Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cook.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a full-time artist and part-time physician. Or am I a full-time physician and part-time artist? It is really hard to answer this question and tie up this story in a neat sentence. I am currently practicing full-time family medicine at the 4th street clinic in SLC with the unsheltered, underserved population. I also am a medical director at a methadone clinic called new seasons, and an acting medical director at active recovery in Bountiful, Utah.
My studio for art was up until recently located in the Monarch in Ogden. I just joined a beautiful artistic co-operative called Fiction in Ogden which houses some other wonderful artists and will with time permitting start putting some of my smaller work on site. My story. I have always been an artist! I thought I would paint for a living. I was able to go to really fun live drawing (nude) classes when I was 9 years old and take advanced oil painting classes as a child. I received a full-ride scholarship for academics and art at BYU.
I graduated with a bachelor’s of sciences, taking the 5-year plan, as I actually did not find my Artistic voice or vision when I was in college. After graduation, I went to gemology and jewelry school at the gemological institute of America in Carlsbad, California. This experience actually turned me on to medicine. I realized not only that I melt everything, but I also love the scientific aspect of grading gemstones. I realized quickly (after failing a bench test at Shane Company. They offered to let me string pearls) that I needed an alternative form of income… So, I decided to go to medical school. Let’s fast forward about 20 years. I somehow was able to mold an artistic brain into a physician brain.
Today I am actively seeking to balance motherhood, art, and medicine, and the occasional day of skiing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
This is not a ROAD! It’s an awesome abstract painting. when looked at up close most people are going to say what the poop!??? But from a distance, and looking back, I marvel at how much I have been blessed with, how much grace I have been given, and how many wonderful lessons I have learned.
I would not choose a different life. I am asked if is it worth it. YES. Anything worth doing is usually quite difficult, and it is sweeter for the struggle! My favorite thing about creating art, is it usually does not come together until the end.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love that my work constantly changes. I can do really large paintings and really small paintings. I can work in all mediums. I love that I can tackle all subjects and my style shows through. It has taken years of working every day to achieve a unique style. I have a special way of using acrylic ink and large spatulas and I like the freedom and flow that come from these paintings.
However, over the last year as I’ve worked with an hour commute, I have explored smaller works on paper and I’m proud of trying to do more technically accurate art. I think the joy is continually evolving and processing more. I struggle with complimenting myself, so it’s hard for me to acknowledge strengths, but I know that I create every day and I think that in and of itself is something I’m proud of.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
One of my favorite things about the combination of art and medicine is I try not to take anything too seriously.
I enjoy naming my paintings after ahem body parts even when it is a vase of flowers. Or when I am at the clinic trying to bring art and humor back to otherwise depressing circumstances. I think unique perspectives from all walks of life are absolutely essential.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilycook.art
- Instagram: @emilycookarts
- Facebook: emilycookarts
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/emilycookarts
Image Credits
Queen Bee, Copper Pennies, and Dahling
