Emma Rach-Syslak, 24 CALGARY, CANADA
Style & Inspirations: For me, drawing is the most important part of any painting, meaning I am very line based and start many works this way. I am inspired by the countless ways Old Masters use different techniques, textures and patterns. I am especially drawn to painters like Edgar Maxence, Jules Bastien-LePage and contemporary artists, such as Alex Venezia, who have tight brushwork yet they still manage to create softness and a great sense of space in their works.
Art Education: I graduated from the Florence Academy of Art in 2022 with a three-year certificate in drawing and painting.
Best Art Advice Received: Paint your best, enjoy and perfect your craft. Create not because you have to, but because you can.
Favorite Studio Music: I love this question as I believe music can influence one’s creative space and subconsciously influence works on the easel…My current playlist includes songs by Nicolas Godin, Jasmine Myra and Vangelis.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: I am inspired by so many artists: Ilya Repin’s Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom is a work that inspires viewers into a mystical world; Andrew Wyeth’s Helga pictures are incredible, and how he handles light on the most delicate strands of hair is mesmerizing; and Maxfield Parrish’s THE Lantern Bearers has a mood to it that is whimsical but serene. Each painting offers an emotional connection that I aspire to convey in my own art.
Artistic Goals: At this stage in my career, I want to paint, learn and experiment as much as possible to further my craft. As part of that process, it is a goal of mine to travel and paint new places and faces. My goal would be to do a huge multi-figure work that would hang in a museum one day.
Other Passions: Music is my other passion. I come from a musical family and play the flute. Like art, music is a universal language in which emotion and technicality are expressed. I am constantly finding connections between these two worlds.
contact info: emmarachsyslak.comrepresentation: James Baird Gallery, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadaprice range: $300-$8,000
Included in “21 Under 31 | Young Artists to Watch – 2025” from the August/September 2025 issue.
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