Meet Emily Sides, Freelance Interdisciplinary Artist in North Texas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Sides.

Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am an interdisciplinary artist who focuses on self-realization, self-actualization, and self-awareness through the use of non-traditional materials such as noble gases, various acrylics, and mirrors. By focusing on these societal aspects, my work attempts to break the fourth wall between the audience and myself, standing between the knowledge of what my piece is and the conjecture of what it could be. I also have an interest in how contemporary technology can affect the construction of my works, leading to the creation of various projects using CNC routers, laser cutting, and noble gases

I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Sculpture in 2018 from the University of North Texas and a pre-Masters certification in Architecture from Columbia University, New York, NY in 2017.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Art has been far from a smooth road for me…
When I arrived at The University of North Texas in 2014 to study visual arts, I had no idea what I wanted to do with this particular degree. I knew that I loved art and it was the only thing I was passionate enough about to commit to higher education.

For the first two and a half years of my undergrad degree, I was required to take courses that did not appeal to my liking in the slightest. Going into junior year, I actually had moments of doubt – leading to me almost wanting to drop out. I knew that there was always something I wanted beyond the average form of art, ceramics, metalsmithing, carpentry, etc. and it was not until late 2016 that I found my niche; neon.

Please tell us about Emily Sides Freelance Interdisciplinary Artist.
My works specialize in neon; noble gases, the use of mirrors, and various acrylics. When delving into the specifics of my works, I am most proud of the fact I developed this skill beyond what was provided to me in school.

My first experience experimenting with neon started in a garage in Arlington, Texas and has just grown from there. A gentleman named Chris Strong was referred to me by a colleague, as I was in search for getting a repair for a neon part I previously owned. Mr. Strong took me in as his own and not only repaired my broken neon but taught me the processes of neon — far beyond the scope of what was provided at UNT (there is no neon specialty at UNT).

Since Mr. Strong and I have continued to work and collaborate together.
Pushing the bounds and experimenting with color, shape, and materiality.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is spending the nights with my grandmother, watching scary movies as she made my favorite sirloin steak.

Contact Info:

• Website: emilysides.com
• Phone: 8326286670
• Instagram: emsides

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