March 10, 2025

Artist Spotlight | Emily Meisler

Emily Meisler is a sculpture artist working in metal, ceramics, and mixed media who creates work informed by naturally occurring patterns and shapes. She received a B.A. in Studio Art and a B.S. in Psychology from the College of Charleston and an M.F.A. with a concentration in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute.

Her work has been in exhibitions nationally and she has work in private collections internationally. Currently, she lives in Birmingham, AL and is focusing on a series of sculptures that explore and abstract organic forms in nature.

Miller Gallery: Can you tell us about your creative process and how a sculpture begins? 

Emily Meisler: Each sculpture begins as a loose sketch, inspired by the shapes and organic forms I encounter while exploring my surroundings. I am constantly observing the natural world—studying the way lines flow through leaves, how roots twist beneath the earth, and how patterns emerge in unexpected places. These discoveries serve as the foundation for my work, guiding the overall structure while allowing room for spontaneity. I then begin forming the sculpture, shaping and refining the clay as I work my way to the top. The process is fluid and intuitive, with each adjustment influencing the next. I try to capture a sense of movement in every form, as if the sculpture is constantly evolving.

MG: What is your favorite tool to use in the studio?

EM: When i'm working with clay, I use my wooden modeling tool more than anything else. It’s what I use to blend pieces of clay together, smooth out imperfections, add texture, and so much more. I’ve had the same one for years and can’t go without it!

MG: Could you tell us about this new series and if any specific sources of inspiration influenced this new work?

EM: This collection was a lot of fun to put together. I wanted to explore form and shape, and really push the limits of the clay to create new and interesting pieces. My work has always been heavily focused on shape, so finishing each sculpture in a neutral glaze or leaving them unglazed works to emphasize the overall structure of each sculpture. Most of my inspiration comes from spending time outdoors, immersed in nature. I’m constantly searching for interesting shapes and patterns and by studying these natural elements, I’m able to understand the underlying structures found within plants and nature and use them as the building blocks for my work.

MG: You received B.A. in Studio Art and a B.S. in Psychology from the College of Charleston and an M.F.A. with a concentration in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute. Can you tell us if psychology plays a role in your art or your process?

EM: Psychology has surprisingly played a large role in my work. A main facet of psychology involves looking deeper and getting a better understanding of what is happening under the surface, which is something I constantly implement into my work.

MG: Do you have any exciting projects or features coming up that you would like to share with us?

EM: I’m so thrilled to be back at the Harding Art Show for my third year this May. This show is one of my favorite events to participate in and I always have such a great time seeing what other artists are creating and talking all things art.

I’m also looking forward to the trio exhibition at MG that I’m participating in, alongside Charlotte Filbert and Joshua Brown, this July! I love that the show is focused on “objects in a state of joyful motion” and I can’t wait to see how our different styles of art complement one another.

MG: Do you have any advice for new or emerging artists?

EM: Keep experimenting and don’t be afraid of failure! Whenever I get stuck in a rut or feel like I need a new challenge, I always try to make something out of my comfort zone. Whether it’s testing out a new material or creating unfamiliar forms that might collapse, I feel like I have to push myself without being afraid of the outcome. Even though there’s the chance something might not work out, this is usually when I make the most interesting work.

Thank you for tuning into our exclusive chat with Emily Meisler! You can explore more of her sculptures here. For any inquiries, please email info@themillergallery.com.