summer conversations: freewillmaxxxing with em

em white is a local creative, artist, and mother. when she's not being a sweetie pie to literally anybody (truly, her kindness and compassion can light up a room), she is getting the room involved in interactive art. her talent is immeasurable, now read below for some wisdom.

What are your favorite ways to freewillmaxxx?

I love talking to strangers, can't help myself. Those people have since become my friends or simply memories I hold onto. Their stories open my worldview and appreciation for our bonded humanity. Whether the experience is a positive or negative interaction I get to practice my patience and boundaries. It's hard not to cherish the lived experiences we share and the idea that I can learn from someone else what I love by myself or be reminded what habits I need to heal instead of judging ourselves.

Your art brings the community in. When did that become how you work?

It wasn't until I met my second therapist, who specializes in art therapy and OCD, she was able to trick me to doodle again. I started a portrait of my daughter around her first birthday. After almost finishing, my one year old got a hold of the pencil and scribbled all over it. I never wanted to feel that way again and decided I needed to release the tension of expectation and perfection. It was my first collab, I needed more of that. Met my friend Emma while they modeled, they told me to never stop drawing not realizing I had only just begun again after almost a decade of avoiding my love for portraits. I was invited to my first market at Anchor Rock Club, prepared an 18x24 self portrait and spent the next 6 months dragging it to events and asking people to color on me. The following 18 months we as a community created over 50 pieces of collective art in AC, Absecon and Hammonton. I am grateful to have displayed 30ish of them during a one day show at UnionHallArts (thankyou Zac). Wasn't sure what I'd do next but everyone still seems to love co creating with me and I appreciate seeing people will color whether I'm there or not to encourage them.

What does AC give you as an artist that you couldn't get somewhere else?

I grew up in Millville, AC reminds me of home. I wasn't able to appreciate the opportunities given to me as a child but now I am presented even more due to the fact that people still see me more than I can witness myself and my art. I am so grateful to have found a community in south jersey.

How do your kids fit into what you make? Do they shape it or is making stuff just part of the house?

My children are my favorite creations, I've actually only done their portraits maybe three times each so far. They are my hardest critiques, but know I will enjoy every piece of art they make on their own without comparison. I didn't enjoy my own art as a child so I'm happy to see they can create freely without that discouragement.

What do you want your kids to know about choosing their own life?

Keeping it simple - I hope they grow up into their own identities, without feeling influenced by our families. My greatest wish is for the generational trauma to stop with them and they can live their own lives as they wish wherever that takes them.

Perfect freewillmaxxxing day in AC, what does it look like?

Definitely overdue for a day at the beach, my favorite is walking all the way down where the sand meets the water then back across the boardwalk. It's a lot of people watching and smiling under the sunshine.

Is there a project you've been wanting to make but haven't? What's stopping you?

I am craving an interactive mural, someone find us a building we can freely express our imaginations for the day please and thankyou.

Who in AC should more people be paying attention to?

Apologies to everyone else I admire - German Acosta is my favorite local artist, I will never cease to fall in love with his work. We met during my first visit to UHA, a life drawing class I impulsively stepped in to model for last minute. I got to witness everyone's work in progress, walking around to peek between poses. I was so nervous and couldn't stop wiggling to the music but happily own two portraits from that night due to trading them for my own art. Amanda and German now host life drawing at the Noyse Art Garage where they both have their own studios. Please do yourselves a favor and visit or attend one of their classes.

When a project involves the community, what surprises you every time?

I don't think people realize how much community goes into Art, whether its the inspiration behind a creation or the fact that multiple people are needed to finish these installations even those behind the scene to make sure the work is approved and financed. I'm thinking of murals as an example and learned this myself after being invited to assist in last years restoration of Stephanie Segal Miller's "Z is for Zebra" on Mediterranean Ave.

What's something in AC that feels like art to you even though no one calls it that?

Trash, why do we litter? I imagine one day I will slow down to collect these unique items, ideally to create instead of "properly" disposing of them. Obviously I am inspired by Eduardo Jiménez's compositions but the habit myself began with collecting change off the street always eyeing the ground to watch where I am walking instead of where I'm going.

If you could put one piece of yours somewhere permanent in AC, where and what?

I actually have a double portrait with chef Michael Brennan hanging up at Cardinal and my self portrait in Byrdcage displayed already but if I could randomly pick another I would probably steal back Marcos Morgan's portrait and hide it in one of ARC's bathrooms.

Favorite place for pizza and top third places in the city?

Only going to Tony Baltimore Grill for pizza, I won't purchase it myself anywhere else in AC but I wouldn't say no to free pizza if you're offering me food.

In case you don't already know me, my favorite restaurant anywhere is Cardinal. I need to visit again soon their truffle fries are my guilty pleasure but I'm still craving the pickles they catered for ARTeriors.

You can find me at Anchor, not as much as I used to frequent but will happily attend their events solo.

My third favorite is any place I am creating art at, chalk murals or interactive art making. Excited for y'all to continue doodling with me.