b'An Unquenchable ThirstFor The Magic Of ArtHaving grown up in a family of portrait artists in homes filledwith gorgeous portraits, how could one, as a child, not want tocarry on the tradition? As soon as I could hold a pencil, I was trying to mimicmy grandmother, Ann Manry Kenyon, and draw portraits,said Emma Sims, our cover artist for this edition ofThe New Barker.Emma knew that, one day, she would be compelled topaint. For most of her adult life, though, she kept her art as aside-business. That is until October 2020.Thats when I resigned my tenure as general manager at aThis issues cover artist Emma local pottery studio with plans to focus all my time and energySims and her cat Maybelline. into building a career in art. She is now an award-winningAs a child, Emma had a Beaglenamed Dixie Darling. We artist, making a living painting fine art and portraits of peoplebrought her home as a puppy and and animals. She works in pastels, charcoal and graphite.she lived with our kitty, Poppy I am intrigued by dogs and our ancient roots together;Cat, and our cage full of guinea how we welcome them into our pack as protectors and compan-pigs. She loved to chase rabbitsand felt at home weaving in and ions, said Emma. This age-old relationship is so interesting toout of the horses legs. I was always me, and its why I believe pet portraiture is no less credible thannervous they might kick her, but human portraiture. Dogs have always been valuable members ofthey seemed to have a mutual our tribes, and deserve nothing short of our best respects.acceptance of each other that Juggling a healthy amount of art and business is a dailyalways made me smile.Maybelline, my cat, loves to balancing act for Emma, who readily admits to being better atsit by my feet when Im standing one than the other. I bet you can guess which one, she said.at the easel. Its really the only I usually do my computer chores in the evening when dinner istime she sits near me. I think her on the stove, so Im not wasting painting light; posting or love language is isolation. planning posts on social media, crafting newsletter emails, andenhancing art education.gContinued on next page66THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com'