Today we’d like to introduce you to Palmer Earl.
Hi Palmer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in my beloved New York City but times change and in 2006 my lease was up. I thought I’d shake things up, move to Los Angeles for six months with my best bud and then come back to New York. I never thought I’d stay in LA for the last 16+ years… Unexpectedly, during my first month here, I met and fell in love with my now husband, a screenwriter from Vermont who was here for work. As a painter, I could work anywhere so I stayed. I really liked living in LA, though It took a while for me to adapt. I missed my family and like every New Yorker, I missed being able to walk and not have to drive to the grocery if I ran out of milk. There were many things that excited me about LA; the ability to go for a hike in natural surroundings anytime, all of the plants and flowers everywhere and the Coyotes yipping at night. As far as the people, I appreciated that most people in LA live here because they are pursuing their dream. Many people in New York seem to be just trying to make enough money to live there.
I still miss NYC and visit a few times a year but LA has really grown on me. As an artist, there are so many great galleries and museums to keep me inspired and I have an ever-growing group of artist friends. I love my little house and garden in Los Feliz where I live with my husband and two kids. My studio is attached to our house, so it is easy for me to work any time of day. All in all, I’m a lucky woman!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenge is managing the pressure I put on myself. In my work world, If I do not get enough studio hours in each week, it is hard for stop worrying about it and fully enjoy whatever else I am doing. Also, if a painting isn’t going how I want it to, it’s like a dark cloud following me around. Sometimes it is hard for me to ignore my inner critic when I am sketching or brainstorming ideas but I have gotten better at it. As for my home life, I struggle to keep our house and the garden nice neat and generally in order. My kids are expert mess makers!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am fascinated by ancient civilizations of the western world and the effect they still have on women today. I read a lot about various philosophies, religions and societies and try to understand how the patriarchy was made and why it has stayed so strong. Currently, I am focused on the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe. I have loved them ever since I was eighteen and lucky enough to spend a semester at Art school in Florence. I got to see many of them up close and I was amazed by their vivid colors, ornate floral decoration and the magical flashes of gold. Mainly, they illustrated stories from the old and new testaments and glorified Christianity. In my work, I imagine what illuminated manuscripts may have looked like if Judeo-Christian religion had not taken over the western world. If Goddess-based religions reigned supreme, our world would be more egalitarian, women would be revered, and there would be a deeper appreciation for this planet and its creatures. My illuminations illustrate aspects of various ancient Goddess societies and generally celebrate the power and beauty of women.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I wouldn’t say I have one particular mentor. I have an art advisor I meet with monthly who really keeps me focused on what ideas I am trying to express in my work and helps me set goals. I also get all of the advice and support of a mentor from my fellow female artist friends. One lives across the street from me and helps me often. She has been in the LA artworld for a long time and is very helpful. My group of friends have been indispensable!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.palmerearl.com
- Instagram: palmerearl_art
