January

Visual Female of the Month – January

– Emma Livingstone

Emma (or as Em as she prefers to be called) is the face behind Emetic Art. The Australian artist has developed a distinct style that has a slightly macabre or twisted element to it. An independent thinker, Em puts her own unique spin on what she encounters in the world around her. Her work blends cutesy and grotesque to culminate in a spectacular visual feast. While perhaps not to everyone’s tastes, The Visual Female gives it one slobbery seal of approval.

 

Now for the interview….

In your bio it is clear that art as a form of expression comes very naturally to you. When did you start creating and did you think this was going to be something you would do for life?

Drawing has always been my favourite pastime. From a young age I was encouraged to express my creativity. I’ve always been arty, as long as I can remember, anyway. I didn’t always think it would be a career path, though. When I was in High school, and we were doing careers stuff…and they pressure you to make a decision on the spot, about what you want to do for the rest of your life… There’s not much else I could imagine myself doing.

What type of people do you think your art appeals to?

I think my art appeals to a personality type, rather than a stereotype… if that makes sense. Like, sure it’ll appeal to the alternative market. But on a broader scale, it appeals to anyone with a darker sense of humour, and a fun outlook on life. I like to put my personality into my work, and I believe it’s a pretty accurate representation of who I am.

Your work is bold and vibrant, what materials do you use to create this effect?

I use acrylic paint, spray paint, markers and ink. I also like to create and recreate my work in digital form, although I don’t consider myself a “digital artist” … I’m just a painter, who paints on the computer sometimes.

What have you got planned for 2014 in relation to your art?

This year is going to be huge. 2014 is my first year of pursuing my art as a fulltime job. I’ve just exhibited at the RAWARDS showcase a couple of weeks ago, and have The Brisbane Alternative Expo Bazaar in March. I’m planning a few things interstate for mid-year. I’ll be doing Supanova in November and have booked in for a solo show in December. Plenty more exciting things to slot in too, I’m so excited.

Who, or what, is inspiring you at the moment?

I’m so inspired by everything. At the moment, I’m particularly inspired by film and pop culture. I watch several movies a day while I’m in my studio, and with Supanova booked and within my reach, my brain is geeking out hardcore.

If you somehow hurt your vision, would you choose to wear glasses or contacts?

I already wear glasses! I have pretty good vision but I get migraines from eye strain. If I hurt my eyes, I’d probably have to stick with glasses. I wore contacts when I dressed as a zombie once and it felt pretty uncomfortable. 😛

Excluding sight, what two other senses are your favourites?

SMELL. I’m a sniffer. I’m not ashamed of that. The smell of band-aids and new stationary are some of my favourite smells.
Hearing and taste are hard to choose between. I love music. But I am such a foodie!!

 5 most pleasant things to look at:

Pleasant plɛz(ə)nt/

Adjective
1. Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.

The definition of “pleasant” differs from person to person.

1. Boobs
2. Tongues
3. Snot
4. Slime
5. Flowers

5 least pleasant things to look at:

There’s not much I don’t like to look at, to be honest. I don’t cover my eyes when I watch horror movies, I watch gross youtube vids beginning to end and I’m not squeamish at the sight of blood or broken bones. I guess it’d be the socially unacceptable and horrific behaviour of humans towards other humans and animals. Stuff like that, I cannot bear.

Who is the most inspiring woman you know and why?

My mother. Everything I have done, and will ever do is with thanks to her. She raised 3 children on her own, she puts up with my madness, and she accepts me for who I am. She’s my biggest support and my best friend.

What is your favourite thing about yourself?

This is a tough question. How to answer without sounding conceited? Ah fluff it. My sense of humour. I might be the only one laughing sometimes but I amuse myself so that’s all that matters.

What is on your bedroom walls currently?

A Misfits clock that tells the wrong time, a faux moose head and a cork board full of cranky reminders to myself.

Favourite clothing / accessory / product at the moment?

I bought a crimper last month. I dyed my hair hot pink a couple of weeks ago. Does pink, crimpy hair count as an accessory? 😛

Favourite artist at the moment:

Ohh this is tough. I’d have to say my favourite artist right now is my good friend Amanda Whitelaw of Hungry Designs. Her art always has been brilliant, and she continues to amaze me. She’s such a lovely person too, which makes her all the more inspiring and intriguing.

And finally, any words of advice for people stepping into the creative sector?

My advice would be to not give up. Don’t take one person’s negative comment as a reason to stop what you’re doing. Use that as fuel to keep going. Not everyone will love your work, that’s a fact. Also, have a good attitude. Yeah, keep your chin up… but don’t hold your head so high that you have to look down on everyone else. Having the right attitude towards fellow artists and fans of your work is super important. Nobody likes snobbery, so stay humble and remember those who have helped you out –  it’s a two way street.
❤

 

Check out Em’s work on her website and Facebook page.