I've had the good fortune to get to know Emily Dingmann over the past couple of years. Our kids have been in school and camp together, we live not far from each other, and we have some fantastic mutual friends.

We also have some random things in common like Emily is from Cleveland and I lived there for almost 6 years as a music school. When she says she grew up at the Cleveland Museum of Art, I know just what she means. I lived only a few blocks away from it and it's magical.  

Last year, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase one of her paintings at the Arthritis Foundation's Bone Bash. It's proudly hung in the office here at the studio. Next time you're here, come see it! I love the abstract quality of her work and how she plays with tonality.  Emily also does a lot of commissioned work, so if you have a specific place for a painting and need something custom, give her a call!

 

Tell us about yourself!

I am a Houston-based visual artist whose artwork searches for spontaneous peace in an impatient world. My work illustrates the contrast between the urban concrete world and the meditation found within painting. My work has been exhibited in the Silos at Sawyer Yards, Momentum and Winter Street Gallery. I received my bachelor’s of fine arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York and was part of the Mentorship Program with Yancey Richardson. I’ve recently served as curator and exhibitions coordinator at Winter Street Studios and was a council member of Sawyer Yards.

I’ve been an artist since I was very young, my grandmother was an artist and I practically grew up at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I always knew I was a bit different and art school in New York was the perfect place to channel those eccentricities! Since then, having a career in the arts has been enriching and exciting. It’s a path filled with characters and experiences that light up my life – and make it special.

 

How has COVID-19 affected you?

As an artist, I feel well-equipped to handle times of isolation and stress so, this experience has been easier on me than others. I'm already used to spending time alone in my studio, intensely working. These days I'm focused more on two kids and what I can create for dinner but, thankfully the skills translate! 

 

What have you enjoyed about this time home with family?

This has been a time for us to slow down and spend time together in a real way. I hadn't realized how busy we were until now! I'm grateful for the ability to be close to my husband and two children but, I'm also a little jealous of people without kids right now! 

 

How did you get started doing what you do?

I’ve been an artist since I was very young, my grandmother was an artist and I practically grew up at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I always knew I was a bit different and art school in New York was the perfect place to channel those eccentricities! Since then, having a career in the arts has been enriching and exciting. It’s a path filled with characters and experiences that light up my life – and make it special. 

  

What is your most-used emoji?

Lately, the fingers crossed emoji, there’s a lot of ‘hopefully’ texts during this time.

 

What was the worst haircut you ever had? 

In elementary school I got a very unflattering haircut that made me look like Vanilla Ice – no joke - not great look for a 12-year-old girl.

 

Who was your childhood actor/actress crush? 

I loved Val Kilmer in Tombstone. Yes, even though he had tuberculosis. I’ve always had eclectic taste.

 

What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?

Do you remember the trend of being super tan all the time around 2005? (Think Paris Hilton in low rider jeans). That is probably the worst look I rocked for a while – my sister had an intervention because I was too orange!

 

You have your own late-night talk show; who do you invite as your first guest?

Diplo. I’d hope for something crazy to happen.

 

 

If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you? 

It would need to be a comedy if they include my fake tan phase. Maybe Kate McKinnon? I’d hope for someone more attractive and funnier than me!

 

 

You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick? 

I try not to sing (I’m terrible) but, I will always put “Fat Bottom Girls” by Queen on every jukebox and playlist possible.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

My Grandfather told me very simply, “Just keep working on it and you’ll get there.” It’s applicable to everything in life – business, relationships and when you have to clean out your closet.

 

When you die, what do you want to be remembered for? 

Now that I have kids (two young boys) - I would say being a great mother, it would be nice not to mess them up too much.

 

 

What would the title of your autobiography be? 

“Fingers Crossed: How to live it up without a plan 🤞🏽.”

  

What was the worst job you ever had?

Oh boy, I was a nanny in NYC during college. There’s a real challenge. I once had a kid run away from me and I had to chase him down Broadway during rush hour.

 

 

Which band/artist-dead or alive would play at your funeral? 

Keith Richards. He would definitely make it interesting.

 

What’s your favorite place of all the places you’ve traveled that feels like home and is not where you currently live?

This little beach town called Placencia in Southern Belize, there’s an amazing reef and the water is this beautiful collage of colors. Those blues always end up in my artwork.

 

What’s one thing we don’t know about you?

I got married in the Rothko Chapel here in Houston. Rothko is my favorite artist and an obsession. Also, there’s no photography or filming allowed in the space, so the moment exists only as a memory. I think that is magical.

 

If you could choose any fictional character to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?

Jay Gatsby. I would love to go to a Gatsby party. Talk about a great time. But I’d leave before he got all weepy over Daisy.

 

 

If you could choose any person from history to be your imaginary friend, who would it be and why?

Cleopatra – I feel like she’d spill some tea and teach me some things.

 

 

What is your favorite curse word?

Sh*t. It’s versatile and not too offensive but still therapeutic.

 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

A DJ for sure - a good beat speaks to me and I’ve always wanted to be a rock star, but I can’t sing.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

On a beach with a cold drink and good friends.

 

 

What is your greatest fear?

Taking life too seriously! As an artist, I try to be introspective and sensitive for my work but, that can also lead me to over thinking things. So, I try to remember to go with the flow and enjoy the moment.