Courtesy of Graham Carroll
Emily Wilker (b. 1991 Springfield, MO) is a Rhode Island based visual artist working primarily in mixed media composed of materials such as gouache, acrylic, oil, latex, woodclay, and plaster. Using paint both representationally as well as a sculptural tool, she expands on contemporary landscape painting through the use of reflection, optical mixing, and the plasticity of her mediums. Through the combination of observational painting, dreams and memory, and natural phenomena found in nature, Wilker creates vibrant, layered paintings finding roots in the history of impressionism, fauvism and the color field movement. Wilker received her BFA in Painting at the Kansas City Art Institute in 2013, and her Masters of Fine Art at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2021. Professionally, she has continued to further her practice by working as a studio assistant, instructing as faculty in the Painting Department at RISD, and participating in multiple group and solo exhibitions in Missouri, Texas, California, New Mexico, Michigan, Rhode Island, New York, and Massachusetts. Emily currently resides in Pascoag, RI where she enjoys gardening, biking, and playing with her chickens.
Autumn Sunset 2024
Acrylic and oil on stretched canvas 24″ x 30″
Artist Statement
Rooted in nature’s solitude, my creative practice is inspired by light, shadow, and reflection. Guided by observation, my paintings amplify nature’s patterns, textures, and subtleties while emphasizing local color and temperature through the use of optical mixing found through mark making. Plein air painting forms my foundation, where wilderness transforms into substrate and collaborator. Back in the studio, I infuse paint with found materials such as sawdust, sand, dirt, and more. The studio becomes an experimental realm — surfaces scratched, carved, layered, and peeled back. These paintings evoke waters, rivers, wetlands, and woods ranging from my upbringing in the Ozarks all the way to my current homestead in northern Rhode Island. Beyond visual representation, my paintings offer tactile experiences and sculptural qualities. Viewer engagement is integral, with immersive perspectives that emphasize the interconnectedness of humans and the landscape. Each painting is an exploration finding solace in the harmonious chaos of nature.
Additional Info
Artist’s Website: Emilywilker.com
Instagram: @emilywilker
Part of Growing the NetWorks
This artist was selected by a past NetWorks Rhode Island participant as part of Growing the NetWorks — a 2025 exhibition presented by WaterFire Providence, at the WaterFire Arts Center, celebrating peer-nominated artists from across Rhode Island. Learn more at waterfire.org/growingthenetworks
Highlighting the work of selected artists who have played vital roles in shaping the contemporary visual arts community in Rhode Island. This collection of brief video portraits provides a window into the lives, practices, and cultural contributions of professional artists.
