Emerald Skye

Artist Statement

My name is Emerald Skye, and I am a digital illustration artist whose work is inspired by interpersonal thoughts, feelings, shadows, and demons, exploring how these elements juxtapose to reveal the beauty within complexities. My work faces aspects of self we often deem as negative in efforts to lead to radical self acceptance of who we are in the present, make amends with our past and embody with our higher selves. We need to learn how to be unafraid to be acquainted with our demons. In doing so they don’t appear as powerful and all encompassing as they used to. They have become something to nurture because they are what makes up our spirits in this lifetime. I express this philosophy through my personal artistic style, creating surreal and intricate works that encourage viewers to delve deeper into the details to grasp the larger narrative.
My process often starts with an internal conflict or a learned life lesson I want to reflect upon. I then write down how I am feeling, sketch ideas, take reference photos and the imagery comes to me. The artwork becomes a journal entry and an intimate invitation to my mind's eye. I enjoy blending elements such as graffiti, harsh lines, industrial spaces and combining them with soft aspects of nature, most often water and the ocean. I always felt the most alive and inspired when I’m surrounded by her. Growing up in Hawaii and having periods of my life painting on the beach everyday has really spoiled me as I've gotten to connect and heal through her energy. For me art has always helped me process my life experiences and emotions often when I felt lonely and had no one to talk to especially in my teenage years. I am not someone who wants to repeat the lessons I’ve learned from. I feel my artwork helps me to fully process them so that way I can close out these chapters in my life and be open to receive what experiences and growth is next for me.

Biography

Emerald Skye is a digital illustrator from Oahu, Hawaii, who began freelancing in 2020. She recently completed an internship and designed at a local fashion house in Barcelona, Spain, before returning to Eugene to finish her studies at the University of Oregon. Her work includes two solo exhibitions on campus and commissioned murals in Oregon and Barcelona. Emerald has been featured in "Lesbians are Miracles" magazine and in an article on bowiecreators.com for her art series on Love Languages. For those interested can learn more about Emerald Skye through her website https://emeraldskye.squarespace.com/

Metro For Your Thoughts 2024 Digital 5100 x 6600px

Confrontations 2024 Digital 3500px x 5000px

Take Me Back to the Ocean 2024 Digital 5,000px x 7000px

Barcelona 2024 Digital 3475px x 5000px

Get Out of My Head 2023 Digital 4498px 6000