Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Tong.
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a painter and photographer based here in LA. While I always loved painting, drawing, and photography growing up, my creative journey began in the fashion world. My first job was as a display/window merchandiser at a small boutique when I was 14. After college, I eventually honed in on the fashion industry, where I worked in e-commerce mostly as a stylist and had a short stint as a buyer. That experience was foundational as it taught me so much about visual storytelling and composition, which eventually led me into content creation and photography. Today, I shoot for various brands in LA and also work out of my studio in Highland Park.
While my photography often explores the vibrant world of fashion and beauty, that same fascination with capturing color, texture, and mood absolutely informs my painting practice as well. The key difference lies in the subject matter and intention. My painting has evolved into a deeply personal space profoundly connected to my Hawaiian heritage. My family hails from Hilo, and the love, traditions, and deep sense of connection I felt spending time there as a kid are constant inspiration for the narratives and feelings I explore on canvas.
My paintings often feature family members and loved ones, but to me they are reimagined portraits, my attempt to capture their essence as I perceive it, focusing particularly on depicting a strong, resonant femininity that feels authentic to my experience and lineage. It’s become an essential way for me to process, explore, and express parts of myself tied to my roots, aspects that don’t always find space in my daily life here on the continent (mainland).
Beyond personal exploration and honoring ancestral memory, my painting also feels like a way of reclaiming and reimagining. I feel drawn to challenge and expand upon the often limited or stereotypical depictions of Pacific Islanders prevalent in art and media. The same goes for my portrayal of women and femmes with my photography. Through my work in both mediums, I hope to present figures imbued with strength, complexity, and a perspective grounded in personal experience and connection.
So, my creative world today exists in two complementary parts: the dynamic, often collaborative energy of photography, and the slower, more introspective, deeply personal space of painting. While much of my publicly shared work has been photographic up to now, I’ve been building the courage to share my paintings more widely, something I’ve hesitated on for years, but feel genuinely ready to step into now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth or linear road. Unlike some creatives, I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to be when I “grew up.” I’ve always loved creating art, but growing up in a very practical, college- and career-focused environment, I was (not so) gently steered away from the creative path. I ended up studying business and marketing at USC, but found myself quite lost after graduating. It took me years to find my way back to my art practices, and even longer to carve out a career that incorporates these aspects of myself.
Even now, I still wrestle with how to balance all of my different interests and creative pursuits. I’ve gone through several career changes and moments of uncertainty, and navigating it all with a healthy dose of ADHD has made things even more complex. But every detour has taught me something valuable, and ultimately brought me closer to a life that feels more authentic and self-defined.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artistic focus lies in exploring powerful expressions of femininity, whether through painting or photography. This work is informed by things like my Hawaiian heritage, my time in the fashion world, and simply my respect for women/femmes and wanting to portray their strength and uniqueness in a way that feels true.
Right now, I’m most proud of a deeply personal series of paintings I’m creating during my pregnancy, capturing this special time before my daughter arrives.
I’ve always aimed to create imagery that feels both emotionally and visually engaging. When it comes to the pieces tied to my cultural background, I hope they serve as a reminder of the beauty, complexity, and sometimes the grief that comes with being Indigenous and straddling two worlds.
Ultimately, what distinguishes my work is the personal blend of my visual style and focus on capturing femininity in all its forms, hopefully offering a fun and reimagined perspective.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Aside from my partner who is a highly talented photographer and cinematographer, most of what I’ve learned has come from trial and error, figuring things out on my own along the way. Looking back, I realize how valuable it would have been to have a mentor as a young artist, someone who could guide me, offer feedback, and help me avoid some of the mistakes I made. If I could go back, I would definitely prioritize finding a mentor earlier on to help shape my artistic growth and accelerate my learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emilytong.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/em_tong
Image Credits
Fashion photos are by Emily Tong, art photos by Gabriel Bienczycki
