What is your chosen artistic medium?
Oil paint! I worked on canvas for years until I recently realized I like wood a lot better, so now I work on wood panel. I cut a larger piece down to the size I want, sand the edges, and prepare it with several layers of gesso.
What and Who are your muses?
Oh gosh there are so many. Definitely all the people I’m so lucky to have in my life who are loving and true, who always shoot from the heart and don’t take themselves too seriously. And my mentor and painting teacher, Auseklis Ozols. I studied under him at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts and he really changed my life. I will always be grateful to have been able to receive a rich education from such a formidable person.
What are your prep or practice rituals to get you into the artistic headspace?
I listen to a lot of trance music. On a good day I’ll get into this groove where I’m lost in a painting for hours – it feels kind of like if you’ve ever just completely let go in a bar or something and danced all night without a care.
What is your favorite awkward growth moment or barrier breaking time?
I used to live in New Orleans, and I sold my art in the French Quarter. New Orleans is so special that way – if you have a license you can show up any day of the year, hang your art on this huge fence in the French Quarter, and sell it.
I was about 21 and I started going out there whenever I wasn’t working at one of my side jobs. I was so bad at it. I made maybe 20 bucks a week. I remember watching the other artists really making a living out there and feeling like they had some secret, that they’d figured something out and I hadn’t. At the time I was sort of miserable about it but looking back, I learned so much from all those hours of observing the other artists – about consistency and how hard the world can be, about the precious reality that failure is really a gift.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
Nulla dies sine linea!
Tell us about your upcoming events, new releases or anticipated projects?
I have an upcoming feature in the November issue of American Art Collector magazine that I’m really excited about. I’m also transitioning into working full-time as an artist. I’m producing a lot of new work right now. Starting November 1st I will be taking commissions for the holidays as well. My website is www.emmakalff.com.