Hello, world! I’m a person who does things that are sometimes deemed unusual. I’m all about art and design as a process and a practice—an approach to living that might make a difference in the world. Part of my professional agenda is to break down traditional educational conventions, replacing those outmoded structures with relevant curriculum that’s not only innovative but also super inclusive, especially for those of us who think and feel a little differently.

I've spent a good deal of my life exploring the dynamics of visual and expressive language. What I want to explore with you is how we might activate art-design practice in 2024 to challenge the status quo?

My work is research-driven, multi-disciplinary and ever evolving.

If you're curious about what I've been up to, check out my projects here: www.emmakemp.com; www.nocanyonhills.org; www.bakersfield.studio/.

As an artist, I make interactive soft sculptures that activate the senses while engaging two or more people. I am very interested in creating forms and the relationship of form to the body. My work explores themes of awkwardness, intimacy, personal space, proximity, and touch. I believe creative problem solving skills are fundamental to building a successful artistic practice. The ability to question, to have an awareness of our environment and to understand our body’s physical receptors helps us to create meaningful artwork. As a teacher, I encourage students to experiment by exploring materials and spatial relationships while stressing the importance of intentional craftsmanship and specificity.

I am a nationally and internationally exhibited painter, and I often take a multidisciplinary approach in my work, employing other media such as drawing, installation, architecture, digital media, and sound. I use drawing as a means to reduce and distill the most essential aspect of what I want to say. In the classroom, I strive to create an environment that supports the uniqueness and creative potential of each student, guiding them toward avenues and possibilities for their work to develop. In my classes students will be pushed to refine their technical skills, but are encouraged just as much to develop a spirit of invention and playfulness toward their process. I believe that my work as an educator lies in helping students to develop equally across the areas of craft, concept, and creativity. Students should expect to work hard, but have fun in the process!