Emily - Drawing and Painting
Instagram - @emilyjcraig
How did you discover your love for screen printing/embroidery and creating?
As I discovered a deep love and sensitivity to nature, I found my love of art. Watching nature and her beauty inspired me to want to create. I found myself wanting to express my thoughts and emotions through art, and I noticed how beautifully the earth is able to do that through its ever-changing seasons and weather. My art is an expression of how I see her beauty and how it has inspired me to create. My love of art also came as I realized the power of art to express feelings and emotions I could not with words in the various seasons of my own life.
How long did it take you to feel confident in your skills?
My confidence in my skills came only when I decided the success of my personal brand of art was not dependent on the approval of others. I have an innate desire to create and express myself, but that doesn't mean all will view my art the same way, and feel about it as I do. I realized I wished to create art that spoke to people's souls and touched them in some way, but this may not always be the case and I must come to peace with that. Recognizing and coming to peace with this was a catalyst for improving my confidence in my own ability to create. It has removed a lot of fear. This realization which came in the last year has fueled me to feel confidence in my skills as I continue to learn and experiment with various styles.
Describe the process of creating a piece. Do you sketch out and plan designs or let them develop as you go?
Before I pick up a pen, I need to feel some sort of inspiration and this comes in many ways! It can be through interactions with someone who has a beautiful soul and inspiring thoughts, it can come through observing nature, reading poetry, or reflecting on my own life and emotions. Once I feel that spark of emotion that comes through these various avenues, I am ready to sketch out some idea and see what I feel inspired to create and express.
Do you ever have creative blocks? What do you do to work through them?
GAH. Creative blocks come ALL THE TIME. Especially in winter when I can’t go outside as freely or be in nature, and everything seems a little bleak. During times like these, I have to look for inspiration from other sources. Sometimes going to garden stores that I like so I can be around plants and beautiful things. It is also through talking to other artists and seeing their work that has helped me work through my creative blocks.
What is the biggest inspiration behind your artwork?
Honestly, my work is inspired by flowers, plants and mother earth. I have a deep love of flowers, and their symbolism - the pattern of nature, with its wilting and rooting, rising and blooming-- seasons which we all go through, all throughout our lives. This raw beauty of nature has inspired me to create pieces which have elements of plants, especially flowers and trees. I am currently working on a “flowers series” including tulips, daisies, and sunflowers. I just think there is so much to learn from the beautiful earth around us, and want to pull that into my work as much as possible.
What is your favorite/most prized piece?
My pieces represent different seasons of my life, and each is born out of a memory, both happy and sad ones. My favorite piece changes from week to week, but I always love my little collection of trees and the diversity and character each one has, as is reflected in nature.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for creatives trying to build their brand?
As cliche as it sounds, I strongly believe one of the most important things for building your personal brand is finding something you are truly passionate about and letting that drive your work. Others will connect with and feel the passion you have in your work, if you incorporate your passions and experiences. Authenticity is key. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in your work either. Let your emotion be evident in your pieces and brand, and share parts of who you are in your art.
What goal would you like your business to achieve this year?
This year, I just hope to have my art seen and felt, to have my first real exposure in the art community. I want to do this in hopes my art will speak to the souls of some who also relish the beauty of nature. I also hope my art will find its home and resonate with some lovely souls out there.
