Q&A Emily Burns | Painter & Photographer
We stumbled upon the beautiful artwork of NY-based Emily Burns a while ago and decided to welcome her on board as guest blogger in August. Here’s your chance to ask her some of your own questions and enjoy her paintings as well as photos – sometimes we have trouble distinguish the two!
Name: Emily Burns
Profession: Painter/Photographer
Location: New York City, USA
Passion:
I love the outdoors, and my horses and my dog, driving, helping others, music and art. I also love food, obviously.
I get my inspirations from:
I am inspired by people and the world around me. I love trying to new things or going to new places. I like getting into trouble. You never know what is going to inspire you, so try it all. I always carry my camera, as heavy as it is, because you never know what is going to happen!
Oil paintings by Emily Burns:
Photography by Emily Burns:
How I got my break:
Good friends and by keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities around me. And by hanging out with creative people. There is so much you can get involved in if you are paying attention.
My top tricks of the trade:
Surround yourself with positive people, work hard, and work more! This unfortunately means less sleep. But in this kind of industry, there is no one pushing you. You have to be your own boss, and not a very nice one. Don’t be hard on yourself; just know that you can achieve a lot if you really put your mind to it. When people critique you, take their advice with a grain of salt. You can’t please everyone, and if you try you will eventually burn yourself out and ultimately be unhappy with your work. Do what you love and what you find interesting and other people will agree!
My style in a sentence:
I love classic and comfortable. And hippie. My favorite outfit is a simple patterned dress and leather sandals. I am also totally obsessed with a new tie-dyed sundress I just bought…
Bet you didn’t know:
I used to box in college… it was a killer workout and helped me let off some steam. I had to quit because I was too tired to paint… I couldn’t hold my arms up.
My latest project is about:
The human body as a vessel and how it relates to its surroundings. I am interested in the way the body is a tangible object, and how it is physically shaped and changed by its environment over time.
My last purchase:
Sri Lankan food and Guinness. An excellent combination. Oh, and a tie-dyed sundress.
My current favorite mecho item:
Magic inspiration from Africa including the gorgeous SOKO, Choolips, MADE, and ASOS lines inspired by the beautiful fabrics of Africa. I love the relaxed styles and colorful patterns. The labels’ support for Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique are a huge plus and the photography is spectacular.
Travel destination and tips:
Check out rural Pennsylvania… it’s gorgeous in the fall and they have the best coleslaw in the world. Seriously.
Pssst… One time I… Deep fried a Barbie? It was for a photography project. Those things are durable.
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with Emily during August… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from Aug-10. You may leave a comment but please note Emily is no longer actively responding to any questions post 31 Aug-10.
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11 comments
11 Comments Add your own
1.
Munz | August 2nd, 2010 at 10:28 am
Wow, I cant really tell the difference from some of your paintings/photography. SAUCY!!! Do you use real people as models or straight from imagination?
2.
Ella | August 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Hi Emily,
Beautiful art! How did you find your calling? Where in NY are you based and do you exhibit at any galleries atm?
Ella
3.
Emily | August 3rd, 2010 at 1:33 am
Thank you Munz! I photograph live models, mostly my wonderful friends who put of with me getting them very messy. The food tends to melt so its tough to work from life. I love the way the photos capture the light on the substances as well.
4.
Emily | August 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 am
Ella, I ave always been interested in art and was always drawn to painting people and I love color and texture so I combined the two. I have two shows coming up in the fall. I’ll add you to the email list if you are interested!
My email is emilycarolburns@gmail.com
5.
Ilova Omway | August 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 am
One word: WOW. This so so cool! You are a fantastic painter and your photographs are breathtaking! I think you have A LOT of talent and I am so blessed to have the opportunity to see your work on this site. So thank you Mecho.com.au!
Anyhews, tell me more about your photography skills and how you jumped so high on the talent ladder! I used to take a photography class, but I never broke through with anything good. Have any advice? I mean, maybe my aperture isn’t wide enough? And what is the trick to get such beautiful skin tones?
Thanks soooo sooo much for taking the time to read this! I’m sure you are super busy with all your work. FYI- if you’re ever in alabama, let me know and we can hang out and take pictures!!!!
ok bye!!!!!!!!!
6.
K | August 4th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
These photos make me h..ungry!
7.
Suze | August 8th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Hi Emily,
Do you only portray women, where are the male models?
S
8.
Bec | August 12th, 2010 at 11:18 am
They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere… how do you find that saying and how is it living in a city with so many artists? Your work is fabulous! Bec in Sydney
9.
Emily | August 16th, 2010 at 1:31 am
I have only painted female models for this group of paintings, though I haven’t ruled out painting guys in the future, but the gals had the look that I wanted for this series.
10.
Emily | August 16th, 2010 at 1:33 am
New York is a crazy place
I can see why people say that, it’s a tough city with a lot of competition, but there is also a lot of inspiration. You can learn a lot from just being in New York, and if you’re driven you can make it here
11.
Monica Bill | August 16th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Love this, my dear! So exciting to get some differnt/extra expose. Newer pieces are lovely, and I def am, as always, in love with your sense of texture and color. be well em!!
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