Meet Emily Thomas | artist / creative

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

Hi Emily, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I don’t consider myself a risk taker, but now that I think about some the risks that I have taken, it could seem that I am, in fact, a risk taker. Some examples include
+ Moving to Southern California, from Portland Maine, alone, not having a job, and not knowing anyone.
+ Focusing for years, primarily on rock climbing, mountaineering and canyoneering- climbing sketchy run out routes on well known mountains, modified versions of that in the winter, on skis, rappelling into canyons, and, these days, training for ultramarathons.
+ Leaving a perfectly nice, stable, stress free job to jump into the unknown to work as a full time artist.

So maybe I am a risk taker, but I don’t go out and search for risk- it seems to present itself to me through opportunities. I feel I can learn from that. So I do it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m still very much emerging as an artist, and it has not been easy. I’ve had a lot of wonderful opportunities that I have worked for, as well as a lot of rejection.. a lot! That comes with the work, but I just keep going. I have to.

Based in Ojai, California. I focus primarily on landscape as a point of departure. Like many artists, my inspiration is from nature. Spending time outside, observing color, composition, animals, sky, and especially cloud covered mornings. I love how the light affects the clarity of detail, and creates a blurred environment and vibrant tone.

I’d say I really do absorb the colors of the coasts and mountains that I run and backpack in, and subconsciously my work seems to take on an ethereal quality.
My process is about simplifying complex ideas, layering textures and colors, while creating minimal compositions.

People remark that my paintings are very calming, and that’s the idea. I put a lot into each painting, and my hope is for people to look at my work and allow themselves to calm for a minute.

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.
There’s so much! If they were visiting Ojai, I would definitely drag them out on some some hikes on our beautiful trails that the Ojai Valley Land Conservatory builds and maintains. From my back door, I can run for miles though the river preserve, or hike in our mountains, and it is one of my favorite things about living in Ojai.

Then I’m hungry! I’ll grab food from Farmer and the Cook, and then the best kombucha from Revel. Other good plant based spots are The Nest and HIP Vegan.

For an urban fix, we’ll drive to LA, and visit my favorite museums for art inspo at The Broad, LACMA, The Hammer, or MoCA. Of course, stopping at Moon Juice, Gjusta, or Donut Friend for some plant based treats.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had the best support from friends, family and teachers. Teachers that turned into mentors, and art friends from college that I still ask for critique from. My partner, I must say, is my number one supporter, and encourages me in every way.

Website: www.soldout-design.com

Instagram: sold.out.collective

Facebook: Em Thomas

Image Credits
Image credits are not applicable .