Emma Straka – WMU Student Exhibit
Artist Statement
“Grief is a language without words, but art helps me speak it. I explore themes of grief and emotional healing. My art is a therapeutic journey for me, helping me process and navigate loss and difficult experiences. After losing my mother, I turned to painting to work through my grief, taking emotions that were too large for words and rendering them to something tangible. My work is a result of having experienced loss of myself and seeking healing.
I use texture, color, and form to express emotions that are often difficult to put into words. By embracing the theme of vulnerability, I hope to create a shared space where viewers can reflect on their own experiences and find a sense of comfort or understanding. Emotions, even painful ones, are a vital part of healing. Art can create a bridge between isolation and connection, allowing people to confront their feelings in a safe space. When we allow ourselves to feel, we allow ourselves to process, to understand, and ultimately, to heal.
Art heals, not by taking away pain, but by giving it form and the capacity to be seen. I create to welcome emotional connection, so others feel less alone in their pain. I believe that by acknowledging our deepest wounds, we also discover our greatest strength.”
Venues
