Check Out Emily Sullivan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Sullivan.

Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved art – throughout grade school, I always said I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. Art was always my favorite class in school. I studied painting and art education at Xavier University and then went on to pursue an MFA in Painting at Colorado State University. At all stages of my education, I had fantastic teachers who made a big impact on who I am as an artist. I’ve lived in different places – Ohio, Tennessee, Colorado, Virginia, Germany, and now Kentucky – and each place has inspired my work in different ways. Additionally, since becoming a parent, my children shape how I see the world and what I want to paint about.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have always had immense support in painting from my parents, my spouse, and my family – so in that sense, it’s been a very smooth road. Some obstacles that have made me redefine my practice have been moving, and becoming a parent. With my husband’s job, we move every two to three years, and it can be challenging to start over in a new city, build connections, etc. But they have also been amazing opportunities to meet new people, see new art museums, visit galleries, and build connections. Becoming a parent has definitely limited my time in my studio, but I try to be more focused and intentional about the kind of work I can realistically make. My practice has shifted to accommodate all these changes and keep painting.

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 am a painter, primarily oil painting. The imagery in my work is typically landscape based – skies, trees, plants, and more traditional landscape views as well. I gather inspiration and photo reference from my everyday life, so wherever I’m living has a big impact on my work. Right now, I’m working on a series of sky paintings at Fort Knox, Kentucky (we’re currently stationed here with my husband’s work in the Army) as I go about my daily life with my two daughters. I am interested in adding a sound component to the installation – something I haven’t done before and am still experimenting with! It’s exciting to learn new things and take risks in my art practice, while also honing my more traditional painting skills and doing the basics well. At the end of the day, I really love painting.

Currently, I am most proud of any time I get into my studio. With two young kids, I’ve taken extended breaks from painting but I’m proud of myself for coming back to my practice. It looks different now than it did before I had kids, but I’ve adjusted my practice to meet me where I’m at in life. Now I work more serially – doing smaller paintings that make up a bigger piece or installation versus large-scale pieces. And I’ve tried to loosen up my approach to painting too. I don’t often have long, uninterrupted stretches to work so I try to make whatever I’m doing fit into the shorter bursts of time I do have. It may be slow going, but any time I can paint is a win right now.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out via email at emilyjbsullivan@gmail.com if you’d like to collaborate! Check my website for updates as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emilyjbsullivan.com
• Instagram: @emilyjbsullivan