Meet Vancouver-based Artist Emi Namoro
EMI NAMORO is a Catholic writer and artist based in Vancouver, Canada. She also does graphic design and music. Check out her work on Wordpress and Instagram.Â
CATHOLIC ARTIST CONNECTION asks: What do you see as your personal mission as a Catholic working in the arts?
EMI answers: I once heard that the first five words in the Bible was about how God created. When we are creating, we are closest to Him. As a Catholic writer and artist, I've never felt closer to Him than when I am writing, singing, designing or simply creating. There is something so special about sharing in God's infinite beauty and creation. Of course, what I create is only maybe a glimmer of the vastness that He is able to, but it is so heartwarming to offer what He gave me back to Him and His glory.
My personal mission as a Catholic creative is to glorify and magnify Him in all that I do. My prayer and hope is to evangelize and share about God's love in the littlest of ways. If a simple article, design, song, or even an Instagram caption can bring one person closer to Jesus, then I am satisfied. This was never my work but God's alone. I'm simply a vessel and instrument in the masterpiece He has created.
Where in Vancouver do you go to get inspired?
I am very blessed to live only a few minutes away from my home parish where I am able to visit our perpetual adoration regularly. I've never felt more at home when I am visiting Jesus. In times of desolation or artist/writer's block, Jesus consoles me and inspires me to keep going and continually reminds me of my purpose.
In that little adoration chapel, I am able to find both my spiritual and artistic fulfillment. My art is fueled by my spiritual life and Jesus' love for me. I couldn't imagine separating the two from the other. God is the ultimate artist and each day, I'm learning more through His guidance and inspiration.
How have you found or built community as a Catholic artist in Vancouver?
Surprisingly, Instagram! Of course, I am so blessed to find so many beautiful Catholic communities in my archdiocese. But ever since the pandemic hit, it became difficult to engage in those same communities. Fortunately, I was able to find other like-minded Catholic creatives on Instagram. I've even made some life-long friendships and connections on there! It gives me so much joy to find other artists from all around the world who love Jesus and their faith like I do! What are your top 3 pieces of advice for Catholic artists post-graduation?
I never studied in the arts, but here are a few words of advice that I wish someone told me.
1. Allow yourself to make mistakes. It's completely okay if your first draft is trash and you don't want to show the world. In fact, keep making mistakes, because that's a sign that you're trying. Make many mistakes and improve upon them. That is how you know you're growing. You keep trying and you never give up, no matter how difficult it may be.
2. This was advice given to me by someone I looked up to: "be humble when criticisms come and be grateful when celebrations come". There will be times where you'll face criticism and struggle. It will be difficult, but it is part of the process. You're learning, you're not perfect, and that's okay. When praise comes, celebrate it and accept their compliments graciously. You're doing something right!
3. Believe in yourself! You are capable and worthy of creating. You were given a gift from God, don't waste it! In times of discouragement and trials, turn to Jesus and His Blessed Mother, Mary and they will lead you farther than you can ever imagine. You're not alone, my friend! Jesus is with you and He will never let you go!
