Emily Lynn Perelman is one of thirteen artists selected as a Gallery 263 Small Works Project artist. This project presents artwork in flat files at the gallery and on our website. Visit Perelman’s Small Works Project page →
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Somerville. Originally from South Florida, I traveled up here to attend Boston University. In my free time you’ll find me biking around the city, hanging out at green spaces, and spending time with my roomate’s pet pigeon
What kind of art do you make?
Most of my work has a surreal and psychedelic quality. I use a visual language of swirling shapes, bright colors, and symmetrical forms.
What concepts does your art explore?
My art explores concepts like grappling with how one’s inner world informs experience and perception. I like to imagine the work I create as straddling the mental states of being mindful and letting the mind wander.
Can you tell us about the work you have on view in your flat file drawer at the gallery?
Much of my work in the flat file drawer are prints that I created while taking classes at BU’s Printmaking studio. These were my first experiences practicing monotype and etching. I had always been drawn to printmaking but being in a studio setting opened my eyes to how wonderful printmaking can be.
Where do you make your work?
Lately my “studio” has become interchangeable with my bedroom and the open spaces in my apartment. Sometimes I feel like I’m constantly creating miniinstallations in my room as I take on new projects.
What are your favorite materials to use? Most unusual?
I teach a class to younger students at the Brookline Arts Center and love working on experimental printmaking projects with them! We often work with discarded materials to make little stamps or printmaking plates out of bubble wrap, cardboard, foam, or organic materials.
What historical and contemporary artists inspire you?
Some of my favorite artists are surrealists such as Dali or Frida Kahlo. Illogical fantastical imagery never fails to make me feel inspired. These days I’m drawn to a lot of contemporary tattoo artists such as Kira Buro and Patrick Edell.
When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?
From a really young age I recognized that art was something I would continue to do for the rest of my life. I don’t think I really allowed myself to believe I could actually be an artist until I was going through college and being exposed to more creative pursuits.