Artist Spotlight: BIRD BLACK EMPORIUM

I am shining this month's Artist Spotlight on Australia based artist, Jacquie, of Bird Black Emporium!  I am more than happy to introduce you to Jacquie and her ridiculously beautiful artwork!  This talented lady has a unique style that is not easy to forget!  Each of her pieces feature the most intricate detailing, all done with ink and paint.  Her artwork is gorgeous.  Every time Jacquie shares something new, I find myself getting lost in her art because there is just SO much goodness to take in!  I would describe her work to have a unique mix of tribal and bohemian style, with hints of a woodland theme.  With that combination, how could you not love everything she does?! 

It has been a real pleasure to interview Jacquie for my blog!  She is a vintage lover, enjoys listening to Jazz, and loves Adam Sandler movies!  Jacquie is a creative soul with a kind heart, and I am incredibly honored to be able to feature my talented friend here on One Vintage Soul.  

Describe your artistic style in 7 words.

Darkness, light, pretty, macabre, nature, mythological, detailed.

What is the story behind your name, "Bird Black Emporium"?  

It's my homage to Ravens! Seriously, I love them. I've been enamored with their place in mythology, culture and literature since a young age. They're beautiful, inquisitive, highly intelligent and full of mystique. Symbolically they represent a juxtaposition between dark and light, creation and death; a lot of my pieces reflect similar themes and for that reason I adopted the name Bird Black and hold the idea behind the Raven's symbolic nature as my muse. That's the long and the short of it in a nutshell ;)

Who has had the greatest influence on your life as an artist, and why?

I have 3 people! My parents are a huge influence, not so much in an artistic way but they supported my decision to pursue art as a career (despite not always agreeing with it!) and allowed me the freedom to become the person I wanted to be and go after the things that made me happy. They're both amazing people who work exceptionally hard and remain infectiously positive (almost to the point of annoyance, I'm looking at you Dad!). And of course, my partner for supporting me and kicking my ass to be bigger and better and not sweat the small stuff (which I am prone to do). In some ways, I think he believes in me way more than I do. I'm very lucky to have that. 

Do you listen to music while you draw/paint?

Absolutely. Music is integral to my artistic experience!!! 

Who are your favorite musical artists?

I have tooooo many! But if I had to name a few off the top of my head: Creedence, The Doors, Led Zeppelin (Levee Breaks is my fave song ever), The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Velvet Underground, BRMC, The Black Angels, Gram Parsons, Justin Townes Earl, Wilco, Fleetwood Mac, Mazy Star, The Dandy Warhols, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire...and I will forever love Ryan Adams. He totally needs to make more records. Love Is Hell was my bible for years. I'm also (somewhat weirdly) super into Jazz at the moment. It happened a couple of months ago, I listened to a bunch of Charlie Parker records one night over dinner and got totally hooked. 

How would you describe your personal style?

Yeesh, I don't know!!! Boring?? Hahahaha! I basically live in a loose tank / tee, skinny jeans, black boots, chunky jewelry and a leather jacket (although I'm very prone to big fluffy faux fur / chunky or shaggy knits on occasion!). I've collected some pretty cool vintage pieces over the years that I rotate throughout my wardrobe and am really into hats! I'm not sure if that's an answer...

Who are your style icons?

Jane Birkin, Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power), Alison Mosshart (from the Kills) & of course, Kate Moss. I'm a sucker for any lady with a good fringe & a bit of 'tude. Also, the 70s (as in the decade!) on a whole; long hair, tight pants, big coats, big sunglasses...when I'm in that kind of mood I just put on Almost Famous and cruise it for style tips!

What is the one thing that people don't know about you?

I have a ridiculously good memory that is used mostly to retain useless pop culture facts & Simpson's quotes. But seriously, I don't forget anything. I'm really good at telling people who said what when, where it happened and what colour sweater they were wearing at the time. It's like the worst super power in the world. Also, I love Adam Sandler movies.

What future plans do you have for Bird Black Emporium?

So many!!! Hahahaha. There are a bunch of awesome plans in the work, starting with the launch of BirdBlack.com in the very near future! I'm never at a loss for ideas and am always plotting something so I guarantee some new, different surprises very soon!!!  

Other than that, I just want to keep collaborating! I've been so privileged to have worked with some amazingly talented and super lovely people these past few months and seriously, that connection with people is something that I truly love as an artist / illustrator. So yeah, more of everything!

If you weren't an artist, what would you be doing instead?

Before I decided to pursue a career in art, I wanted to work for the CDC (Center for Disease Control). I'm 100% serious on this. Either that or an archaeologist.

There are aspiring young artists all over the world. What are some words of wisdom you would offer them?

Firstly, Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Not everything will work the way you want it to the first time around, like anything, it takes a lot of practice, a lot of patience and a lot of heart. If you want to be successful you have to be willing to put in the work, the bonus is, once you do the rewards both mentally and professionally are totally worth all the effort! 

Secondly, being successful today is as much to do with how you promote yourself as it is about how talented you are. A bit annoying, sure, but it is what it is so best to just go with it and not let it bother you!!! Find your niche, find your platform and go to town building your empire! For instance, I love Instagram but am completely useless with Facebook! So I promote my work almost entirely through that social platform. Embracing the IG community turned out to be an absolute breath of fresh air as it's helped opened up so many doors for me and allowed me to form new, wonderful friendships with some truly amazing & talented people. That's just me though. There may be something that works better for you, so go with whatever that is. 

Thirdly, be nice to people. Seriously. A positive attitude and a kind disposition can go such a long way.

If your life were a motion picture, what would the title be?

24 Hour No-Party People.

"BALINESE BULL SKULL"

 "COSMIC BULL SKULL"

 "GOOD OMENS"

 "MYSTIC"

 "RITUAL BULL SKULL"

 "STAY WILD"

 "THUNDERBIRD"

 "BARN OWL"

 "GO YOUR OWN WAY"

GYPSY QUEEN

All Original Artwork by Bird Black Emporium

Shop Artwork by Bird Black Emporium on Etsy, here

***Use Coupon Code: 1VINTAGESOUL to receive a 20% Discount on all Art Prints!  

{Coupon Code is good thru Saturday, July 5, 2014}  

I am so excited to announce that Bird Black Emporium will be one of the feature artists for our 1VintageSoul Artist-Designed Series! Stay tuned friends, as you will be able to purchase an exclusive Bird Black Emporium Artist-Designed case for your iPhone!!!  

Thank you for reading...Keep shining!

~Michelle xo