Meet Emily Keating Snyder: Fine Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Keating Snyder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily Keating, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
One of my most important values is thinking big. It’s so important not to limit ourselves with “practical” beliefs about what is possible to experience in life. Especially for creatives, there is a lot of messaging in our world to play it small and safe – and to believe that success is a rare, mysterious thing. I’ve always done things that others doubted possible, so when I reach a goal that felt like a long-shot I challenge myself to set an even bigger, even less “realistic,” goal. We’re all more powerful than we usually give ourselves credit for. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an artist my whole life and a professional artist for over 10 years. I’ve never liked being put in a box and have always loved craft and folk art, so being able to bring craft into the world of painting is really important to me. I’m proud of being part of the movement that is elevating traditional crafts like embroidery into the context of fine art. Over years of honing my style – and learning how to run a business – I’ve learned that being true to my vision really is the key. I used to feel like I should try to mold my art into what I thought other people would like and would want to buy. But, as with anything, the cliche of just being yourself is really true. The more I took risks, made unexpected work and focused on what I wanted to make, the more I was able to develop a unique style that others resonate with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being in safer-at-home mode has had me daydreaming about all the places I miss. When I have visitors I love going on my favorite LA field trip which starts with coffee, pastries and an outdoor seat at Valerie in Echo Park, then a stop at Shout and About (a playful gift shop) down the street and finally a long stroll around Echo Park Lake. To me, the best thing about LA is that you can go from city to wild so easily. So I also love finding a small beach in Malibu or going for a hike in Topanga where it’s a little less crowded than other spots. My idea of excitement is often just simplicity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people deserve credit in my story! Most of them don’t even know who I am, but they’ve helped me so much, including artists like Yao Cheng and Emily Jeffords who I looked to as examples for what was possible. As well as groups like Eredità (formerly Bossladies) and The Studio Source that have connected me with other inspiring entrepreneurs to support and be supported by.

Website: emilykeatingsnyder.com
Instagram: emksnyder
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-keating-snyder-72790926/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQyJv1jEoLkcklOtOes7Og