Interview: Emily Combs | ITSLIQUID

Interview: Emily Combs

Interviews | February 13, 2023 |

emilycombs 001
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

Interview: Emily Combs
Luca Curci talks with Emily Combs during the 6th Edition of LONDON CONTEMPORARY ART FAIR 2022, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Emily Combs was born in Wilmington, NC but raised in Atlanta, GA. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography with a minor in Fashion Photography and Art History from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. Her art develops themes of death, identity, and the progression of time. She is concentrated on fine art, portraiture, self-portraits, and fashion photography. Her works have been shown in exhibitions such as SCAD open studios, Art Fluent, and J. Mane Gallery, with a Viewers Choice Award from Atlanta, Celebrates Photography and a nomination from the Fine Art Photography Awards.

emilycombs 003
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

Luca Curci – How did you get into photography? Do you remember why you took your first professional photo?
Emily Combs – I started photography when I was around sixteen, I was placed in a photography class in high school. I had no prior knowledge of the medium before then. The first thing we did in that class was making a camera from scratch. I made my first camera out of cardboard and a tin can. We would put film paper in the box and open it to create the image. A lot of the time, we were just guessing how long it would take to expose properly. The first photo I took was an image of my front porch. We put them all on a critique board and I can remember how much my image stood out. From that moment on it felt like I was meant to create art through this medium and I never looked back. 

LC – When you take photos, are you usually inspired by the situation or do you find inspiration in yourself?
EC – I tend to find inspiration within myself. My photos usually come from my own emotions. I like to analyze and realize emotions that are difficult to explain through words. My photography gives me a way to communicate things like death and grief. I believe my art can also help others feel vulnerable with their emotions and feel seen. 

emilycombs 004
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
EC – I usually look within myself for my inspiration. There’s so much going on in our brains that can’t always be formed with words. Even when I can’t explain why I feel something, I can tap into images to describe these emotions. I tend to see emotions in visuals and when I do, I dig deeper into their meaning and research-based on them. I also like to chase things I can’t stop thinking about, even if it’s just one picture in my head I want to create it.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
EC – Many of my artworks are focused on time and change.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
EC – I think as I’ve gotten older my style has become a little darker. The tones have become more muted and the subject matter feels more serious. Many of my pieces feel heavier but still, have a touch of whimsy throughout like in my beginning works.

emilycombs 005
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
EC – The message of this series is to remind the viewer to stay in the present. I took inspiration from the “memento mori”, which is meant to remind the viewer there will always be an ending. The future will become your present and the present will become your past. I made this series during a time of transition in my life and it became a comforting reminder that I will only ever have this moment in time. I believe my works form a connection between myself and time. It shows how to grapple with the unmovable force of progression and change. The fear and excitement I bring to my future are a way to help me transform into the person I am today. 

LC – Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
EC – Before I created this series I was having a major inspiration block. I hadn’t made something I fell in love with in a long time and I felt ready to do so, but my direction wasn’t agreeing. I was laying in bed one night around 2 am when I came up with this series. I finally had a quiet moment to gather my thoughts and really dig deep into the emotions I was bringing to this project. Then suddenly the inspiration hit me like a brick. Sometimes finding the right inspiration can take time and the best inspiration can come from yourself. 

emilycombs 006 1
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
EC – I believe it can give opportunities to artists. ITSLIQUID gives artists the chance to be seen and put their art out there. This group can give stepping stones to an artist’s career. 

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
EC – I did, it was an experience that I will cherish throughout my career. 

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
EC – I believe ITSLIQUID has an amazing group of people creating these exhibitions. My photos looked beautiful on the wall and appreciate all the work that was put into making this show possible. 

emilycombs 009
Image Courtesy of Emily Combs

Are you an artist, architect, designer? Would you like to be featured on ITSLIQUID platform? Send an e-mail to info@itsliquid.com or fill the form below






    RELATED POSTS


    INTERVIEW: ELYSIA NAGEL

    Interviews | March 27, 2023

    Elysia is an abstract artist based in Montmorency, Australia. Her work is characterised by a vibrant and textured palette, combined with a unique and innovative approach to composition. Her pieces often explore themes of nature, emotion, and the environment, which are inspired by her appreciation for the natural world, as well as for the beauty of the everyday. Read more


    ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023

    Calls | March 22, 2023

    ITSLIQUID Group officially presents ARTIST OF THE YEAR, a competition open to anyone and established to increase and develop the art market and the dialogue between collectors, art critics, journalists and art lovers. Making contemporary art accessible to all. Read more


    ARTIST OF THE MONTH –…

    Calls | March 21, 2023

    ITSLIQUID Group officially presents ARTIST OF THE MONTH, a competition open to anyone and established to increase and develop the art market and the dialogue between collectors, art critics, journalists and art lovers. Making contemporary art accessible to all. The winners will be featured on ITSLIQUID Platform, promoted extensively worldwide and considered for any upcoming curatorial projects of ITSLIQUID Group Read more


    FEATURED ARTIST : LEONARDAS TURAS

    Art | March 11, 2023

    Leonardas Tūras is a Lithuanian artist born in 1982, his educational background is composed by experiences such as a Master of Visual Arts at the VDU Education Academy and a Bachalor Degree in Audiovisual Arts -obtained at the Music and Theather Academy of Lithuania; member of both Lithuaniana Artist Association and Eurasian Union of Artist since 2019, Leonardas’s artistic creation is a splendid expression of Contemporary Art Read more


    Sign up for our Newsletter.

    Enter your email to receive our latest updates!