Conversations | Emily Earl

Emily is an artist living in Savannah, Georgia

Describe your work as if you're speaking to a 5 year old.

I think the most important part of my photography is being able to make a connection with the person I’m making a photo with. Just being in the present, making sure to notice all the little things that are happening in that moment and staying flexible.

Your preferred method of getting that good creative vibe going.

If I’m out making photos, it usually helps to start by finding a place that I feel comfortable in, talking with someone and breaking the ice so that I can get in the right headspace. If I’m working on editing, or printing, it’s all about having the right amount of coffee, a good snack, and good music to listen to.

What drives you absolutely nuts about the (art) world?

The overall barrier to entry for emerging artists. The best way to improve at your work is to show it, but it can be so hard to get a foot in the door. We’re really proud at ARTS Southeast to give exhibition opportunities to emerging artists so they can gain that important practical experience, to learn all the things it takes to show your work and grow your practice.

A time you surprised yourself by the art you created.

I think for me, street photography is all about surprises and that’s why I love it so much. You never know what you’re going to find, who you will meet and what they will do in the moment you're photographing. In my work-life as a director and designer it can feel kind of penned in by spreadsheets and calendars, I really love the freedom and flexibility of going out into the world with no real preconceived plan of what I’ll make that day and letting it unfold.

Most recent song you've been listening to on repeat.

Lately I've been rotating between The Madcap Laughs, Cowboy in Sweden and Mulatu Astatke's early albums.

Podcast or show your are recommending that others may not have heard of or seen.

I’ve been listening to old recordings of Terence McKenna to fall asleep, which I know is kind of weird! TV-wise I’m a sucker for a great period piece or old school sci fi, some favorites would be Star Trek (the original series), Mad Men, Peaky Blinders, also really enjoying rewatching Atlanta right now.

Last book you read that you couldn't put down.

Some of my favorites over the years: One Hundred Years of Solitude, Just Kids, The Cyclone's Eye, The Martian Chronicles, Steppenwolf. I’m excited to start Encounters with the Archdruid by John McPhee.

Do you take in a song's lyrics or melody first?

This is a tough one but I’d have to say melody.

Advice, compliment, insult...something that you will never forget.

A good piece of advice I received was to remember to photograph all the emotions: sadness, elation, loneliness, exasperation - they’re all important in portraiture.

If someone asks you to cook your "specialty" - what are you cooking?

I’m pretty good at breakfast, blueberry banana pancakes or veggie omelets.

What was the most memorable field trip you can remember going on?

Back in the day there was a great local science museum here in Savannah, I remember being so intrigued by this giant pendulum they had in the front lobby, also a see-thru tube that was covered in snakes that you could crawl through!

A piece of art in your home that you LOVE.

I love this painting that I collaborated with my partner Jon on. We spent a couple days just playing with paint and he gave me some really good pointers at all the different things you can try with paint sticks, and looking at how one color sits next to another. We had one rule - that there are no mistakes, nothing is precious. There's something so freeing about that, I think it led us to make a pretty great painting together.

Huge shout out to ______ for ______!

You guys for spreading the word and supporting artists! For real, it's so important, such hard work, and very appreciated. :)

Check out more of Emily's work here!