Alchemy of a Shared Kitchen

by Emily Settles

"I work with found materials, primarily maps, hand-written notes and letters, and books. All of this material relates to environmental/political issues and my struggle with memory and loss. The idea that underlies my work is drawn from my lifelong love of books, the narratives they contain and my passion for the environment. In addition, my work starts from a place of memory or nostalgia, then I move to symbol using subject (symbols and text), then I add found materials such as maps letters and books. I have always been a reader; I devour volumes in a literal and physical way, one that satisfies both the reader and artist, and allows me to give into my urge to destroy and compose something new from the remains. "