Meet Emily Dwan | Acrylic Painter & Mosaic Artist

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

Hi Emily, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I have developed habits to help me get in the groove and stay inspired. For example I try to get all of my emails, appointments and computer work done in the morning so that I am not interrupted while I am creating later on. Sometimes I work late so that I can really focus on my work without any interruptions. I also know that I feel most creative when I have an organized work space so I make sure to clean up after each project.

In addition to always finding ways to fine tune my craft, learning how to market my artwork and building a business around it has really helped me get to the next level. I have developed habits that help me document my art and market it through social media, art festivals and my website. For example I try to film a time-lapse video of each piece that I do to give insight into my creation process. After each piece is finished I have it professionally photographed. Although these extra steps add effort, time and budget to the process in the end it is worth it because every piece I have done has been fully documented.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been a creator from a young age and I am very proud to be living out my dream of being a professional artist. Today my focus is vibrant acrylic paintings inspired from our beautiful Colorado surroundings. I love to spread positivity through my colorful artwork. Another focus of mine are colorful stained glass mosaics. Although the two mediums seem very different there is always a common thread between them. My broken painting brushstrokes often mimic the feeling of a mosaic and my vibrant use of color is always present.

Today I’m proud to have my own art studio in the RiNo art district and I travel throughout Colorado to several art festivals each summer to display my art. Getting where I am today has taken an intense amount of hard work and sacrifice that I can hardly describe in a few sentences. I have focused my entire life on this dream and I am happy to be living it. Before moving into my my current art studio just this October, I previously shared a studio space with two others for seven years. Before that I had only a small poorly lit spare bedroom in my home. Before that I had a space in a terrible unfinished basement that often flooded. It’s important to look back and see the progress of where I started and where I am today. I certainly didn’t just snap my fingers and arrive here, it has taken a lifetime of sacrifices, hard work and dedication.

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?
EAT Cart Driver, Super Mega Bien, Crema Coffee, Central Market

MUSIC
Go see a concert at Red Rocks or at least get a hike in.

HIKE or SKI
Hit the slopes or climb a mountain.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my family and friend who have supported my artwork over the years, through its lows and highs. My parents in particular inspired me to pursue my art from a young age. My husband and daughter have traveled with me to numerous art festivals over the years and have always been there to support my passion. Thank you.

Website: emilydwan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilydwanart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilydwanart/

Image Credits
Second Photo in studio Photo by Kate Rolston of katerolston.com