Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I began making art intentionally to sell when I was at a low point in my life. I had alienated my family, lost my job in the science field, and had no backup savings or prompt opportunities to reenter any decent-paying job. So here I was, trying to produce artwork worthy of being purchased, while I had extremely limited resources. I sourced from the Dollar Tree, from my garage, and from the nature outside my home to create small pieces that expressed freedom and discovery. Looking back, I cringe at the roughness of those pieces. But that period of time taught me important lessons about frugality and how I am at my best creatively when I am challenged to use what I have in front of me. I certainly never would have experimented with as many nature-inspired ideas if I had the opportunity to buy whatever I wished from the craft store. This push for creativity with limited resources became the backbone of my whole aesthetic: repurposed, upcycled, and thrifted items. I like to say “Recycling turns things into other things, which is like Magic!” We are all capable of making magic… I do it with every art piece!

Emily, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I create rustic, nature-inspired artwork with a dark cottagecore aesthetic. I particularly like to take a dark theme and play with whimsical or quirky ideas. I abhore the idea of being on any pinterest page, and try exceedingly hard to be original and authentically myself. The energy in my artwork is darkly romantic, yes, but if it isn’t also filled with positive intentions, it wouldn’t be mine.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Instead of purchasing knock-off products from drop-shippers or online discounters, support local creators and makers. It is not difficult at all to find local art markets, farmers markets, and the like. This time of year (Fall), there are multiple festivals and markets going on every weekend in each city. By keeping your money local, you create a cycle of cash flow in your neighborhood that can only benefit you and your family.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is a tricky place for us introverted artists, and I doubt that I will ever be a consistent content creator. But by sharing current projects and events, and by being a relatable human, showing my flaws and mistakes, I do feel that I am connecting well with potential buyers and with like-minded creators. I do not push sales of my art, at least not yet. Instead I’m focusing on sharing the personal evolution of myself as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rosethistleandbroom

Image Credits
Emily Brown