Meet Emerald Padgett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emerald Padgett.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story seems pretty basic to me. I started out like everyone else, little doodles kids do but, the thing that really made a difference to me was seeing how my dad would design.

eeing someone draw out plans and cabinets than in a few months seeing it come to life and people being able to interact with amazed me. That influence always made me look at art differently and intensified my interest. In the third grade, I began painting, and that was the push that really let me dive into art.

After that, I began selling, and I was literally sold on it and have been pursuing it ever since. Now that I’m in college and studying architecture I’m enjoying how much they interact and overlap and how much my love for architecture and design can influence my work.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m a stubborn person that doesn’t like to admit I had obstacles but if you ask anyone else they would say big time. For about two years I struggled with an autoimmune problems called Posteral Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Dysautonomia. That big ol’ word caused everything that should be happening automatically in my body to not.

It made it extremely hard to walk and simple function. But life happens, and you just do it and trust things will pass. I know now that the path I’m on now is better then the one I would be one if it didn’t happen and I’m thankful in many ways that it did. Yes, I’m a 17 year old on beta blockers and heart meds, but I gained a lot and grew a lot from it too.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I think someone who helped me immensely is Mike Collins and everyone at Shockboxx gallery in Hermosa. They wholeheartedly support me and have provided me with so many opportunities. This gallery is such a unique gem in the Southbay and is an all-around good place that has influenced me so much. They deserve more recognition.

Another person who helped me was my old art instructor Kelsey Fair. She helped me learn and enjoy painting and coached me on how to sell. She also helped me when I grew up and wanted to combine the architecture with the art by taking me under her wing at her landscape design office.

And of course, the people who have been supporting me my whole life by buying a third graders not too great work. They really encouraged me and gave me the confidence to continue to peruse art.

Contact Info:

• Email: emeraldpadgett@gmail.com
• Instagram: Eap_artist

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.