Emily Kirby

Emily Kirby at Another art fair

“Stay inspired, work hard at your craft, be honest with yourself.”

— Emily Kirby

TAF: What’s your name and where are you from?

EK: Emily Kirby, I was born in Zambia but grew up in the UK, Sussex

TAF: How did you get into art?

EK: It was always a strength and a passion from a young age. There where also artists in my family that encouraged and inspired me.

TAF: How long have you been drawing and painting?

EK: Since I was a kid

TAF: When did you start getting paid work?

EK: I used to sell work when I was at college, but full time since 2010, I went traveling for 2 years and towards the end of my trip a painted a collection of paintings in Zanzibar. When I got back to the UK I sold them and I used that as a starting point to go full time.

TAF: How long do you spend drawing or painting each piece?

EK: Most pieces take between 2-4 weeks, saying that I have finished paintings in one day before. I think these have been some of my most successful works

TAF: What medium do you use?

EK Oils, I moved over from acrylics 6 years ago. But I’d like to look into using mixed media more in the future

 TAF: Who inspires you?

EK: So many!!.... Marlene Dumas, Tracey Emin, Mickalene Thomas, Henry Moore, Howard Hodgkin, Matisse…. It’s a long list so I’ll stop there

TAF: What advice would you give a young artist?

EK: Stay inspired, work hard at your craft, be honest with yourself

TAF: What’s the most fun you’ve had on a commissioned job?

EK: I was invited to travel to Tanzania and paint a collection of works inspired by a community, it was so interesting meeting people and hearing their stories, I also taught art workshops to some super talented kids.

TAF: Besides from painting what else do you enjoy doing?

EK: I love travelling, being in nature. Spending time in new places and surrounded by completely different cultures.

TAF: What's your dream or passion?

EK: I feel like I’m living my dream, I get to do what I love full time. It’s got its challenges but that’s what makes it interesting.

TAF: Where's the best place for people to find your work website or social handles?

EK: www.emilykirby.org instagram: emilykirby_art

TAF: What’s your favourite movie?

EK: Forest Gump

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