Meet Emily Dorman | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Dorman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, why did you pursue a creative career?
When the air is blowing with inspiration and I am seeking my purpose for being alive, so close I can almost taste it….. BOOM!
Maybe not that intense, WHOOSH!
A slight wind sends shivers down my spine and I know my purpose.
To create.

With creation, we need a muse, and mine is myself.

I am my ancestors and everyone who came before me, thus adding up to a shiny curation of my family’s generational exhibit.
Always asking, “What’s next?”

I create to live, and live to create!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Exactly two years was my ex-lover’s birthday. They warmed my soul yet I completely forgot about their special day. I was stuck. What could I gift them, something homemade and personal, in a few hours? I looked around my room to possibly regift if it came down to it. That’s when I spotted a 33 LP from the thrift store laying on my floor with no purpose (I didn’t even have a record player at the time).

I printed a few photographs of us, dug out some Mod Podge from my closet, and got to work. I made the record within four hours. My ex hated it and we broke up shortly after. However, my passion to keep creating lit up inside me, and I have been engrossed in my art.

During quarantine of 2020 is when I was gifted the ability called time to really pursue my art in upcycling records. It wasn’t until recent that I started selling my work at Commons and Confluence Park in Denver. I love the way people’s faces light up when they spot a piece of mine that speaks to them.
When I sell my work, I put all I have at the moment visibly on sale. Not all pieces are my favorite, and when someone loves a piece more than I do, that pushes me artistically to keep creating regardless if I like the final piece.

My good friend, Katya, and I would regularly attend the First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe, and saw the Denver night become the night of the artists . It wasn’t until January of last year, an artist had asked what my art was, that I realized I AM an artist, too. I responded awkwardly (hopefully I came off humble) “I collage on vinyl records”.
Since then, I have made an Instagram for my art and sell regularly at the park. Now, when folks ask what I do, I can confidently express myself and my creations.
The transition from making art in my room, to now becoming a confident artist was not easy in anyway. I know there are artists around each corner with creations hiding in their closet.
It is crucial to give art the community it deserves, and I urge artists with hidden art to let it shine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday: A day on South Broadway, exploring local thrift, food, and people. Most importantly, The Mutiny Information Cafe. (P.S. They sell a magazine I was published in, the Nudie Mag!!)

Tuesday: 16th street. It’s dirty, but they’ve gotta see the buttocks of Denver. Shower after. Dinner and drinks at 54thrirty.

Wednesday: See all the art! MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Denver), DAM (Denver Art Museum), art studios scattered throughout the city. For dinner, let’s support (over priced) vegan restaurants like Water Course or City O’ City, meet new friends <3

Thursday: Travel outside of the city, Red Rocks is a must-see, especially during sunrise. Breakfast at the Denver Biscuit Company never fails (be hungover to throughly enjoy).

Friday: Let’s get tattoos at Electric Crayon in Aurora with Antonio.

Saturday: Soak up the sun and sell my art with me at Commons Park. Grab a bottle of wine and let the sales roll. Celebrate the success of at least one record sold, party it up on Market Street.

Sunday: Make a record with me! You’ll be surprised of your artistic abilities.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I find inspiration everywhere, but I would like to give a shoutout to these beautiful souls. The first shoutout goes to Kah Li, my favorite rapper in Colorado, and also the artist who introduced me to Shoutout Colorado.
The rest of my shoutouts goes to everyone who has left behind a legacy.
Including my brother, Josh Ewan Taylor.

Website: instagram.com/misshunni777 personal

Instagram: instagram.com/emz.records art