We recently connected with Emily Morgan and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I recently created an album cover for Turtle Boat, a Columbus-based jazz trio, and it holds deep significance for me, as it represents not only my first major commission but also remains one of my personal favorites. The artwork, created for their album Fear Is Heavy, I’ve Got Plans, explores the interplay between contrasting forces—pain and hope, darkness and light, fear and beauty. The composition evokes a turbulent, stormy sea, symbolizing the emotional depths explored in the band’s music and paying homage to the origins of their name.

Turtle Boat derives its name from the “turtle ships,” formidable warships used by the Korean Joseon Navy between the 15th and 19th centuries, notably in defense against Japanese invasions. Within the piece, small turtle ships navigate the night sea, guided by moonlight. This historical reference adds depth and resilience to both the album and the art, creating a symbiosis that I found both relatable and beautiful. Through this collage, I sought to visually translate the complexity of the music, capturing the interplay of beautiful, lilting melodies and chaotic, noise-based phrases; highlighting the chaos and serenity of this masterful album.

This project allowed me to explore new dimensions of storytelling through collage, and it continues to influence my artistic practice. I frequently reference techniques and styles developed during this commission in my work today. The weaving of the night sky, the small elements within it (like the bird and the snail), and the hidden treasures of the sea all come together to represent everything I love about collaboration and collage. This piece is a celebration of both—art and music—where chaos and beauty coexist in perfect harmony

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an analog collage artist based in Columbus, Ohio, and I’ve been practicing my current form of collage since 2022. Creativity has always been a part of my life—I’ve explored photography, jewelry making, resin art, graphic design, and pressed flower art. However, it wasn’t until I created something that truly resonated with me that others began to connect with it as well. Collage became my medium of choice, not only as a form of artistic expression but as a meditative practice that allows me to step away from the daily stresses of life. I work quietly in my home studio with my cats, carefully cutting out leaves and flowers and placing them with fluidity. The natural flow of florals helps prevent me from overthinking, making the process intuitive and freeing.

My work often features animals and human figures consumed by wild, lush florals, exploring themes of transformation and the interaction between nature and people. I’m fascinated by the way plants and mushrooms overtake decaying structures, and I love applying that concept to the human form. I aim to represent diverse individuals in my collages because nature is indifferent to appearance—it consumes all equally. Artistically, I go by Lovely But Dead, and I am also the founder of the Columbus Collage Collective and the Vice President of the Clintonville Arts Guild. My work has been recognized with accolades such as Best in Show at the 2024 Worthington Arts Festival and has been featured in publications like Suboart Magazine and Contemporary Collage Magazine.

What sets me apart is my commitment to creating inclusive and immersive pieces that allow viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between nature and humanity. I’m most proud of building a community around collage, fostering creativity, and helping others discover the transformative power of art through the Columbus Collage Collective.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is sharing something deeply personal and having it resonate with others. When someone chooses to buy my art with their hard-earned money, it feels like an act of love and connection. After spending so much of my life feeling like I wasn’t good enough, seeing something that reflects my truest self be celebrated is both fulfilling and freeing. It’s a beautiful feeling to know that the pieces I create, which come from such a personal space, can bring joy and meaning to others.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn overthinking—and truthfully, I’m still unlearning it. My background in data analytics and process optimization involves a lot of systemic, linear thinking, where overthinking can actually be a useful tool. However, this mindset often creeps into other aspects of life, making it exhausting to overanalyze everything.

Art, specifically collage, has been my way of breaking free from that. Using florals in my work has allowed me to tap into my intuition, where I can simply place a piece and leave it, even if my logical brain resists. This shift has helped me embrace more wild and intricate designs, creating maximalist, fluid ecosystems in my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovelybutdead.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovely_but_dead
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovelyButDeadArt
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelybutdead

Image Credits

Neon Demon Photography