Wonderful Women Interview with Artist Samantha Louise Emery

London born artist Samantha Louise Emery splits her time between the UK and her studio in Bodrum, Turkey which she defines as her spiritual home.

Her recent portrait series IKONA | Mirrored Interior celebrates the ten women who have inspired her throughout her life including Malala Yousafzai, Jane Goodall and Laurie Anderson as well as her godmother, jewellery designer, Krystyne Griffin. Through her art, Samantha seeks to reveal the deeper layers of the self and the feminine spirit, looking to bring awareness to the positive effects and importance of feminine solidarity.

It is a pleasure to interview Samantha for my Wonderful Women series.

 

Describe a typical day?

My typical day keeps evolving to be honest, however there is one thing that is consistent and that is, I rise early in order to have enough time to enter the new day calmly.  And another, is to find time in the evening to do my yoga, that always clears my mind and helps bring on a more restful night. The day itself is generally admin in the morning followed by midday exercise (currently loving F45 in White City Place) and the afternoon, is mostly creative thinking, doing and connecting.

 

What do you feel are your biggest achievements?

My biggest achievements are having created, carried and birthed two very special, soulful, spirited and creative women in to this world: my daughters Tabatha and Jasmin. 

 

What’s in your bag?

Inside my handbag (when I use one… I prefer hands-free when possible) is my phone, wallet, earphones, sketchbook, pen, lip balm, eye drops (current spring fever with hayfever!) and a hanky. 

 

What are your ambitions?

My ambitions are to travel, touch hearts, inspire minds and to collaborate with other creatives of all genders, generations and backgrounds throughout the world to bring awareness to the values of the Feminine Spirit and how to nurture that energy for the betterment of humanity and nature. 

 

What would you tell your younger self?

I wish I had known what a waste of valuable time and energy it was to worry about what others thought of you. We make, break, mend and recreate all the time. I work hard on staying focused on what feels right. In that place, my creativity can flow from my subconscious to my consciousness. 

To keep the heart open to the adventures in life. To stay focused on what feels right. To not underestimate the value of self-care, feeling achievement and spending time with friends and family. And to let criticism, unless constructive, wash over you!

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years time, I hope to see myself collaborating with other creative minds in the Arts, Music, Dance, Fashion, Education and Wellness industries. There is much to gain in collaborating with other creative minds expressing through different mediums. I foresee myself creating vibrant works through collaboration that will add value to the world, in particular inspiring women to live through their Feminine Spirit. 

 

What advice do you have for budding creatives?

I would advise any budding creative soul that it is often when we feel things are standing still that we are in fact, creating our best work. Digging deep is where the magic lies. It is then that we can push creativity out of the box. 

 

What is happiness?

Happiness for me, is when I am feeling healthy in my body, relaxed in my mind, creatively inspired in my heart, and giving and receiving love.

Germaine Greer: Sarong.

 

Website: www.samanthalouiseemery.art

Instagram: @samanthaikona

Twitter: @samanthaIKONA

Faceboook: Samantha Louise Emery