Emily Rolen is an abstract artist living in Reston, Virginia and a transplant from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She's been in love with making art since she was a tiny child, obsessed with pastels and patterns.  

Her work is defined by the organic, almost topographical use of bold shapes and thick textures.  The feel of familiar shapes and rich colors may draw you to bustling Dupont Circle; with the tearing storm of fine linen, cuff links, and the political elite. The architectural silhouettes give way to warm, open spaces; perhaps a cosmic or fantasy scene in some far away place.

She takes her inspiration from the contrast that is life in the city.  There are the visuals of powerful institutions and enforcers controlling the flow of movement, contrasted against the everyday chaos of swelling crowds, rushing traffic, and tiny actions that together create a whirling disorder. 

Her recent works play on the tension between the control of shapes and boundaries, and the chaos of spilling color.  This direction allows her to work through and express her personal feelings on the chaos of life pushing against the control of self imposed restraints; routines, and boundaries to individuality.