EMMA ODETTE

What’s your name, age, and preferred pronouns?

Emma, 23, you can call me any pronouns that you think suit me.

Where are you from?

NYC baby!

How would you identify?

Pansexual, polyamorous.

What will Gen Z be remembered for?

Opening the flood gates of queer culture.

At what age did you start drawing and painting? Can you share with us what that journey has been like and your favorite pieces at the moment?

My father and mother were both amateur painters, my father had this incredible abstract style. He was living in San Francisco and sold all his paintings on the side of the road to pay for his one way ticket to NYC. My mother has an impressionist approach, and was formally trained. In a way, art has always been a part of my life. I started out with classes at the Guggenheim, I used to win small awards in elementary school for my artistic endeavors. Growing up, I was always making something- and I enjoyed selling my work from a young age. My artistic journey isn’t something I could fit in a few sentences, but I will say that right now I feel like I am in a good place with my art- and I am focusing on technique and approach more than a solid body of work.

As an artist who has spoken in the past about respect when appreciating another culture, how do you feel about current events?

Being mixed has always made me aware of culture. As a child I always grappled with being embarrassed of my Taiwanese side but proud of my French side. This is because white culture is more valued than ethnic culture in our society. I think the day I started embracing both was when I learned true appreciation for my culture. In regard to current events, I only feel disheartened that America has become a place where hatred can thrive and xenophobia can survive. I hope this begins to take a turn with the current administration.

You too are a small business owner, how has it been working for yourself during a pandemic?

Being a small business owner is never easy, but in some ways the pandemic hasn’t changed much for me. My work always involved the post office and online connection- so now it’s just mandatory. It has made me realize that in order to own a successful business you must constantly be able to evolve and adapt to the current climate.

What got you into the beautiful jewelry making you do and what does the practice mean to you?

I started jewelry making when I took an intensive course in Florence, Italy that taught me the ancient approach to the craft. I never realized how technical it all was, and how much work it would be. This inspired me to create my own line, and expand my idea of the standard jewelry. The practice to me means patience, and strength in your hands to create something beautiful.

What things do you find beautiful in the world?

Flowers. Always picking and drying flowers.

If you could turn back time, would you? And if so, where would you go?

I would absolutely. I’ve always been an old soul- and I would love to start in the 30s- and be about 30 in the 60s- yes that sounds splendid.