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Art medium(s): Pressed flowers, organic materials, felt and polymer clay.

How do you describe your art? The only art classes that I have taken were what was available in my high school days, which means a lot of what I make starts as an experiment. I would consider my art to be playful, simple and sometimes silly. It’s my attempt to showcase nature’s beauty from my own perspective.

Were you always interested in following a creative path? No, I honestly didn’t see it as an option. I’ve always admired many types of art and the skill of so many artists. I just didn’t see myself as capable, creative or comfortable enough to express myself in that way.

What does your “day-in-the-life” look like? My daytime job is as a massage therapist. I own my own practice and have been practicing since 2005. When I get home for the day or on the weekends is when I spend my time creating things.

Where do you get your creative inspiration? My inspiration comes from the natural world I witness every day. It started with gardening and just enjoying being outside. I started observing everything that was happening all at once, just stopping and taking a closer look. It’s amazing what we pass right by without a second thought. The more you zoom in the more detail presents itself. I like to highlight that.

Why do you love what you do? I love being a therapist because I get the opportunity to know so many great people. I assist them in keeping their bodies moving so they can do the things they love. I like creating art because it is fun for me and gives me that “I get to be a kid for a while and mess around” feeling. I usually make an actual mess too but that is part of the fun.

One thing most people don’t know about being an artist, in your opinion: It’s just like anything you have a passion for. I think by committing to that passion is what makes someone an artist. You care, pay attention to details, want the best of your abilities and have a motivation to always do better.

Early bird or night owl? Definitely a night owl. My mother will tell you it’s been that way since birth.

Last movie you watched or book you read: Unfortunately I don’t make time to do a lot of reading unless it is a reference. Looking up or something I’m trying to figure out how to make or do. If it’s the TV, I usually watch whatever “shoot ’em up” movie my fiancee has on, or Antiques Road Trip.

Is the glass half full or half empty? When I was younger it was half empty and everything seemed not great. Somewhere along the way I decided to give the half full a try and things have been working out since. Attitude can change so many things.

What makes you happiest: The people I love, all the things I get to learn and my cats.

To see more of Emily’s work, visit Wild Violet on Instagram @wild_violet.co and www.wildvioletco.com