Emily Lloyd
Violet Mae Upholstery
www.violetmaefurniture.com
ArtRoom Collective Studio #1
We recently spent some time with Emily of Studio #1. Read on to learn more about her remarkable journey.
What kind of art do you create?
I upholster vintage and antique furniture to suit your individuality. I love mixing pattern and color and believe your furniture should reflect your Individual taste.
Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
I'm a midwestern girl, raised on garage sales and curb finds. My parents taught me to fix things, not dispose of them. For me it manifested in furniture. I was relocated temporarily for a job in Denver in 2006. As fate would have it there was The Emily Griffith Opportunity school which offered an upholstery course which taught me the basics. My teacher said to me at class, "Someday I'll come work for you". I was shocked he saw something special happening within me, that's always stuck with me.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Michigan. I was 25, commuting in traffic, working in an office having to dress professionally and absolutely miserable about where my life was. My cousin traveled with her job and offered to let me travel with her. I quit my job, packed my clothes and cat in the car and met up with her in LA. Once I hit the mountains of Colorado my life turned from black and white to technicolor... I knew this was the shake I needed to create the life I wanted. We moved from LA to Baton Rouge and eventually ended up in Durango. Both of us never left, that was 23 years ago.
What inspires you?
Color. I have a visceral reaction to color, it seeps into my soul. It's invigorating, it's comforting, it's all emotions. That's why I feel so strongly about decorating your home to reflect you. Your home tells your own individual story, hopefully it reflects a life well lived. Your home can be the cocoon where life flourishes.
How long have you been producing art?
My class in Denver was in 2006. Upholstery started as a hobby, which evolved into doing projects for friends, which evolved into friend of friends projects and eventually into a full time business in 2015.
What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
I love swimming in the Animas with my daughter, we take late afternoon dips almost every day of the summer. It's my Michigan roots that ground me in water.
I also love travel, audiobooks and estate sales. And snowboarding, my husband owns the Boarding Haus so it's an important piece of family life.
Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?
I'm trying to push for more commercial projects. Hospitality has a tendency to be a bit bolder and adventurous, more of what I desire. Lots of bids out for fun projects, you'll have to follow along to see what I get into.
When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
I'm sharp and focused in the morning, I'm over it by 3pm.
Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
I raised my eldest daughter Sophia by myself till I met my husband. Having Sophia completely shaped how I show up for myself and loved ones. It taught me how resilient I am.
Favorite piece you've created (photo is above in the images)?
Two all time favorites. An antique settee that I spotted in an estate sale listing and arrived early to score. It is an empire style piece, tons of intricate carving, and a solid piece from the early to mid 1800's.
What's something not many people know about you?
I protested the cutting of the Cottonwood tree which was on the corner of 32nd and E 3rd. I was devastated when it was cut down, it provided so much shade and was the brightest gold in fall. I took some of the limbs and rooted them to make baby trees. Every year I make more trees from the original tree and secretly (now not so secretly) plant them along the river. I can't wait to be 85 sitting on my front porch staring at a bunch of big cottonwood trees.
What are you selling in your studio right now?
I have an industrial pair of armchairs. They have a gentle rock and wood capped arms. The fabric is a mix of navy velvet and a woven stripe. We left the original patina on the steel frame. These were a curb find at spring cleanup. I make custom headboards, there is an example in my space. Any size, any shape and customized with fabric that speaks to you.