Artist Spotlight: Jemma Morris

I stumbled upon Jemma’s beautiful work while searching Etsy for abstract originals. Her pieces didn’t make the cut since they’re over $50, but I knew right away that she would be my August Artist of the Month!

I was instantly captivated by her swirling watercolors.

While searching her Etsy shop further, I discovered her family portraits. So-dang-cute! Jemma customizes these sweet keepsakes for her collectors. Or you can buy a digital print of one of her pre-made creations. How cute would these be as a wedding gift, or a holiday gift for mom?! I seriously can't get enough…

Jemma sells her art though her Etsy shop Lou Lou Art Studio, iCanvas.com and Mixtiles.com.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Wagner College, in NYC. Her artwork has been featured in the Huffington Post, Oprah Daily, 2021 National Etsy Commercial, the cover of UpperCase Magazine, House of Hawkes, Decorist, and Lonny, to name a few.    

She’s got prints for sale, digital downloads, and affordable originals. Something to please just about everyone. I asked Jemma if she would mind sharing a bit of her story and she was gracious enough to oblige…

Jason Cortez Photography (tap photo for Instagram link)

“I’ve always had a passion for art and design, it was just always in me.  I was drawing and making art at a very young age.  I remember winning a “create a poster” contest in the 4th grade and that was the moment I made a conscious decision to keep at it, that I might have something here.  

Over the years, growing up in the 80’s – 90’s it was very hard imagining myself as an artist as a career.  There was that saying “starving artists”, that being an artist meant I wouldn’t be able to support myself.  And the fact that virtually all the artists I saw in the history books AND in local galleries were all white and male.  Rarely did I see a woman – let alone a woman of color for that matter (forget it).  And on top of that in stores I saw NO art with black or brown people as the subject matter selling on the shelves.     

But Art has always been an undeniable force in my life.  I couldn’t not, not do it if I tried.  I would always come back to it, there is a pull and tugging at my soul, that goes very deep.  Fast forward to 2017, I opened my Etsy shop.  I remember feeling fear, anxiety and literally panic that no one would want my art, because of the subject matter.  But I pushed through those fears, held my breath, and put it out there.  And Etsy is just so cool.  Etsy gives us ordinary people who are makers/creators/ artists a global platform to show off our work.  What I’ve learned is that there is room for everyone, there are so many different perspectives and styles out there and again there is room for everyone.  

My overall mission artistically is to encourage the beauty in unity, represent diversity and most importantly to cultivate cultural unity and inclusiveness.   

“Every single person deserves to feel represented in all facets of society, from the board room to politics to movies to music.  Because when we see ourselves, our presence and existence in the world has been validated.” -Oprah Winfrey.

Here’s a few more of my favs from Jemma’s body of work, and a few of her favs as well…

*Click images for links

I asked Jemma if she had any advice to give someone who is new to collecting art. Here’s what she had to say…

“Shop small.  There are AMAZING & INCREDIBLE affordable original art pieces out on there on ETSY, believe me I’ve seen them.  Just do a search of original art of the subject matter of your choice and see what comes up.  Good art makes you feel something, pay attention to how it makes you feel when you look at it.  Art in your home will raise your vibration, brighten your mood.  Art does NOT have to match your décor, art brings life to a room.  Art makes a house a home and lets you express yourself.  Art encourages dialogue and growth and hopefully stretches our boundaries.  Shop small and help big dreams come true.”

I have to say, I one hundred percent agree with all the above. I love that she mentioned that art does not have to match your decor. I just shared this with one of my clients recently who was concerned about tying everything together. Jemma’s right, art can speak for itself…it doesn’t need to match in order to belong.

If you’re dying over Jemma’s work, then buy a little something for yourself! It will get you one step closer to a home you love.

Wishing you a beautiful, and healthy, week ahead.

-Sara

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