Meet Eva Magill-Oliver of Eva Magill-Oliver Art in Alpharetta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Magill-Oliver.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Eva. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always pretty much known I wanted to be an artist. When I was quite young, my parents enrolled me in both private watercolor and oil classes. I took to it right away and continued to study art through high school and into college at the University of Georgia. I received a BFA and then quickly realized that it was going to be a challenge to continue doing what I love while also making a living. I struggled for a year or so, around whether or not to pursue a Master’s degree or to look for new possibilities as an artist.

I, then heard from a few fellow art friends about a fine arts publishing company based here in Atlanta. They hire in-house artists to create original artwork, mostly serving the hospitality industry, designers, galleries, and some private collectors. I soon got hired there and ended up sticking around for six years. At the time, I wasn’t thrilled. My ego had been bruised as I was painting basic things for someone else instead of pushing myself to develop into a serious gallery artist with something to say. In hindsight, of course, I could not be more grateful for that job. I learned so much there and now think of it as an extension of my education. I should have been extremely grateful where I was able to socialize with other artists and paint and create all day.

In 2007, I left this company to go live in France with my fiancé at the time – and now husband of 8 years. During that time, I focused more on learning French, soaking up the culture, and exploring all the beauty and inspiration the country offers. The physicality of creating art took a backseat.

My art career took another pause soon after returning to the U.S. in 2010 with the birth of my son. As any mother knows, an infant is a full-time job and the only thing you can really focus on. I did manage to maintain relationships with a few galleries during this time and tried to continue to paint and create in short bursts whenever possible (i.e., naptime). Once he got a little older, things got a bit easier to manage and I he would even join me in the studio. He loved to paint and play around with my materials etc. while I tried to work.

It wasn’t until this past year and now that my son has started school that I have truly been focused on developing my personal work into a full-time job/career.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest struggle for me has always been time. Without a doubt. When you become a mother, you sacrifice most (if not all) of your personal time to care for your child. Every day is a bit of a challenge in finding the balance between family and work. Although when my son was quite young, I received some really great advice from a neighbor of mine who was also a fellow mother and artist. She told me it is best to continue to do whatever it is you are passionate about even after you become a parent. In doing so, your children will recognize this and respect you for it and ultimately put this into practice throughout their own lives.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Eva Magill-Oliver Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a contemporary, abstract artist creating original works on both large and small scale canvas and paper. I work with galleries, designers, and private collectors primarily making art for interiors and hospitality spaces. I have also started this year to collaborate with larger companies licensing a certain number of my designs for various products including home decor and apparel.

I think my work is most recognized for honing in on themes and elements that are feminine, modern, and are generally nature-inspired. The other thing that has been a by-product of my work is utilizing the sketchbook as an important tool. I often post these sketchbook assemblages on social media and have been surprised at how much they resonated with other artists.

I am proud of my ability to stay consistent in my work ethic and always remain eager to take on and discover new challenges. In business, and especially in art, certain risks have to be taken and explored. There is no one blueprint for how someone can be successful as an artist.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For this year and into 2019, I have a number of big and exciting collaborations in the works. Unfortunately, I am unable to discuss or elaborate at all on any of them until they are released. Fortunately, there is one major project that I can discuss… a book that I am currently writing on design, art process and techniques that will be released in the fall. I was approached by the publisher (Quarry Books/Rockport Publishers) last year with the idea and although, I knew it would be a challenge, I was thrilled with the opportunity. I have so enjoyed working on and writing this book over the past few months. It has given me another outlet to reflect and concentrate on art and the creative process without physically painting. The title of the book will be, ‘Paint Alchemy.’

Contact Info:

• Website: evamagill-oliver.com
• Email: evammagill@gmail.com
• Instagram: @eva_magill_oliver

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