Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Lyons

Hi Emma, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My story is one of gradually learning how to take up space, to be unapologetic about who I am in all my colorful and elegantly quirky ways.

Growing up a multifaceted performing arts kid, I drew and doodled throughout my life, but thought I had to fit into other people’s boxes to make them happy. I thought art, both visual and performance, was resigned to be only a hobby and not my career and lifestyle, so I pursued it only in my spare time. I’ve since learned that my spark allows others to shine, and is greater than the discomfort others feel when I’m bigger than their boxes. I think everyone deserves to take up space and have the freedom to be whimsical and weird.

During the pandemic, when my art was limited to creating what didn’t need other artists in collaboration, I refocused on my visual art: drawings and doodles turned into paintings.

I exhibited my first series in a local coffee shop, then I joined an art collective where I created and exhibited more. A lot more. By the time I left that collective, I’d showcased two solo shows, curated two group shows, and been in over 10 other exhibitions. And when I began exhibiting at art fairs, it quickly became my favorite way to connect my creations to the public.

My art has evolved in time with my own identity, revolving around themes of self-esteem, vulnerability, and acceptance. I wish for my art and my self to be a space where people feel welcomed and encouraged to pursue their own sparks.

So I’m currently developing workshops and other programs, set to debut toward the end of the year! Whether people would call themselves artists or simply want to experience a new kind of creativity, I want to share the kinds of opportunities I had in a bold way that walks others through their own exhibitions and career building.

I’m still rising in my own journey, and have other new projects on the horizon that I’ll be able to share soon. My growth is inevitable and my story is still just beginning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I feel like my road has gotten smoother as I’ve accepted more and more of who I am.

There will always be tough seasons and frustrating aspects of my career, but I have an overarching confidence and peace that comes from finally feeling allowing myself to do what I want with my life, and the knowledge that this is how I’m supposed to spend my time and energy.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

My art is colorful, whimsical, and encouraging. The abstracture style that I’m known for is recognizable immediately and invokes themes around self-esteem, and I sometimes add figurative images to drive the message deeper. My work’s first impression is bold color, but the messages behind it are often soft.

Each of my pieces has a story, an emotion, and an invitation with it. I encourage each of my viewers to decide on the deeper meanings for themselves, then to read my own description and invitation to respond. I love writing about my works as much as I love painting them.

And I am as much a work of art as my paintings. My own personality and energy help my work stand out. I am very generous and unabashedly over the top with how I encourage and compliment others. They feel seen with me, and that’s what I love to offer the most.

I know people are attracted to this and feel safe and encouraged with me. So this year, I’m announcing an entirely new exclusive service surrounding time spent with me as well as my art: collaborative commissions. My collectors will get the chance to create meaningful art with my guidance and whimsical enthusiasm.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

Since I go about creating and exhibiting and selling my art in multiple ways, I have multiple unofficial mentors, a few in each realm. I would recommend having more than one, so you can learn multiple ways to do one thing and not be restricted to what works for one person.

My own mentors have come to me by chance while I was starting various hustles in my art career, but all were immediately willing to share and teach to help me grow. I think that is the key to recognizing someone who will be a good mentor: find someone who immediately encourages and believes in you, because they will be naturally nurturing guides throughout your journey.

Pricing:

• Giclee Prints of my art ranging from $15-$60
• Embellished Canvas Prints of my art ranging from $120-$500
• Original Art and Commissions range depending on piece, see my website at www.EmmaLyonsArt.com for details
• Workshops and Coaching prices TBD, please stay tuned via my VIP email list ([email protected]) and social media (@EmmaLyonsArt)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.EmmaLyonsArt.com
• Instagram: @EmmaLyonsArt
• Facebook: @EmmalyonsArt
• Youtube: @EmmalyonsArt

Image Credits
Amanda Campagnoni, Wenc Photo