Hello!
I’m Emma, the artist behind the Umbos. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always had a passion for nature and all things adorable. I first moved to Portland to study ceramics at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, and PDX is where my sweet cat, Kimchi, and I now call home.
Although my background is in pen and ink, Umbos are created using gouache - an opaque water-based paint. Gouache can create a relaxing pond for Chumbo or a bold ladybug friend for Humbo - not bad for a paint that’s been around for almost 300 years!
I love to make art that makes people smile, so I’m excited to introduce you to the Umbos! Each Umbo is a wonderful mushroom local to the Pacific Northwest, and represents a small moment of happiness. I hope these little creatures bring you joy, help you connect with others, and spark your curiosity about the world.
After all, nature is all around us - we just have to look.
- Emma
