Emily’s artistic focus lives primarily in painting and fiber arts, a pairing that reflects both her early education and her upbringing. In high school, she developed strong illustration skills through acrylic painting, while her childhood on a sheep farm in northern Indiana immersed her in a family tradition of knitting, weaving, felting, and fiber work. Surrounded by generations of women who worked with yarn, Emily sees fiber as both an inherited language and a natural extension of her creative voice.

Art has always been central to Emily’s emotional life. It is a way for her to process feelings, quiet her mind, and enter a flow state where time and internal noise fall away. Now working as a full-time artist, she describes this period as the most aligned she has ever felt. Art has become both her livelihood and her freedom, allowing her to build a life that feels deeply intentional.

Motivation comes from a mix of humor and honesty. Deadlines, financial responsibility, and a desire not to let others down all play a role, as does the occasional spark of panic when a deadline looms. Inspiration, however, is everywhere. Emily pulls from her own life and interests, scrolling Pinterest and TikTok, talking with other creative friends, trying new hobbies, and traveling to unfamiliar places. Her personal life is closely intertwined with her creative process, especially her relationship with Brock, who is her loudest supporter and a trusted source of feedback. When she needs fresh eyes after staring at a piece for too long, his honest perspective often helps her see what needs to change.

Emily’s process usually begins with collecting photo references, which she combines into a new composition. She digitally sketches her ideas in Procreate, then uses those drawings as references for her paintings. Depending on the piece, she may incorporate embroidery or collage elements to add texture and depth. Her favorite tools include Procreate, Liquitex paints, and an ever-growing collection of secondhand supplies sourced from thrift shops and Facebook Marketplace. She loves giving new life to materials that already have a history. While she is candid about not being the most technically skilled artist in every area, she approaches her work with self awareness, practicing where she can and creating within the boundaries of what she knows she can do well.

The themes in Emily’s work shift depending on the context. Murals are shaped by the vision of the client and the community they are meant to serve, while her fine art often explores feminism, vintage references, and bright, unapologetic color. Each body of work carries its own intention. Some pieces are meant to feel warm and inviting, while others are designed to challenge or provoke. At the core of it all, Emily hopes that viewers come away with a clearer sense of who she is and a curiosity to see more.

One of Emily’s proudest accomplishments to date is being selected for an artist residency with Westobou and GHIA. After years of applying for opportunities without expecting a response, the acceptance was a powerful affirmation of her growth. Like many artists, her early challenges were less about creativity and more about logistics. Navigating taxes, insurance, and legal requirements was overwhelming and emotional at times, but with the support of fellow small business owners, she learned by doing and pushed through.

Community plays a significant role in Emily’s life and work. Through social media marketing, she has built meaningful connections with artists across the country, while also developing a deeper love for Augusta, where creating art has given her a sense of belonging and investment in the city. She is also outspoken about issues she cares deeply about, particularly the use of generative AI in art. Emily believes AI undermines artistic integrity, relies on stolen work, and carries serious environmental costs. She is unapologetic in her stance that imperfect, human made art is always more valuable than AI generated images.

Emily is quick to acknowledge the people who have influenced her journey, including Ashley Rock, the Atlanta based photographer who first hired her, Heather Dunaway, who introduced her to the Arts Council, Becca Lane, a painter friend she met on TikTok who generously shares knowledge about E-commerce and prints, and Matt Porter of Westobou, who has consistently supported her work over the years.

Looking ahead, Emily is focused on growth at a larger scale. Many of her early goals, such as exhibiting in galleries, completing permanent murals, and traveling for work, have already been accomplished. Now, she hopes to take on larger projects, show her fine art in bigger galleries, expand her mural work into major cities, travel internationally, and explore the art market scene. Her current residency is a major focus, as she builds a substantial body of fine art and researches potential thesis directions that are already taking her in unexpected and exciting directions.

When asked what advice she would give to emerging artists, Emily encourages them to protect their creative confidence. If posting work online feels intimidating, she suggests blocking people from real life who might hold them back. She also emphasizes the importance of consuming culture in all its forms. Reading books, watching movies and television, listening to music and podcasts, and visiting museums all make artists better. Culture enriches art, and art enriches culture.

When she is not creating, she finds balance by spending time with animals, enjoying comedy, listening to Not Another DnD Podcast, watching Dropout, and relaxing with her big, happy, dumb boy, Tamale.

As our first Artist of the Month for 2026, Emily Bander represents the courage it takes to change direction, the value of community, and the power of making work that is honest, human, and unapologetically your own.