Getting to Know: Emily Du

Recap from first meeting: What is something you are looking at/listening to/thinking about that is inspiring you right now? Why

As I mentioned during the first meeting, something that inspires me right now is John Green’s podcast Anthropocene Reviewed. Specifically, in one of the episodes, he discusses the Lascaux cave paintings, and how it suggests “art isn’t optional humans,” as early humans still found time to paint while survival was the main priority. I find this incredibly inspiring and hopeful that even in the face of death, humans found time to make. Art is often seen as a luxury, something that only the affluent can enjoy. However, I believe that art - visual art, literature, music - is a necessity. It is an expression of creativity that society cannot function without. Lascaux is a physical representation of that.

Who are the artists/writers/poets/"creatives"/cultural actors who have most profoundly influenced you, and why?

As a painter, an artist that has most profoundly influenced me is Claude Monet. He’s a famous artist that everyone knows, but the magnitude that his style and techniques have had on my own is enormous. His mastery over light and color has always amazed me, ever since I was 10 years old. There’s just something about his technique - his use of rapid, visible brushstrokes and thick layers of paint - that draws me to his paintings. I had the opportunity to attend a special exhibition that showcased more than 200 Monet paintings together, and I was in awe the entire time. Studying everything up close only made me love his work more. His paintings encouraged me to perceive light in a different way. For example, when I paint landscapes, I try to capture the way the light changes the color of the scenery. Hence, Monet is one of my favorite artists, and has largely influenced my approach to art.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’ve been given lots of advice over the years, but the best I’ve received is, “All you can do is put yourself in a position to succeed.” It doesn’t mean that you’ll succeed every time, because there are so many things that we can’t control in our lives. However, what we can do is try our best and give it all we can. I find this advice particularly hopeful and uplifting, because it reminds me that all I can do is what I am capable of.

What is your cellphone wallpaper?

My dog! I’m a huge dog lover, so every time I open my phone, I’m glad that I can see an adorable picture of him!