Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Smith.
Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My entire life has been filled with art ventures. From drawing my own hybrid animal characters during primary school years and painting murals on school walls to obtaining a bachelor’s in fine arts, to now pursuing my own art business. After becoming a mother during the pandemic, I began to feel as if my identity was put on pause in order to raise a little human. Once my little human became a bit more independent, I turned back to art to gain a sense of myself again. In doing so, I finally made the shift of sharing my work with others by participating in art markets. So far, the experience has been so positive and fulfilling! I am excited to continue to build my art brand and connect with other artists and opportunities all over San Diego!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggle has been juggling the duties/responsibilities of motherhood with the desire to nurture my own identity as an artist. Both my partner’s family as well as my own live on the east coast so help with childcare has been minimal to none. When devoting yourself to a child 24/7, it’s hard to find energy and time to put towards creating art. In addition to time and energy towards creating art, sometimes creative blocks happen, and I find myself stuck on what to create next. Thankfully, I have a wide network of inspiration to help me climb out of my slump!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I like to think of my work as being illustrative, quirky and a bit odd, trendy, a bit eclectic, and “alternative”… Most of my work has a “maximalist” style to it- incorporating decorative symbols into the composition of a single subject focus. I like the decorative and almost kitschy feel that my pieces elicit. I have mainly been working with ceramics and acrylic paintings as of lately. In my ceramic work, I have been creating magnets, mugs, ornaments, catch-all trays, ring dishes, wall altars, mini sculptures, and more. For my acrylic pieces, tiny canvases, wood slice ornaments, canvas magnets, and wood panel paintings have been the main focus. I also work digitally to create art prints and stickers of different characters or phrases I think up. I am incredibly proud of all the work I’ve accomplished the last year since really putting myself back into my art. Two projects that I am specifically proud of are my parent pots and my interactive mini ceramic vending machine. I also am proud of my recent mural work with City Tacos’ new location in Ocean Beach.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories involve going to my grandmother’s houses and constantly doing arts and crafts or other creative projects. Both of my grandmothers nurtured my creative interests as deep as possible. They let me have total control over any idea that popped into my head whether it was play-dough creations, puppet shows, canvas paintings, learning creative lettering, compiling sticker books, designing and assembling paper dolls, chalkboard art, mixed media projects of popsicle sticks, feathers, pipe cleaners, and more… My grandmothers are high on the list of those who have supported and helped to build my artistic endeavors.
Pricing:
- Ceramics range from $8-80, depending on item
- Mini canvas paintings and canvas magnets: $10
- Art Prints available in two sizes: 5″x7″- $12; 8″x10″- $15
- Wood slice ornaments: $15 for 1, $25 for 2
- Customs and Commissions are available with pricing dependent on design and product
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oddpeachstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Oddpeachstudio/
