About Emma K. McDonnell
Hello, thanks for visiting my website!
I'm a visual artist based in Maryland, USA with a background in the performing arts. Primarily I work with traditional media, bold colors, and delicate mark-making to create small-scale, intimate illustrations inspired by art history, folk art, dreams, and the natural world. Some of my other interests include horror media, new wave/post punk music, and trying to keep my houseplants alive.
Examples of my commissioned illustration and design work include posters, album covers, concept artwork, logos, etc. for clients such as Third Rail Projects, PigPen Theatre Co., Shelter Film, Arts Collective @ Howard Community College, and more.
Currently I'm interested in experimenting with translating my work into other more tactile, process-driven mediums. Keep an eye on my socials for updates.
You can find more of my work, sketchbook pages, and other projects on Instagram @ekm.on.paper
Exhibitions
+ "Technicolor Familiar" | Aug - Nov, 2021 | Richard B. Talkin Family Art Gallery, Columbia, MD
+ "The End is Nigh" Group Exhibition | Oct - Nov, 2021 | Light Grey Art Lab, Minneapolis, MN
Education
+ BFA in Illustration, The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University | Boston, MA | 2011
+ AA in Studio Art, Howard Community College | Columbia, MD | 2008
"In The Spotlight" Interview
Nov 18, 2020
I was graciously invited to talk with Janelle Broderick, Director of the Horowitz Visual & Performing Arts Center, about my Fall 2020 virtual exhibition, "Technicolor Familiar". We chatted about art school, the creative process, and the inspiration behind the exhibition.