Statement: My artistic practice is rooted in the translation of the natural world, specifically botanical life, into vibrant, three-dimensional forms. Beginning with photography and live studies, I analyze my subjects to capture their organic essence, navigating the delicate balance between likeness and abstraction within the confines of sewn media.

My process relies on transforming flat planes into dynamic, volumetric structures. I develop technical patterns that serve as a blueprint, guiding the cutting, sewing, and stuffing of each element. Rather than replicating nature directly, I embrace a playful tension between the natural and the artificial. I construct a diverse vocabulary of shapes by pairing varying fabric textures, fashion textiles, glinting sequins, and holographic sheens to build up expansive soft sculptures and modular installations.

Drawing inspiration from the cheeky spirit of Pop Art and the allure of kitsch, I juxtapose familiar materials with hyper-synthetic finishes. The final works are designed to serve as a catalyst for wonder, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to engage with an exuberant, theatrical reimagining of the organic world.

Bio: Born in Denver and raised in Indianapolis, Emily Schnellbacher Bean is a Metro Detroit based artist specializing in expansive soft sculpture and modular installations. She earned a BFA in Painting, with minors in Art History and Psychology, from the Herron School of Art and Design in 2011. She went on to pursue an MFA in Visual Arts at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2013, where she transitioned her focus from painting to sewn media. Since 2017, Emily has lived and worked in Metro Detroit, building an imaginative series of works that celebrate the playful tension between nature and artifice.

Contact Info: emilyschnellbacher@gmail.com