ArtNook: Cultural Landscape Series by Nicholas Emery

This season we have the pleasure of hosting work by Nicholas Emery, an artist based out of Nederland and Denver. Emery’s current “Cultural Landscape Series” explores the liminal spaces of industrial America, where urban adjoins rural landscape.

One aspect of Emery’s exploration of these spaces (including factories, fuel refineries, energy and transportation infrastructure, etc.) is their apparent “ugliness.” Emery described photographing an oil refinery, from a distance, only to be confronted by security. These spaces are not “meant to be seen,” much less appreciated aesthetically. This paradox is a source of inspiration to the artist — how something “invisible” can also overpower the surrounding landscape and environment.

Appropriately, Emery’s studio space is located beyond a stretch of junkyard at GRACe (Globeville Riverfront Art Center).  Following the trail of 60’s fluorescent signs and disused industrial kitchen equipment, I met up with Nicholas for a tour of GRACe and his individual studio space. GRACe is home to a vibrant community of artists in all mediums.  Part of the RiNo Art District, GRACe holds open studios on First Fridays.

We were also able to visit a newly opened co-working space, Tradecraft.  Emery currently has two expansive paintings on display at Tradecraft.

To find out more about Nicholas Emery, visit his website, or email our studio.

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