An Artist's Secret Garden

In the heart of the Kansas City Crossroads Art District, a secret garden is sandwiched between a chain link fence and an old industrial building. The garden is connected to Emily Sall’s studio. Emily Sall is an artist in the Residency Program at Studio’s Inc and created the garden. Kirsten Markley, an intern at Studios Inc, investigated the garden’s origins, use, and what the garden means to the artist.  (Interview below)

KM: When did you start the garden?

ES: I started on it when I first moved in during the spring. The alley was full of junk that had to be cleaned out. But, I saw this as an opportunity. 

KM: When do you like to spend time in it?

ES: I work a lot of hours, so I like to be in my garden when I need or break or when paint needs to dry. I also like to be out there early in the morning.

KM: Do you have a favorite area?

ES: I love to sit in the chairs I have set up. There is this beautiful overgrowth of shade that makes that spot comfortable. I also love all of the bird houses, skulls, and ceramic pots. The ceramic pots are actually all made by artists. I have two pots made by Allen Winkler and I own two sculptures of his. 

KM: Do you have certain flowers that you pick out?

ES: I usually pick out big flowers that attract butterflies and bees. I like to think that I have made my own habitat outside of my habitat. 

KM: Could there be a link to the garden and the type of artwork that you do?

ES: My work used to be more chaotic and unpredictable. Now, there is an order that I follow but I also like to go off the grid. The garden is more of a form of artistic expression. Just allowing myself to be creative and nurturing like I do in my studio with all of my artwork.

KM: What does this garden mean to you?

ES: There's something magical about growing gardens, all the fussing and doting and the time and care put into that. Watching it grow and bloom. Watching the delight it brings to the birds and bees and butterflies. The constant planning and anticipation of it all winter long. Completely analogous to the work one puts into art and studio. I feel fortunate to have created a space for both.

Emily Sall is a current resident at Studios Inc and currently has an installation on display at The Crossroads Hotel. Sall’s Interspace will be on view through August 20, 2021.

Interview by Kirsten Markley
Photo credit: Lauren Markley