Art, // July 20, 2019
Emy Brookshire — ARTIST
Emy Brookshire
Interview with artist Emy Brookshire —
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Emy Brookshire, And I like to think myself a world changer because I create things that weren’t here before.
2. Why art?
One of my favorite quotes is “Art is freedom.” And although there are many things written and said of freedom few are more true than that simple statement. Freedom is one of our greatest ingrained human ideals, a divine right born into the very nature of every human. Unfortunately not every human is gifted the full freedom deserved them be it through slavery, war, family pressure, or societal norms. With art however, anyone can choose complete and utter freedom with the things they create through the power of their mind. Whether, carved into walls in ancient petroglyphs, songs sung out from prison shackles, graffiti art painted in the cover of night, or art hanging on the walls of the finest museums, ALL of it without exception started in the mind of the one who created it. And the mind and soul can never be shackled. Art gives me luminous freedom of spirit like nothing else can compare. Art gives you true freedom and power to take a thought and create a brand new thing in the world that was never there before, therefore in a literal sense artists are world changers.
3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist.
I have always loved art as early as I can remember. The only 2 gifts I ever wanted as a child were art supplies and stuffed animals, and my bedroom was cluttered with both. I spent a lot of time playing independently with art and creating my own vivid imaginary world with my stuffed animals.
4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)? And How do you work and approach your subject?
I work in many mediums and it could be said I’m still ‘finding my voice’ as an artist, and I’m ok with that because I’d like my art and work to continue to grow and expand just as I do, but I love to work in acrylic paint and mixed media. Combining techniques and really just playing with something until I see what works to express what I’m seeing or even just feeling in my mind. I also love the human body, the movement and shapes and the height of love and passions that our physical self can call forth is breathtaking, so I find myself often drawn to or inspired by that. Often times when I sleep I’m woken about 4 am with images or writing that are ready to emerge so many of my paintings begin in the dim quiet mornings of my bedroom and scribbles on a note page.
5. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
I love the work of poet E.E. Cummings, most know him as a poet, but many people don’t know he also did a series of beautiful nudes and figurative works. I also love the shapes and colors of Joan Miro, his work is usually joyful and full of vibrancy and life. However my most favorite vibrant joyful artist of all time is my beloved one and the ever so talented CK Mackie. He inspires me everyday through his bold work to create audaciously and fearlessly.
6. What are the best responses you have had to your work? And What do you like about your work?
Maybe my most fun response was “holy f #***ing sh*t! That’s amazing!” So, It’s always fun to illicit profanity from someone! But in all seriousness it really is an amazing feeling to have someone view in a tangible sense what it was you first saw or felt in your highest mind and to see the value and beauty in that. That really is deeply honoring. What I like about my own art is that it feels as though im honoring my truest self when I create without judgement that which I envision making.
7. What advice would you give to other artists?
My best advice to artists and people in general is the same. Thoughts are things, so choose your thoughts with intention and create beautiful things with them. This might not immediately change the outward appearance of your life but it will certainly change how you feel about it. Your art and life can only go as far as your thoughts and mind will, so give yourself permission and seek out to continuously expand upon your highest thoughts and vision of yourself, if you do this your art and your life will follow suit.
8. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In my future I see myself creating and expanding still in my art and writing. Loving my life and creating side by side with my beloved partner and fellow artist CK Mackie. Intentionally seeking out in my own life new joys, new passions, and new heights of self to inspire new thought and therefore new art from my being. Regardless of what circumstances the future may hold I choose for myself luminous freedom through my art.
Emy Brookshire