Rediscover. Recreate.
retrouver (verb) - to find (again) something that was once forgotten
Named after the French verb, “retrouver,” my art is a journey of rediscovery. My collages are a unique blend of the past and present, bringing vintage materials to life in playful, charming ways, inviting you to meet the past anew.
Meet Emily
Born and raised in the Mountain State, Emily is a collage artist based in Wheeling, West Virginia. Her art explores themes such as femininity, sexuality, identity, body image, and politics, free from the constraints of the male gaze. Her goal is to encourage viewers to challenge their beliefs, question traditional societal norms, and understand the importance of visual representation.
RIDE THE LIGHTNING: RECONSTRUCTING APPALACHIA (2025)
Reproduction of original collage
Printed locally in Wheeling, WV
Original collage created using upcycled magazine pages
This collage expresses my hope for the future of Appalachia. The title references the Metallica song about an innocent man dying by electric chair, while “reconstructing Appalachia” represents our community rebuilding after the many tragedies we’ve faced. As a whole, this title and collage represent how the region has suffered from poverty, the opioid epidemic, and health crises (among so many other tragedies) and how as a community we can fight for ourselves. The eye and lightning bolt, looming above the WV State Capitol building’s gold dome, are the central focus, symbolizing the Appalachian people - fearless, resilient, and always observing as one. The lightning bolt, as part of the eye, strikes the Capitol as a reminder of who truly holds the power: the Appalachian people.
How To Serve Men, 2024
8 x 10 inches
Reproduction of original collage
Original created using upcycled magazine pages
UNTITLED (URSULA WEAVE) (2026)
11×14
Reproduction of original collage
Printed locally in Wheeling, WV
Original collage created using upcycled magazine pages
A HOME OF HER OWN (2024)
10 x 10 inches
Reproduction of original work
Printed locally in Wheeling, WV
Original created using upcycled using magazine pages
This collage celebrates living life on one’s own terms and advocates for women escaping from societal constraints. The woman featured in the collage defies societal expectations by seeking solace (with her dog) in the cosmos and freeing herself from patriarchal dominance.
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