We were lucky to catch up with Emily Rudnick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Regarding my thoughts around a “regular” job, I’m always making the joke to my friends that I wish I had a passion for something like accounting or insurance. While I’m joking, there is a grain of truth to it- there’s always a part of me that craves the linearity and reliability of a normal career. I am a pretty structure-oriented person and do well with a routine, which couldn’t be further from my changing schedule as an artist. However, I ultimately am at peace as an artist because I know that every step I take career-wise is aligned with who I am. I’ve had moments of working more “regular” jobs, and none of them have made me as happy as I am when I’m painting.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a painter living and working in Los Angeles. I grew up as an athlete and really didn’t tap into my creativity until I was around 17 when I took an interest in botanical art. I took a few art classes in college and as soon as I took a color theory class something clicked for me and I knew I wanted to be an artist. It took me years from then to find my strengths and passions under the umbrella of artmaking and I’m honestly still learning more about myself and my practice every day.

I’m most proud of my current work, where I’m depicting jewelry and texture in oil painting to start a conversation about heirlooms and the inheritance of treasured objects. I’m thinking about the emotional weight physical objects can carry as well as how the genealogical passing of these items ties into family dynamics and life cycles. I am very much in a phase of transition, as this new painting style I’m developing Is a departure from what I was making before 2023. However, there is also a sense of excitement in transition, leaving room for me to freely explore new concepts and techniques.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While my ultimate tangible goal would be to thrive solely off of painting, I’ve recently come to terms with a new ideal which is simply to find peace and stability within my creativity and myself right now. An artist friend recently told me if I am to have one healthy goal, it should be to enjoy the present moment and forget about goals! So I’m working on striking a balance between the two as they’re a bit polarizing- working hard but also staying intentional about how I use my time and making sure I’m conscious and grateful for where I’m at now.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The biggest pivot I’ve had to make in my life has been getting sober and the internal work that comes with that. I discovered my passion for art before I entered recovery, but didn’t have the mental or physical strength to make work, which was a tough place to be in. Entering recovery has improved my life tenfold in all areas, but my capability and reach as an artist have undoubtedly flourished. My mind is more active and my creativity flows more organically and generously. I can paint for hours on end without getting tired and I’m always curious to learn more about the work of other contemporary artists. The journey to get from where I was to where I am wasn’t always pleasant, but I’m incredibly grateful for where it took me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilyrudnick.com
• Instagram: @nickrudem