Dream in Color Sterling Silver Earrings(CLICK on the above photo to learn more about these beautiful earrings!)
What led you to start creating your art/craft, and how did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have always had creative inclinations and a love of color and texture and desire to create beauty. I dabbled in painting for awhile before a friend introduced me to the joys of beading about 5 years ago! My first visit to a bead store, I was like a kid in a candy shop! So much color to play with. At one point, on a trip to Asheville, NC, I saw some stunning beadwoven pieces that led to my desire to delve into beadweaving. I am self taught and proud of that fact. I made jewelry for awhile, giving most of it away to my mom who was fighting breast cancer at the time. My mom passed away in September of 2007 following her 10 year battle. Following her passing, I lost my desire to do anything while I grieved this tremendous loss. I miss her everyday. I kept coming back to the fact that what was most important to my mom was that I was happy.
Her goal for me ultimately brought me back to my love of jewelry making and starting again has helped me through the healing process. I also realized that given my experience, I had a unique opportunity to not only do something that I loved, but to give back to others by contributing to a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I am currently contributing 75% of my sales of Pookie and Pierre jewelry to the Susan G. Komen foundation through my participation in the 3 Day Walk.
Little Mermaid Drop EarringsWhat aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?
There are so many things I find enjoyable. Two primary reasons though. I find peace in weaving beads together. I often bead in silence as it gives me time to focus and think and let go of all of the outside stresses in my life. My day job is purely business so beading gives me the creative balance that I need. It has been extremely therapeutic for me to begin creating again. My second is my love of color and sparkle! I often dream of color and all of the various combinations I can make. Beading allows me to bring it all to life and ultimately share that joy with others.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable to describe your art/craft, what would you choose and why?
Let's just say fruit salad. Not sure why, but something about bringing all of the different colors, textures and flavors together is pretty similiar to the process I go through. Fun question!
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your "creativity", what would that be and why?
I love to learn new techniques. If I had to pick one, I'd delve further into painting. For similiar reasons to beading, I love the peaceful aspect of it. I can get lost for hours in a painting. Its like a mini-vacation from life. It has given me a whole new appreciation for all of the brilliant artists out there that create such amazing work.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
My message I'd love to convey with my jewelry is to enjoy life! It is short and sometimes a little sparkle can add that extra joy that we sometimes miss in the day to day.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Do what you love and you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Be confident in your creativity and don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new. Innovation will keep you fresh and will keep your creative juices going for a long time to come. I'd also say not to worry about what others think. Someone out there will love what you create more than you will ever know.
Beautiful work, great interview, Emily! It has been a real pleasure to see your gorgeous creations, and to learn a bit more about you. I'm sure your mom "knows" you are happy doing what you are doing! Keep on creating!
Visit the links below to see more of Emily's beautiful creations. Oh...I just learned that POOKIE AND PIERRE are Emily's two kittens!
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