How would you describe your style? My artistic style is very focused on natural elements. Each piece I make is my intuitive response to the materials, my current emotions or feelings, a memory, or just a gut response.

Do you remember the first thing you made? I grew up making and creating! I used to color for so many hours at a time that I have a permanent callus. I was always cutting paper and collaging, making friendship bracelets, working with clay and begging to go to one of those “paint your own pottery” spots to paint plaster animals (unicorns were an all-time favorite!)

Before I started making I… In my former career, I was a producer for independent photographers and directors, primarily in the music world.

If I weren’t a maker I’d be... If I weren’t a maker, I’d be either a painter and poet or a prosthetics designer and technician. A medical path was always in the back of my mind, but I didn’t have the interest in school for so many years.

Favorite quote or words to live by: “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming.” -Unknown

If I could run away I’d go… I’d love to go live in a rain forest near an ocean…. so probably a Caribbean island like Dominica or Costa Rica.

If you could collaborate with one person dead or alive who would it be? Oh how I would love to collaborate with Andy Goldsworthy! His work is so simple, intentional, moving.

What would be on your maker’s soundtrack? My go to soundtrack for making is Brian and Roger Eno’s album “Mixing Colors”. It’s so beautiful.

If you could learn a new skill what would it be? I would really like to improve my writing and poetry skills. I’ve got a lot up there in my head, but am unsure of how to get it out there on paper and into the world.

What is your perfect day? My perfect day would be waking up to the sound of ocean waves, a cool breeze, a warm cup of coffee. Head out for a jog or yoga. Healthy, local brunch with a smoothie. Swim in the ocean and ride the waves in for so long that I have to take a nap on a beach chair under the shade of an umbrella. I’d collect some shells and make a little mosaic in the sand. Read a book, enjoy a local dinner and cocktail, and watch the sun set over the ocean.

Last book you read? The last book I read was “Circe” by Madeline Miller.

Favorite scent? I have always loved the smell right after it rains. It’s so earthy, crisp, and clean.

What do you see outside your bedroom window? Right outside of my bedroom window are giant maple, pine, and ash trees, a field lush with cat tails, ferns, and a big open sky.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met? The most famous person I’ve met would probably be Barry Gibb. We hit it off quickly and talked for an hour about the journey of life and gift of friendship.

Where did you grow up? I grew up mostly in Knoxville, TN. It’s where my love of nature and the great outdoors came into focus.

Favorite time of day? Mid-morning between about 9-11am. I feel most centered, awake, up for the challenge :)

Favorite podcast? I am loving listening to the “Artist / Mother” podcast. They feature contemporary artists who are also mothers, get real about the challenges and struggles, and offer encouragement and tips on how to do it all.

What is your favorite family tradition? My family has a tradition at the dinner table: we each talk about one thing that brought us joy and happiness that day.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? If I could have a superpower, it would be that I could clean up messes with a glare of the eye! I would have so much more time to be productive!

Favorite thing to cook? I really love making pasta and pizza from scratch!

What are you most thankful for? I am most thankful to live in a beautiful home with my amazing, always-loving family.

To see more work visit, www.murphymunday.com or Instagram @MurphyMunday

*Portrait by Josh Goleman