Featured Seller: Bailey’s Alchemy

Emmaline Bailey, the talented hand behind the striking images of Bailey’s Alchemy, is a self-taught artist. Born and raised in Auckland, Emma enjoys drawing, painting and making jewellery (her second love after her art) and she also has a huge interest in interior design. Her dream goal is to have a shop in a few years. (She’d prefer now, but good things take time!)

baileysalchemy kowhai torso crow

What do you make?
Art prints, cards and apparel with my original artwork and, at times, hand-made crystal jewellery.

How did you get into your craft?
A few years ago I was in a bit of a rut. Working full time in a dead end job that wasn’t inspiring me. I would get up, go to work then come home, have dinner and watch TV. I had lost touch with my creative side. I decided I needed a change and so I quit my job to paint full-time. It was a bit of a big step and for a while, it was fine and I was happy painting again, but I needed a regular income.

One night I was brainstorming with my partner and Bailey’s Alchemy was born (then Bailey and Bailey Designs) Which started off as handmade jewellery and paper-goods. Ever since then it’s all fallen into place with a lot of patience and dedication. And now I’ve incorporated more of my artwork into the brand with art prints and printed apparel.

Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft?
No, but I have always drawn, ever since I could hold a pencil. It has always been a part of my life and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that my whole family (and some close relatives) are artistic or creative in some way.

Through high-school I was more focused on my art but I only became serious about it as a profession almost five years ago. Art school never seemed “right” for me.

What inspires you?
I get inspiration from almost anything, and aspects of my life. It’s more about a feeling I get from images that I come across on the internet or while flipping through a magazine. It’s usually a face that intrigues me and evokes an emotion. They say the eyes are the windows to someone’s soul, this is what I look for. Plus seeing other super talented people doing creative things motivates me as well.

Is there a philosophy behind your work?
Not really. I draw/paint what comes to mind but usually I try to create beautiful images with traditionally pretty elements such as kittens and flowers, but the twist is that I fuse them with more macabre things like skulls and anatomical body parts.

Describe your workspace:
Organised chaos filled with a bounty of art supplies.

baileysalchemy studio

baileysalchemy sign3

Five words that describe your mind:
Optimistic, dreamer, loony, passionate, eccentric

Your favourite feedback from a customer:
I love all of the feedback I get but its amazing to know how much I inspire others to pursue their art. That really makes my day!

What are you currently listening to?
Broods, Haim and Elliphant. I have a very eclectic taste in music.

A favourite quote:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou.

Do you have any pets?
No. But would love to get adopt a dog one day.

What was the last handmade item you bought and what attracted you to it?
Candles from Trio Soy Candles. Oh my gosh, they are divine and smell so yummy! I have quite the collection!

baileysalchemy work

To see more of Emma’s beautiful and intriguing work, make sure you stop by her Felt shop Bailey’s Alchemy.

Emma has very kindly offered us this appealing and colourful floral digital art print (below), as a prize for one lucky Felt blog reader. To win this gorgeous prize just leave a comment telling us what you like about Emma’s story and her work. The draw will be made on Friday 30 January and is open to New Zealand residents only.

baileysalchemy XO

15 thoughts on “Featured Seller: Bailey’s Alchemy

  1. Emma’s work is so beautiful and I love how realistic it looks. I also love that she has followed her heart and made it work for her rather than been in a job she doesn’t love.

  2. Great work Emmaline. I’m not sure art school would have been a good choice. I figure if you’re an artist you can be without having a piece of paper from an institution. And that student loan you don’t have to pay off is a millstone around most artists necks who take that route I’m sure.

  3. We love that Emmaline is following her heart & passion & that this seems to emanate through her personality & fingertips. Such a talent & a lovely lady too! The works keep the organic touch of the hand & balance all the elements into a beautiful artwork, every time. Go EM!

  4. I love that everything seems to fall into place in life sometimes. I love that we can change career, and be successful doing creative things that we love. I love the cute animals in Emma’s work and the seemingly random combinations that get put together.

  5. Emma’s work reminds me of the books I bought as a teenager and of the books that I then went on to buy for my children – books where the illustration as much as the story provided the platform for imagination. Simply beautiful…

  6. A great story, Inspiring, “the eyes are the window to the soul” as stated above and you can really see this coming through in Emma’s art, the emotion that is evoked when looking at the different art pieces. so intricate and amazing. Stunning!

  7. wow what a bold step to quit full time work and follow your heart. So inspiring. Love the fun and intricacy in your art, simply stunning!

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