Mark-making and texture have always been central to my artistic practice, serving as

both a creative expression and a meditative practice. The repetitive act of creating

intricate details, often in the form of fur, became a therapeutic ritual for me during times

of stress. This body of work began as an exploration of letting go—abandoning the

pursuit of perfect, realistic wildlife portraits in favor of embracing the calming “doodles”

that I would instinctively create. My goal was to create a surreal and abstract world of

"fur creatures," inspired by my deep connection to the natural world.

As I developed this series, a significant life event shifted its direction, leading to the

most personal work I've ever created. I began to merge my abstract, nature-inspired

illustrations with emotion drawings and emotions tracking,—a process that helped me

navigate the profound and sudden changes in my life. This fusion resulted in a mythical

world of “fur creatures” with greater depth and meaning.

Emotions are not exclusive to humans; they permeate the natural world in ways that are

both subtle and profound. Flora and fauna each express emotions in their own unique

ways, reflecting the complex emotional landscapes we often attribute solely to

ourselves. Plants that have stunted growth from stress or release pheromones when

damaged, insects that learn behaviors from pleasure or pain, crows remembering when

you have done them wrong, frantic gosling parents trying to save their chick that was hit

by a car, or your dog being excited for you to come home. All of these examples speak

to a shared emotional experience of the world, and how different species use their

emotions to help them navigate it. This is something I kept in mind while I surrounded

myself with nature to help me navigate my new life trajectory.

For me, this process has been a form of art therapy—a way to process my emotions,

understand them better, and draw joy from nature. While I do not wish the emotional

turmoil I have faced upon anyone, I do hope you find a personal connection to these

pieces. My hope is that you leave this exhibition feeling seen, understanding that you

are not alone in your experiences. While each journey is unique, our emotions connect

us all.

Harry Wood Gallery
Art Building - ASU Tempe
900 S. Forest Mall,
Tempe AZ 85281

Opening Night: January 23rd, 6-8pm.
Show Runs: January 22nd -Feb 2nd. 
Gallery Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri. 

Polyflora: Emily Ritter
Polyflora is an exploration of a possible future where plastics have fused with organic matter, creating hybrid species that have replaced the life we know today. This new environment embodies the planet’s rebirth from ecological distress. Ritter’s thesis exhibition focuses on the movement, shape, and substance of the soft plastics that have become so ubiquitous in our environment. By creating beautiful, highly detailed forms that mimic plants from this discarded material, she brings attention to the impact of consumption, waste and its toxicity to our environment.