We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emmy Hunter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emmy below.
Alright, Emmy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
From as early as I can remember, I have pictured myself in a creative field. Some of my earliest and fondest memories started in the kitchen. I loved, and still love, baking. My grandmother had a knack for it. She made beautiful wedding cakes as gifts for family and friends. I was not around to witness these creations, but I like to I think my grandma blessed me with that natural ability. By the age of 10, I began creating cakes — decorating became my favorite part. At this same age, I began exploring drawing. It was not long before I jumped into painting. A paintbrush became my creative weapon of choice. I completed my first acrylic painting at 12 years old. Through my teenage years I continued to bake and paint. At 14, my dream job consisted of owning my own bakery where I would display and sell my original artwork. This dream was fueled by my creative spirit, supportive parents, and two teachers that poured into me constantly. With a small bedroom closet my parents converted into an “art studio” and a drive to paint, I continued to improve my craft. I sold my first painting at 18. The extent of my art education is a single college drawing course I took while in high school (art 100), which led to me meeting my now husband! Flash forward six years, and I am living my dream with a few alterations! I may not have a storefront with a bakery, but I get to travel and live paint one of the biggest days of peoples lives— their wedding! I then return to my home, where I complete the painting. As for baking, I am a personal pastry chef to two little food critics in my spare time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
In 2022, I became a stay-at-home mom, but the drive to create was still present. I began painting realistic scenes on bourbon bottles in 2023. What started as a house-warming gift grew into a business. I was unexpectedly introduced to the wedding industry in 2024 by one of my bourbon bottle clients. I took a leap of faith and found a side of art I did not know existed. And I fell in love with it. I found my calling as a Live Wedding Painter.
Live Wedding Painting is a unique, timeless, and entertaining luxury experience for all wedding goers. The best part though, the newlyweds have a one-of-a-kind keepsake. I have the honor of taking a blank canvas and turning it into the beginnings of a masterpiece before the end of the night. Those present get to watch every brushstroke breathe life into the heirloom piece. Before the night is over, a reveal of the painting takes place, where the Bride and Groom then add the final touches of the night. I spend many hours in studio refining the piece, capturing as much detail as possible. My goal is to capture the love, energy, and atmosphere of the day and do so with photo accuracy.
The live painting experience is one to remember, and from it comes a most memorable masterpiece. A piece for you to stop and admire in your every day life. A piece that deepens in love with every passing year. A piece which encapsulates your love story. A treasure that will last longer than a lifetime.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
While painting, I always find myself facing new challenges. Whether it be the perspective, color choice, composition, or overall mood of the painting, there’s some component that will need to be reworked, reimagined, or altered. These artistic challenges test my abilities, push my creative mindset, and expand my skills. After the finishing touches are made, I oftentimes step back and wonder how I accomplished painting such a beautiful thing. I always find it rewarding! Even more satisfying than that is the joy the painting brings to my clients.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I began this career to keep creativity alive in my life, but it was also a way to help support my family. God has given me a beautiful gift, one I want to share with others. A gift that uplifts and elevates one of the greatest moments in a couple’s life. Marriage is worth celebrating, and I want to make that celebration last far past the party.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antlerandoakart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antler.and.oak.art?igsh=MWRkOHA0NWVpcWQ3bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17Ujt5DjiJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antler.and.oak.art?_r=1&_t=ZT-91px5Zle33u
Image Credits
Morgan Snellings photography
Rachel Ballard Photography
Roberto Monraga
Erin E. Photography