Emma Jean Wilkins was born and raised on the coast of Southern California before relocating to the mountains of Utah County in her teens. During her time there she fell in love with the shocking change of landscape and developed her passion for the fine arts. She wasn’t from an “artistic” family but a “crafty” one that taught her a good sense of design, color, and an “I can do it” attitude. Emma continued her schooling by earning her BFA degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2020.
After college, Emma desired to be a part of the Utah art scene and moved back. She works for Sentient Academy and the Springville Museum of Art. Emma spends her free time being out in nature, exploring new places, reading novels for her book club, being a plant mom, writing secret Yelp reviews, and baking her heart out.

Artist Statement

I am an artist that is filled with an overwhelming sense of awe for my natural surroundings. I believe that there is something greater that enables me to touch hearts and minds. Through my paintings, I hope to call my viewer’s attention to the examples of the ultimate creator. I strive to study and observe from life as much as I can. That's where the real joy of painting is found.

Every day I walk outside, I look for connections and see the beauty of the earth. In my work, I look to connect with the divine and the viewer. As I come to understand the land more I find myself more able to understand God’s hand in my life. So often we overlook the value of the natural world but it’s one way I stand in holy places. Whether the viewer believes in Christ or not, I want to be a champion of beauty and a source of contemplation.