Femily Killer
Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Emily, and I make art under the name FEMILY KILLER. I’m a multimedia/installation artist who has recently turned to painting. My work describes the condition of being a 20-something millennial living in the information age, where we live half of our lives online, and are bombarded with such a glut of information that we feel disillusioned with and isolated from the world around us. I’m also a Feminist.
Who I am and what I make is so interconnected that I can barely separate the two. My paintings are probably all indignant, mopey self portraits of my internal person. I used to question whether painting was still relevant in contemporary art, but now I feel like it’s important than ever. There’s something refreshing about a languid internal landscape to contrast the way we brand ourselves all bright and shiny online.
What forms of media have influenced you the most?
When I consume media, I’m looking to be emotionally affected by it. Movies are the most powerful medium for me because they incorporate visuals, sound, and a story wrapped up neatly in 120 minutes. My favorite is American Beauty. I think it’s one of the most perfectly executed works of art I’ve ever seen. I was profoundly affected by it.
What hardware / software do you use?
When I had access to the University of Florida’s sculpture and photo studios, I used everything. Metal shop, wood shop, darkroom, printers, lighting, and scanners. As a painter, I’ve simplified a lot. Now it’s just me, my easel, paints and brushes. I do photograph my own subjects, so I have a small lighting kit and a Canon 60D, and I edit with Photoshop CS6.
What would be your dream creative setup?
My ideal creative setting is a space shared with other artists and a good productive energy. However, I think it’s important to have your own studio sectioned off within that space. Everyone needs their time to be reclusive. After switching studios a couple of times over the last year, I’m currently working full-time as a painter at my apartment. It’s temporary, as I plan to move to New York in April or May. It’s not ideal by any stretch, but as an artist you have to make it work. I would love to find a part-time job as a studio assistant in New York. I love working with a mentor! Each person in the relationship learns so much.
