about the artist

B I O :

Emily Christine Matei (b. 1996) creates mixed-media and oil paintings inspired by the created world and the desire humans have to make something lasting in this fleeting world. Her Christian faith is what grounds her and she approaches the creative process as a practice of surrender, patience and gratitude for the life she has been gifted with.

She grew up painting and drawing, got her Associate's in Dental hygiene in 2018, and then transitioned to full-time art in 2026.

S T A T E M E N T :

I love how color changes the feeling in a room. How it can remind us of places, people, and moments in life. I paint impressionistically because the process allows me to approach creativity with some structure while still allowing freedom for interpretation. I'm drawn to the balance between freedom and structure, and how working within certain boundaries can actually create more room for creativity and growth.

Freedom and intention. My studio is where I balance two sides of myself. Pushing myself to try new things and gleaning from what I've learned in the past.

My Christian faith is what quietly shapes every part of my process. I believe creativity is a gift from God, and I'm grateful and aware of the burden of stewarding the gifts I've been given. I've learned that taking a step back, slowing down, and noticing the daily beauty of life are all gifts we have access to. Those moments continue to teach me to let go of control and trust God in both my work and my life.

Art is a way to interact with the world around me. I used to not know myself or where my place was in the world. I grew up being told I was creative but I didn't want to be put in a box. Even so, eventually art is what I always come back to. I think it's because everyone on this earth has a need to create something, wether that's a home, a community or friend group, writing a book, an idea. We are here to create. To work with our hands and make something beautiful and build up the people around us. That is what I believe, that Jesus gave us the gift of life so that we can reach out to a dark, dying world and shine light into the darkness. This is my little way of doing that. Through color, through texture, through my lens. And I hope to do that to the best of my ability all for His glory.

Thanks for stopping by, have a look around, and don't forget to find some joy in today:)