathy, inviting viewers to connect with the figures I depict on a personal level. Whether it's a poster, book cover, or anything else, I aim to tell stories that feel alive and emotionally valuable. I am equally fascinated by the discipline of drawing and hold the techniques I have learned over time incredibly valuable to my practice. Figure drawing is a central focus in my work. The human figure is incredibly expressive, and I find exploring the human condition through the creative process can be a powerful way to create empathy and connection between my art and others. As I have worked with a graphic design concentration, digital illustration consists of the bulk of my work. Through this, I have kept my traditional drawing background at the core of what I make and is often a driving force in my inspiration. Sketching and brainstorming is my favorite part of everything I do, as I have found that it is the most authentic aspect of every project, showing not only what can I create, but also inviting mistakes to happen, as these often lead to the best outcomes. This fluidity in how I view my work has allowed me to form a style that is sincere yet playful. I encourage all viewers of my undergraduate work to see past the destination and enjoy the journey.