We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emma Bandos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emma below.
Emma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
In my recent ArtPrize exhibit titled “Endangered Species,” I showcased my first solo piece—a 6 x 6 foot wire sculpture. This portrays 10 endangered species in a mandala formation, all converging around a central eye. The mandala signifies our interconnectedness with these animals. Crafted as a flat sculpture, it reveals the array of animals when viewed head-on, but from the side, they vanish, echoing the potential peril these species face.
This artwork serves as a call to action. It emphasizes the impending fate of these species without intervention. Advocating for wildlife has always been my passion, and through this piece, I merge my love for art and nature to spotlight the urgent need for their preservation.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Growing up with a passion for art, I always looked forward to artistic opportunities in school to use as an outlet for me to express my feelings. One of my first childhood memories was being scared to stay at school in the morning, so my dad sat with me and we drew pictures of cats. I remember thinking how good his drawing was and wishing that I could draw that well too. Creating these drawings helped me feel more comfortable in the new surroundings. My high school art teachers inspired and encouraged me to create work that was meaningful to me. It was in these classes where I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in art, so I was involved in as many artistic opportunities as I could. This was whether it was taking advanced art courses, developing artistic research projects or studying different artistic careers.
Following high school, I went to Western Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Art Education with an Emphasis in Photography. I create work in a variety of media and like to change up what I create. I choose the media depending on the meaning or message being conveyed in the work. I also love to utilize bright, bold colors and to add a bit of whimsy to my creations.
In 2020 I decided to follow my passion and make my dream a reality and created Quirk. I always try to create something new and unique. I define both my art and myself as quirky, which is where the name Quirk comes from. Every piece is infused with dedication and passion, a testament to my continuous pursuit of creating art I’m proud to share.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2019 I had planned and applied to various art shows and fairs. When the events were all unexpectedly canceled, I pivoted and created an online platform to showcase my work. Not only did I venture into crafting larger-scale artwork, but I also actively engaged in online art showcases to adapt and continue sharing my creations with a wider audience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My continual goal is to create work that resonates with my inner self to bring a feeling of joy and satisfaction. Using vibrant, lively colors and intricate designs, my creations enhance my personal perspective but also add beauty to the world. By combining personal meanings with connections in my work, I aim to enrich my artistic expressions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.quirkcreation.com
- Instagram: @quirkcreation