Conversations with Emily Plukas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Plukas.

Hi Emily, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I like many others have done art since I was a baby. Me and my dad would have our art days where we’d schedule times to paint the same object. Throughout my whole life, I’ve always created. Around the fifth grade, I got really into duct tape… I started making wallets and purses. I made my own designs and textures outside of the tape. I started making dresses and manikins and I even made a backpack at one point. Duct tape was my first passion. As I continue to get older, I found myself gravitating more towards drawing and painting. I took an art class every year and kept painting and drawing. This past year, my junior year of high school, I created a series. In this series, I talked about my personal story with body and the shame I attached to it. I spent all year diving deep into my insecurities and pushed myself to be vulnerable with my art. The product was amazing and something I am extremely proud of. I learned a lot about my art and myself through this art journey. I continue to make paintings and I have continued to experiment and grow as an artist.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Because I am so early in my art path, it has been smooth. I have been really lucky to have the resources and opportunities that I have had. The most struggle I have had was creating my pieces and thinking deeply about them. Trying to break through my own insecurities and articulate something that hasn’t been done before. But that “struggle” is art and is important for every piece.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As of right now, I am still in high school about to go to college and figure out my next steps. I say with confidence that in my future, I want to create and do something that unlocks my creative side. I am most proud of my body series. A series of art I made to show how I have looked at my body for years.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I am surrounded with so many amazing people. My dad is one of my biggest motivators. He is the one that pushes me to strive for more on my art and my life. I have an amazing school and teacher who provide art supplies and a supportive environment for us teenage artists. I have been extremely lucky in the opportunities that have been presented to me and I am so grateful.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Emilys_arty_account

Image Credits
Nicole Keri took the personal photo