We recently connected with Gabby Hemmer and have shared our conversation below.

Gabby, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I make my living doing multiple creative jobs. I’m an event florist, so my weeks are filled with floral design work and my weekends are saved for being on-site at events installing. I run a bakery out of my house, so if I have an order to fill, I squeeze in baking after or before work at the florist. I also paint and make rugs. I take commissions and sometimes sell at local craft markets. I often feel like I end up working harder and for more hours than I would be if I was employed at a 9-5 office job. It’s both physically and emotionally exhausting to be constantly creating, especially through so many different mediums. I think there is something to be said about working in a place where you can leave the work at work. My apartment is a living space, art studio, and bakery, all smooshed into 500 square feet. It can be hard to escape. Most of the time, I feel proud, though. I like working hard and feeling accomplished when a piece of art sells, or I get a new bakery order. I’m not sure my life would feel as rewarding if I wasn’t constantly being pushed to create.

Gabby, 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 attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) for undergrad, and studied fiber arts and painting while I was there, although I tried many different mediums throughout my time. I think MICA was very interested in setting up its students for success in the high art gallery world, where I knew I wouldn’t quite thrive. I think I am more interested in creating work that has a home within the home. It’s important to me that my work is accessible, in terms of pricing, location, and content. Paintings, rugs, and prints are all objects I create with the intention of my clientele decorating their personal spaces.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing that really used to get under my skin, which I’ve since learned to let go of, was when people would tell me I am talented. To me, talent implies a natural skill level, which discredits all the hard work and energy I spend creating. I know of course that it is meant to be a compliment, and I am not bothered by this comment anymore. But I think it is important to acknowledge that all creatives work hard to make, and have likely been honing their practice for years.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is knowing that people get to interact with my work in all sorts of different ways. I love watching people stop to look at my visual art, whether it’s on display locally or at a craft fair. I enjoy watching the reach out and touch the shaggy rugs I create and feel the texture. Its also an honor for me to be able to create cakes for birthdays, weddings, and parties, knowing I am forever part of someone else’s special memory of that day. There is a huge amount of trust that is placed in me when someone places a bakery order, and it’s super gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: gabbyhemmer.com
• Instagram: @gabhemm and @moonstruck.bakery

Image Credits
Sarah James Photography