Conversations with the Inspiring Emily Foster

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

Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am Southern born and Midwest raised. I was lucky enough to grow up in a very art and culture rich city – Minneapolis, Minnesota. But, eventually the cold wore on me and I flew south. I graduated from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA and began my love affair with photography.

I have been in love with art for as long as I can remember. I was always in art classes learning figure drawing, painting, etc. I loved every second of it, but I was horrible at both. I was never was able to execute as well as I wanted, but I always loved how color and texture was captured with painting. I found photography in college and immediately fell in love. I spent all my time in the red glow of a darkroom.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have learned that nothing you are passionate about will necessarily be smooth. But it’s always worth it! Everything about being an artist or creative is about patience, perseverance and humility.

My advice for other women and especially young women is to cherish your craft. It is the way you see and experience the world and no matter the medium, it is a beautiful and wonderful thing! After that, I would say, be patient and don’t take no for an answer. There will be naysayers or people who aren’t interested. It’s not personal, it’s about the work and the more feedback you get, the better you get at your craft. A lot of people are afraid of feedback and criticism and YES! It can sting and sometimes it makes you close up and swear off art. Haha! But, it’s also SUPER important. It will be a driving force in continuing to challenge yourself and your art. Aim big. Embrace it. You will be a better artist and person.

what should we know about Emily G Foster Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In college, I focused a lot on portraits and artists creating art and their studio environments. My work now, which I call Spray it Loud, always played in the background. I have been captivated by street art and graffiti for as long as I can remember. After traveling to Spain a few years ago, a light bulb went off and I started to take this work more seriously. I came back to Atlanta and starting shooting in Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Edgewood neighborhoods. The resulting images are as much about color and texture as it is about graffiti.

My photographs are abstract, focusing on color and texture. I am inspired by Atlanta graffiti and the urban environment. I sell prints, framed work and canvas wraps.

I believe what sets me apart is my confrontational lens. Most photography is about some thing. People, places or things, mine is about color. Instead of showing the whole wall, I zero in on the pattern and texture that the wall showcases. I want people to be captivated by color and pattern and in turn to look at their surroundings more closely.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I am a glass half full kind of gal. So, while I think there are a lot of challenges facing women, I tend to focus more on the community and support of fellow women. There will always be challenges and opportunities, let’s support fellow women. Being positive. Being strong and being determined and supporting each other!

Pricing:

• Prints/Framed work from $15-125

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilygfoster.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/emgfo

Image Credit:
Emily G. Foster

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