We were lucky to catch up with Emily Bertucci recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
At the end of the 2022 school year, a sense of excitement and creativity filled the air at Community Roots Academy (CRA) in Laguna Niguel, California. Eager to celebrate the distinct essence of their classrooms, students embarked on a school-wide competition that would spark their imaginations and inspire future students. The objective was to select a single word that would encapsulate the spirit of their classroom environments. This endeavor was not merely an exercise in linguistic exploration; it was an invitation to delve into the heart of their journey. With each of their chosen words in mind, students embarked on a journey of visual storytelling. Armed with pencils, colors, and an abundance of creativity, they set out to translate these words into captivating drawings. Each sketch became a canvas for their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, a testament to their unique perspectives and the vibrant diversity of their classrooms.
Periodically I met with the Student Government students to review each drawing with great care and attention and plan our vision collectively. Their intention guided our assessment these initial artworks. After reviewing the drawings I took the sketches back to my ‘drawing board’ to translate the artwork into mural ready imagery. The transformation from the initial concept to the captivating ball wall murals was a collaboration with to the dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit of the CRA students. Their words found visual form, breathing life into the walls and corridors of their school.
The resulting ball wall murals stand as powerful testaments to the synergy of words and art. They serve not only as vibrant decorations but also as a celebration of the students’ voices and their unique perspectives. These ball walls narrates a story of learning, growth, and unity within Community Roots Academy. I am honored to be apart of this transformative project and make the school’s and the children’s visions come to life. You can see this project on my website at https://www.emilybertucci.com/muralsbyemilybertucci/cra-ball-wall-mural-project
Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Emily Bertucci, and I’m a passionate fine artist and muralist born in 1998 in Boca Raton, Florida. My journey began as soon as I could hold a paintbrush, where my early creative endeavors were driven by the sheer joy of pushing paint across surfaces. During the years 2010 to 2015, I immersed myself in abstract painting, finding profound delight in the act of expressing myself through color, form, and texture. This period laid the foundation for my artistic exploration, fostering a deep connection with the art-making process itself.
In 2016, my path led me to Southern California, where I had the privilege of attending Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). It was there that my artistic horizons expanded as I delved into fine art; traditional oil painting and charcoal drawing. A significant milestone in my journey came in 2018 when I had the honor of studying at the Florence Academy of Art in the birthplace of representational art, Florence, Italy. This experience enriched my understanding of long pose figure painting, fine art’s historical context, and its enduring significance.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to exhibit my work in various prestigious galleries and events. While at LCAD I was introduced to the art of mural making. In 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a transformative journey with The Goodness Tour, an international organization dedicated to bringing music and art experiences to those facing adversity. For two months we painted murals and provided art therapy to the locals of the Abacos.
What sets my work apart is the fusion of emotion and technique. I delve into the emotional landscape of my subjects, allowing my feelings while painting to find expression through imagery. This connection between the tangible and the intangible, the spoken and the unspoken, adds depth and resonance to my creations. I value working with my clients to create something more than just wall art. Whether you’re a business looking to infuse your workspace with creativity or a homeowner seeking to turn your room into a work of art, I’ve got you covered. With my background as a fine artist and a knack for translating ideas onto walls, I’m all about collaborating with my clients to transform spaces into realms of inspiration.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is witnessing the impact your artwork has on others. It’s that incredible feeling when your creations instill in people the belief that they are fully capable of creation themselves. And then there’s that moment when someone connects deeply with your work – when it resonates with their emotions, memories, or personal experiences. It’s in those instances that the true magic happens, an exchange of emotions and ideas through the language of art.
Knowing that your art can evoke emotions, spark conversations, or even ignite movements for change is an incredibly fulfilling realization. The ability to communicate and connect on such a profound level through art is what truly gives depth and purpose to my artistic journey.
What I love is that there’s no final destination on this path. Being an artist isn’t about reaching a set point; it’s a continuous commitment to authenticity and connection. It’s an ongoing journey that’s boundless and infinite, mirroring the limitless potential of creativity itself.
This artistic journey is a constant reminder to slow down and savor each moment. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about accolades, but about the reciprocal joy of sharing your creations with the world. This journey encourages me to find contentment in the present, to appreciate the process as much as the outcome, and to infuse each brushstroke with the essence of passion and purpose.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Being an artist is a concept that doesn’t always follow a predictable pattern. All artists are different and approach their practice differently. I think non- creatives don’t realize how much time and effort goes into planning and executing a painting. The process of turning ideas into images feels like alchemy sometimes. We could be sitting on an idea for years before it ‘clicks’ on how to bring it to life on the canvas. Also, the intrinsic emotional investment in each creation, our work is an extension of ourselves – our thoughts, feelings, and experiences woven into every piece, can be lost in translation.
The ever elusive process of gaining inspiration might be puzzling to those outside the realm of creativity. For some, inspiration can be sparked by nostalgia, the most mundane of experiences, a fleeting moment, a conversation, or even a vivid dream. Ultimately, being a creative is a way of life that encompasses passion, vulnerability, and the pursuit of self-expression. Non-creatives might struggle to understand the process of creation itself is a journey of personal exploration and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.EmilyBertucci.com
- Instagram: @emily.bertucci
- Facebook: Emily Bertucci