Self Explorations of Identity Online Exhibition
  • Intro
  • Exhibition
    • Installation Images
    • Fidalis Buehler
    • Caitlin Connolly
    • Brian Kershisnik
    • Randall Lake
    • Emily McPhie
    • Ryan Moffett
    • Elizabeth Sanchez
    • Mary Sauer
    • Michelle Franzoni Thorley
  • Interactives
    • Comment Book
    • "I AM" Interactive
  • Resources

Emily McPhie


Picture
EMILY McPHIE
Always Nearby  2016
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist

This self portrait of the artist examines our life on this earth. We are born into this world with demons in tow; they continually express themselves through our weaknesses, challenges, trials, and sorrows. However, through hard times we are not left alone. McPhie shares a scripture, “…My spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” (D&C 84:88)
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Have you felt comfort from a higher power during a time of need? How can we be angels for those around us?




Picture
EMILY McPHIE
Two Travelers  2012
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist
​
McPhie, inspired by the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm, and by parables in the Bible, paints a tale about a tailor and a shoemaker, each representing a side of one’s self. Each woman shows conflicting qualities of jealousy and generosity, of compassion and greed, of honesty and denial in their hearts and their heads. This tale shows us that what is in your heart leads to actions that determine your fate. The moral of the story is: “Wickedness, which never was happiness, is a lonely place; in contrast, goodness connects you to others who surround you with love and energy.”

​Do you believe in karma, fate, or destiny? In what ways are you alike and different from these characters?




Picture
EMILY McPHIE
One Heart Two Minds  2019
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist
​
Have you ever known in your heart what you had to do about something, but didn’t know the best way to do it?
This painting shows two girls, separate in some ways but connected in others. Oftentimes our heart tells us one thing, our minds another. The ultimate goal is to feel complete; to do that, the heart and the minds must unite.
​
What helps you align your differences? What makes you feel complete?




Picture
EMILY McPHIE
That One is not Mine  2019
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist

We all battle demons—some that are ours and some that are not. Unintentionally, we may have to deal with demons that come from those that are closest to us.
​
What demons have you dealt with? How do we reconcile these demons and support the ones we love?





Picture
EMILY McPHIE
Two Sisters  2009
oil on board
 Courtesy of the Artist

This painting shows two versions of the artist that she calls “me-self” and “mother-self.” One wears a drab apron and a bright outfit; the other wears the opposite. Which side do you think is the “me-self?” Which side is the “mother-self?” Although these two selves are intertwined, there is sometimes a need to separate them in order to define ourselves and remember our purpose.
​
What can you do to keep from losing yourself in all of the responsibilities you have in your life?






Picture
EMILY McPHIE
Introspection  2019
oil on board
Courtesy of the Artist

 We all have inward and outward aspects of our identities. We are born into a culture where  finding balance can be a lifelong challenge. The artist uses the eyepatch in this painting as a tool to observe one’s own mind and emotional processes. Emotional intelligence requires being honest with yourself in order to align the inner and outer selves. While we look inward and outward at the same time, we recognize that we are not beings of this world, but of a spiritual one, having this physical experience together.

​ How do you find balance with different aspects of your identity? What tools do you use to help you find balance?








Picture
EMILY McPHIE
In My Garden - One  2009
oil on panel
Courtesy of the Artist

EMILY McPHIE
In My Garden - Four  2009
oil on board
 Courtesy of the Artist

These two paintings show the change and progression from childhood to adulthood, and the connection that a mother or parent has with their children. The strings symbolize the connection with the child and the life lessons that need to be taught and learned along the way. Growing up is a long and complex process of cutting, untangling, reattaching, and untangling again. You begin with thousands of strings, some will be cut, some will remain forever—especially the ones connected to the heart.
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What is your untangling process? Which strings stay?




Picture

Slideshow:
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  • Intro
  • Exhibition
    • Installation Images
    • Fidalis Buehler
    • Caitlin Connolly
    • Brian Kershisnik
    • Randall Lake
    • Emily McPhie
    • Ryan Moffett
    • Elizabeth Sanchez
    • Mary Sauer
    • Michelle Franzoni Thorley
  • Interactives
    • Comment Book
    • "I AM" Interactive
  • Resources