Emily Jean Stewart News

Memory Project

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:04:59 CDT

The Listening Project has been the main focus of my artistic career up to this point. I have enjoyed it immensely and plan to continue working on that project as long as collaborators continue to come forward. As the creative process goes, ideas tend to grow and morph into new ventures, and I’ve found that the Listening Project is doing just that. So now, I’d like to introduce you to The Memory Project, an offspring of the creative process I have practiced thus far. Here’s the breakdown:

THE MEMORY PROJECT

Who: anyone interested in commissioning an original artwork inspired by their own memories and experiences.

What: Through collaborating with fine artist Emily Jean Stewart you will receive an original artwork to display in your home or office. The image will capture the essence of your personal memory and serve as an important reminder of where you’ve been or where you’ve come from.

When: Emily’s schedule is very flexible. As a career artist she has the freedom to work her schedule around yours, which makes the experience very easy and enjoyable for you. The process includes several face-to-face meetings between you and Emily. The meetings will be followed up by continued communication via internet and telephone. Her creative process involves numerous preliminary sketches, which she will share with you for approval and feed back before the final piece is executed. This process ensures your satisfaction with the final artwork. Emily asks that you allow 30 to 90 days to receive your finished piece. Please remember that quality takes time, fine art is much like a fine wine!

Where: Emily will visit the site where the artwork will eventually hang in order to obtain an sense of your personal style. You are also welcome to visit Emily in her studio located in De Leon, TX to further discuss the progress of the work, although a studio visit is not required.

Why: Stories are powerful—they shape and inform our worldviews and the way we do daily life. Emily thrives creatively on collaboration with others—working together to create art that speaks powerfully of the human experience. Emily is curious; she loves to hear stories and looks forward to what she will learn from you! She also believes in creating meaningful environments. Your original memory artwork will serve as a conversation piece for many days to come, and may even become an family heirloom to be passed down through generations.

If you are interested in commissioning a Memory Project piece please contact me here. I look forward to working with you!

Artist Statement, The Listening Project

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:57:00 CDT

The Listening Project paintings will be on display at The Turtle Restaurant in Brownwood, TX during the months of August and September of this year. The following is my artist statement for the show... I hope it peaks your interest!

Emily Jean Stewart

The Listening Project

My work hinges on the everyday. I often find myself caught up in notions of the future, or toiling in thought over that which I lack. Learning to be present, living in the moment, is what I aspire to. I know that miracles are all around just waiting to be heard, waiting to be seen, waiting to be touch, and even smelled. I desire to know more about each moment, and specifically more about my connection with other humans in those moments.

I wanted to find a way to incorporate a human connection into my creative process. I asked, how can I invite others to join me as I paint? The Listening project was born of this question. Knowing that all people have a story to tell, I simply decided to issue an open invitation to listen. Individuals volunteered to share important stories from his or her past allowing me to listen and interpret what I heard into a mishmash of metaphorical and representational compositions. I attempted to capture the mood and theme of each story through color and texture.

In my previous life I was an art educator in a public school. There I learned that one of the deepest human needs is to be heard, to be understood. I believe that this series of paintings helps satisfy that need for those who choose to be involved. Our stories are the threads that connect us in our raw humanness. If we shut these stories away, it is my belief that we rob the world of healing and compassion. I present my interpretation of these stories to you in visual form, hoping that in some way, you might connect with the stories, and also reflect on the power of your story. I compel you to share your truth and change the world.

Listening Project: Series 2

Tue, 11 May 2010 19:14:52 CDT

If you're not sure what the Listening Project (LP) is, let me catch you up to speed. I'm an artist who loves people AND stories. I've combined these loves and utilized them as inspiration for an on-going series of paintings.

In 'series one' of the LP I interviewed volunteers who told me part (or in some cases all) of his or her life story. As the person spoke I listened and simultaneously interpreted his or her story into visual images. I created a painting as I listened. Nine paintings later I decided to spend more than 20 to 40 minutes developing the paintings.

Enter 'series two'.

For the second series I chose to sketch during the interview.

Afterwards, I continued sketching and planning the painting in my studio.

When working on the actual painting I spent several weeks developing the image, beginning with an under painting.

As you can imagine, the paintings in series two are very different from the previous set. I do believe that sharing our personal experiences is a sacred act. Spending more time on the paintings allows me to more effectively honor the stories that are shared.

Thank you to everyone who has shared. If you're interested in collaborating with me on this project, please contact me.

Where the Heck Have I Been??

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:19:19 CDT

I like to think of myself as a ramblen' woman. Most would agree. I've spent the past several weekends in various locales across the great state of Texas, and had a marvelous time. A trip to China is on the horizon followed by a short jaunt to SoCal, Malibu to be exact. Lots of adventures to be had... and oodles of inspiration to be discovered.

'The Listening Project' continues to be my main focus. In this series I'm working the paintings in my studio, thus the final images will be far more developed that those in the first series.

The drawing you see here is new side venture. In an effort to raise funds for my trip to China I created this design to be printed on t-shirts and sold for profit. For me this is a dream realized. The image was inspired by my desire to see the people of the world function as one body fueled by LOVE. We are all so different, and yet the paradox remains... we have so much in common. Now that is something to CELEBRATE. I hope this image will bring people together and open eyes to the value of human life.

If you're interested in purchasing a tee I will post more info as they become available!

Enchanted Forest in My Backyard

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:40:45 CDT

In an effort to cherish the gorgeous spring weather that is here today (and will be replaced by a freeze this weekend, says the weather man) I photographed some of spring's splendor that lives just a few steps beyond my back door. Be jealous, be very jealous. :)