About

Emma Childress, also known as Emma Rae, is an artist dedicated to sustainable textiles, focusing on repurposing second-hand materials. She envisions a future with minimal textile waste. Her sewing journey began in the spring of 2020 during the pandemic, when she taught herself to sew and started upcycling garments from her great-grandmother's wardrobe. Alongside her textile work, Emma is passionate about 35mm film photography, which she enjoys as a hobby. She finds beauty in the analog process, embracing the nostalgia and imperfections that come with vintage photography. This love for everything vintage—whether in film or fabric—deeply influences her creative approach.

In the fall of 2023, Emma earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Textiles and Surface Design. Much of her inspiration comes from nature, and she believes there's a strong connection between upcycling and the natural world. She is also inspired by the aesthetics and designs of the 1960s and 1970s, blending these influences into both her textile work and photography. Emma's creations exemplify her commitment to blending sustainability with artistic expression, capturing the essence of a time past while looking forward to a sustainable future.