Emily Ehmer

Street Guide
oil, map fragments on masonite
18 x 24 in.

Latitude: 39 44 N
watercolor, gouache, pencil on paper
18 x 24 in.

My interest in maps began several months ago when painting a portrait of a man who traveled around the world on three different occasions. Since the, I’ve used both real and imagined maps to establish a sense of time, document a place or
create atmosphere for the subjects of my paintings.

Map fragments incorporated with figures may add a dose of humor or generate interest in the locale or geography of the setting. Some of the imaginary maps I’ve used can also stir foreboding or intrigue about where this particular wandered is traveling.

I see these ideas as part of my journey as an artist documenting where I’ve been, where I am and where I am going.

© Emily Ehmer