Emilie Fantuz is an American artist whose works are focused on American realism. In American realism, the artwork handles common-places, everyday events, and people. Her works can also be described as Ashcan school which is another artistic movement that highlights how art can provide enlightenment, education, and spiritual fulfillment.
Emilie’s art is a call to optimism. “Through depicting the beauty in everyday moments — the hazy glow of moonlight on a darkened city street, the endlessly intersecting squares and rectangles of shop signs in the distance — I highlight the beauty that sits ready and waiting for our eyes, only if we choose to look”, she says.
The subtle visions of optimism in our lives inspire her the most. These scenes remind us that beauty is always near, even in the moments, it seems so far. Through an incredible amount of practice, and trial and error, she developed her career. By creating small works en Plein air, she began her artistic journey and went through many periods of experimentations to finally find what she wanted to portray through her art pieces. Through this process, she evolved to where she is today. She has made constant efforts to work with galleries, public art projects, juried exhibitions, and more, to share her paintings with the community.
After moving to Canada four years ago, she is proud to be exhibiting her work for the first time this coming October, alongside her husband, Mike Fantuz, who inspires her every day through his creative artistry. Emilie had the opportunity to devote much more time and energy to painting during this pandemic through which she was able to grow and develop her work. Her Instagram @emiliefantuz is overflowing with an abundance of stunning artwork filled with American realism.
“Observing the world is part of an artist’s role, but what that artist chooses to share from those observations is the result of their unique perspective,” says Emilie. The elements of the city that sparks her interest include neon signs, corner stores, and reflections from various surfaces. For her, creativity and the act of making art are extremely important. She is inspired by less obvious sights of beauty and giving them a whole new life through her different view.
