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

Alright, Emily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

As a little girl I distinctly remember loving my crayola markers and ink pens but it was a combination of a trip to Paris before my freshmen year in college and enrolling in both art history as well as a studio art classes that solidified by commitment to a career in the arts. Visiting the Musee d’Orsay with my mom, who has a masters degree in art history, captured my soul with the intense beauty of the pieces while her running narratives of the symbolism followed me around the museum. We went on to Musee L’Orangerie, Louvre and visited Monet’s house in Giverny. It was an art history lesson in itself going on that trip and then grew in art classes in college. I did not think I could make a career as a full time artist so I went on to teach art and obtain a masters degree in Art Education. I loved working with kids of all ages and worked in a variety of schools from inner city parochial to suburban private schools. After becoming a mother and doing some part time teaching, I decided to take the risk of being a full time artist. It was terrifying to put my work out there and invest in myself. I was overwhelmed by support of family and friends as well as amazed at my immediate success! It has been 4 years as a full time artist and exhibiting and talking about my work is now part of the ritual of creating. I never imagined I would be this successful but I always went after big challenges in my life with consistent determination, commitment and drive.

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 am a full time painter and do some teaching on the side. I am trained as both an artist and art instructor having a B.A. in Fine Arts and African Studies and M.A. in Art Education. I taught for almost 20 years to ages from 2-95 in a variety of school environments and assisted living residence. I am an abstract painter with works on paper and canvas ranging in size from 10 x 10 to 48 x 60. I do exhibitions, studio visits and commissions. I often find that clients have this immediate connection to my work and want purchase it. Sometimes there are several pieces that they like and I can help them by discussing what space they want to fill. Also, visiting my studio gives clients a chance to see where I work and explore a variety of my paintings.
I am most proud of my bravery of putting myself out there. It takes a lot of confidence to share my work as it is deeply personal. It is a running commentary on both my personal experiences as well as what I am seeing happen around me. My paintings are intuitive and honest.

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

Someone once told me that I will never make it as an artist. I read Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist Way and realized this is a common narrative creative people are told. I also learned about being a “shadow artist” which was my career in teaching. I loved teaching but I realized as a full time artist that this is something I always wanted to do and I was hiding behind it as a teacher.

I had to unlearn to doubt myself and my talents. It all stems from people putting you down to either feel better than you or to control you which all stems for their own insecurities. I no longer allow people to make me feel that way.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It is imperative for people to recognize the power of art. It is a multifaceted field that helps everyone learn and grow. Allowing kids to get messy with paint, keeping art in school curricula, purchasing art from artists and donating to charities that support the arts are all avenues that society can support artists. It is a field that should never be looked down upon or diminished as it tells stories of our shared histories.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.emilystrulson.com
• Instagram: @emilystrulson