An interview with KSL

Recently, I was interviewed by Amanda Taylor at KSL and it was such a fun opportunity for me to talk about my work, why I do it, a share a little bit more about myself. You can read the article on their site, but I thought it would be handy to post it in this space as well. :) Enjoy!

PROVO — Painting beauty seems like a daunting task, but for one artist it was just another way to challenge herself.

As a child, Evelyn Haupt’s favorite activities included mixing colors, drawing faces, sidewalk chalk and making collages. But she said she doesn’t remember having an epiphany about being an artist. It was just a part of her.

“I pushed myself really hard those first semesters, staying up late with charcoal all over my face and hands, attending every exhibition and gallery opening I could, spending every penny I earned over the summer on the supplies I knew would help me become the best,” Haupt said of her time at BYU. “That’s what I wanted, to be the best.”

Through her education, she experimented with many mediums, but her favorite now is watercolor.
“I’ve always loved the way the paint moves,” Haupt said. “Plus, it’s super easy to set up and take down. I like the way oil looks, but it smells and gives me eczema. Charcoal gets everywhere and I just can’t handle that right now. I think it looks dreamy, though, so I might come back to it eventually.”

Inspired by the hard work and creativity of others — including her husband, a fine art photographer — Haupt said the art community in Provo and Salt Lake is very supportive.

“People help each other discover, create and grow everywhere you look,” Haupt said.

Bridal bouquets, fashion magazines, art museums and her little girl make Haupt want to draw. Her soft, feminine style of art focuses on lines and colors.

“I’m pretty happy with the style that I’ve recently achieved,” Haupt said. “I’m always hoping to be most proud of the next drawing I produce, my new best work.”

Her original dream of being the all-time best has softened as she works part-time while taking care of her young daughter. She call it a passion project rather than a career, illustrating for books, magazines and private clients.

“My studio looks like I pushed the tablecloth to the side on the kitchen table, because I did,” Haupt said. “I work on the kitchen table next to my lunch.”
Haupt likes to listen to music while she is creating — usually in the indie pop genre. She favors The XX, Beach House and Haim — if it’s sunny.
“But sometimes, I have to shut it off while I hold my breath for that one pivotal brush stroke,” Haupt said. “I hope (my art) reminds people of the beauty that exists in the world and that it helps them see it in each other, in themselves and in their daily lives.”

Thanks to Amanda for making sound like a person who actually knows what she's doing, and for all those who read the article and sent me all the kind messages (fan mail? haha jk). Anyways. Happy Monday!