Monica is an emerging multidisciplinary artist living and working in Los Angeles.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Monica is a self-taught artist who has always used artistic expression as a way to play. She was encouraged at an early age to explore various mediums from charcoal to clay. She has lived in urban environments her entire life, from Baltimore City to New York City to Los Angeles. It wasn’t until 2020 when her desire to explore the vastness of nature emerged and became a driving force behind her artistic journey.
Her work consists of carefully composed pieces that invite the viewer to contemplate the complexity of the natural world. Her processes depend on the environment but she often times paints en plein air rather than a studio. This allows her to embrace textures from nature in her pieces such as clay, cement, sand and rock. When in the city her abstract work plays off simplified shapes of skylines and buildings. Color plays a big role in all her work, invoking an attentive and meditative experience.
Overall, Monica’s artwork serves as a reminder that, despite the stark differences between urban and natural settings, there exists a profound interconnectedness—a delicate balance that underscores the beauty and complexity of the world we inhabit. The themes are informed by a deep concern for the environment and the ways in which human activity is impacting the landscapes around us.
She aims to encourage a greater appreciation and understanding of our natural world, as well as to inspire action and advocacy. Whether through photography, mixed media, or other forms of creative expression, she’s committed to exploring the intersection of art and the environment, and to using the work as a tool for change and transformation.
Ultimately, each piece is meant to create a beautiful homage to Mother Earth.
All images © Monica Emmons 2024