shining Emma Barwin

Age: 17 • Grade/School: Saint Edmond Catholic High School

Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

Do you come from an artistic family?

Nobody in my family is very involved in the fine arts but I would say my mom is pretty crafty. Even though none of the members of my family are super artistic, they have always supported me.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, part for you when creating a new piece?

The most difficult or challenging part for me when creating a new piece is blank page anxiety. I feel just a little nervous right before my pencil marks the paper, I am always able to get over this though.

What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process?

The most rewarding part is stepping back to look at the final piece. I love seeing my hard work pay off.

Do you plan to use your artistic schools after high school? If so, in what ways?

Yes, I plan on going to school for art and am aiming to get my masters. I would love to freelance for people as well and have dreams of doing art shows in a gallery someday.

Artistic Interests:

Definitely scratching around in my sketchbook, and recently also watercolor landscapes! Additionally, I love drawing pencil portraits and have taken ceramics classes.

How long have you been interested in art?

I have been interested in art since I was little. I always loved doodling and I remember flipping over coloring pages to trace the on the back. Art has always just been something I do, like walking or breathing.

What do you most enjoy about creating art?

I most enjoy the focus. I can’t take my eyes off the paper when I’m painting thin lines or trying to get things just right.

Who inspires you and why?

Someone who inspires me is the artist Keith Haring. While he was alive he made political statements and battled prejudice through his art. He impacted many people’s lives and I love seeing his work.

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Emma Barwin.

A typical day in my life stars with waking up and checking my phone. I usually get up around 6 and try to do yoga before I start my day. I then pack up my stuff and drive to school. When I get to school I occasionally have to drop a project off in the art room if I took it home to work. I have my morning classes and then Independent Art Study fourth period, this is where I create a lot of my pieces. When school is over I go home and get ready for work or tennis practice. I like days where I have free time because I can draw and read. After all of my activities I eat dinner with my family and go to bed.

What are your plans after high school?

I plan on studying art in college and making money through my work as an adult.