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Vicky Emptage: Artistic Dreamer

© Lauri Jean Crowe

A few months ago my mother came home with The Illustrated Dream Dictionary authored by Russell Grant and published by Sterling Publishing Company in 1996. Although I found the text somewhat lacking, with pat advice and standardized dream interpretations, the book held some gorgeous illustrations by a woman named Vicky Emptage.

Recently I had the pleasure of a series of email interviews with Vicky Emptage, an artist who crafts her dreams into tactile images in waking reality. When I asked her about the influence of dreams on her work Emptage responded, "For many years my illustrations have had a dream- like, floating quality. This is partly due to my personal interest in dreams and their significance both visually and psychologically and partly due to the influences of artists such as Chagall who were also interested in the subconscious and symbolism. In my work I have aimed to mix the real and the unreal with my use of colour and distortions of perspective and gravity. I am fascinated by symbols in life and art and have always been aware of my own dreams with this in mind."

The influence of Chagall can definitely be seen in the illustrations in Grant's book. Asked what inspired her in illustrating the text Emptage stated, "I have researched symbolism and it's history in its many forms for several illustration projects...the illustrations for the Dream Dictionary were arrived at through discussions with Russell Grant and the art director Carolyn Price and were intended to give an overall feel rather than refer to particular items. I aimed to give them a surreal atmosphere and to use symbols associated with different aspects of dreaming and the subconscious mind."

In addition to her work with Grant, Emptage has stock pieces available through the Stock Illustration Source which has offices in New York, London and the whole of Europe. Additionally she has representation in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Here is a woman who has definitely put her training at Brighton and Middlesex Universities to use, and who's making her degree in Graphic Design an effective tool for expression of her dreams and creativity.

Should anyone wish to contact Emptage regarding her work, she has graciously offered the following contact information: Vicky Emptage, 31 Landells Road, East Dulwich, London, SE 22 9PG. UK. Emptage can also be contacted via telephone (o) 181 693 4303 or email at vicky.emptage@btiniternet.com and welcomes contact from anyone interested in her creative processes.

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