Meet the Team: Emily Schuyler, Specialist, Indigenous London Arts

Emily is a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She holds a certificate and an advanced diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe college, and a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She creates mixed-media work that tells a narrative, giving the viewer intimate insight into her cultural traditions, personal stories, and lived experiences.

Meet Emily Schuyler

Emily is a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. She holds a certificate and advanced diploma in Fine Arts from Fanshawe college, and a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Emily creates mixed-media work that explores themes of identity and memory, by combining her cultural teachings, knowledge, and her experience as an Indigenous person living in the twenty first century using both traditional and contemporary methods of art making. 

---

Ask Me Anything - with Emily Schuyler

Who is someone you admire and why?

The person I admire most is my mom. Her strength, patience, and wisdom have shaped me in more ways than I can count. I truly wouldn't be the person I am today without her guidance and example. She's been my biggest supporter and my most honest teacher, always encouraging me to speak up and stand tall. I know my voice wouldn’t carry the same weight or depth if it weren’t for the lessons she’s passed down and the way she’s lived her life. She inspires me every day to lead with heart and to never take my voice for granted.

What is your artistic background?

I’m a visual artist who likes to try a bit of everything. I’ve always been drawn to experimenting with different mediums and seeing where they take me. I went to school for Studio Arts, which gave me a solid foundation in a lot of different areas. Along the way, I ended up focusing on jewelry making and left with an emphasis in that. Working with my hands and getting into the details of metalwork really influenced how I think about art and creativity overall.

What is your personal motto?

My personal motto is “do good.” I often feel pressure to do something big or to be perfect, to make a major impact or change the world. But this motto reminds me that it’s okay to take a step back. Just doing good, being kind, showing up, making honest choices, is enough. It helps me stay grounded and reminds me that even small actions can matter.

Name some favourite films/albums/works of art/pieces of literature.

My favorite movie is Dance Me Outside, it was one of the first times I saw media that felt relatable to me. It also gave me my first crush on Michael Greyeyes, so it holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons. For music, I always go back to Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance. It’s intense, emotional, and full of energy. A painting that’s always stuck with me is Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya—it’s dark, powerful, and unforgettable. As for books, The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin is a favourite. Her take on reality and power is brilliant and still feels relevant today.