The daughter of a Cuban American, EMYO's expressive style, and bold strokes may find their origins in her Spanish roots. Her many years of experimentation in drawing laid the foundation for the painting that would come later in her life…After first receiving her bachelor's degree from Auburn University, EMYO went on to study under an impressionist master in Italy, and later further deepened her understanding of learning through the arts through training at Harvard. Fighting a hectic schedule, she is the mother of six beautiful children, EMYO somehow finds time to paint (often outdoors) on her big grassy piece of land in Tennessee. Needless to say, we are in awe of EMYO are constantly asking ourselves "just how does she make it look so lovely"? We sat down with the superwoman herself to learn more…
What is currently on your nightstand?
“Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta” by Richard Grant- an honest appraisal of race in the South and it takes an outsider to have the courage to actually write it, Jo’s Boys- third in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little women Series, “The Egypt Game”- 1986’ Newberry Honor Book and my current read aloud to kiddos at my house
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
John Singer Sargent, Robert Henri, Manet, Degas- The Impressionists focused on learning to See rather than learning to Paint
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I have always had an insatiable desire to Make Stuff- whether it be a dugout in the side of a Tennessee hill, or paper-dolls wearing paper napkin fashions, childhood was to me a daily exercise in the “starting with nothing and making it into something” kind of creating.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My kitchen is filled with light and plates and a constant preparing of meals for the eight people it feeds daily, it is filled with puzzles, and playdough and, of course, coffee, and a 24-count industrial muffin tin that is my most favorite kitchen acquisition
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
Musee D’ Orsee in Paris,
from the entrance into this old train station turned museum, the Monet and Degas delights to the cafe with orange wire sculptural lights, it is simply my favorite place EVER
I can never get on a plane without….
books, books, and more books, frequently I take out clothes and go without in order to ensure that i will not run out of reading material on a trip
How did you get into the world of art?
I did not get into the world, Art just got into Me.
What do you do to relax?
Recently, I got a sitter for our six, took my kayak out on the water for jaunt around the lake and then enjoyed a great dinner on an outside patio with dear friends
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy the piece that makes you remember it even after you’ve left it,
Buy the piece that has a story that you love to share,
Buy the piece that makes your room breathe and allows your eyes to rest.
