Margaret James - What’s In A Name? Part 1
Erin Daniels
What’s in the name “Margaret James”? When deciding on a name for my new Fine Art & Design business I knew I wanted it to be bigger than me - an “umbrella” of sorts that would leave me room to grow into something creatively bigger than just a place to showcase my artwork. The name “Margaret James” is a nod to two of my biggest inspirations, my talented and creative grandmother and my talented and determined son.
Today I’ll share a little bit about Margaret aka “Nana” and the important part she played in my success as an artist.
Margaret Long at her wedding to my grandfather, James Gilland, in 1940.
Haddon Heights, NJ.
Margaret graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia where many years later I would follow in her footsteps. While I studied Textile Design, she graduated with a degree in Fashion Illustration. We are very fortunate to have a portfolio of her illustrations from her Senior Project at Moore. ( I have a project in the works featuring these charming drawings so stay tuned…)
Fashion Illustrations from Moore College of Art
Throughout her life Margaret used her creativity in many ways : sewing beautiful clothing, decorating her home, painting furniture, but her real love was painting in watercolor. Later in life she had more time to devote to her artwork and she was the first to recognize my artistic talent. At her urging my mother enrolled me in watercolor lessons at the age of 5. I was fortunate to have had my Nana as my biggest supporter Nearly until I was finished college. A large part of what has motivated me as a professional artist is knowing how fortunate I am to have opportunities she could have only dreamed of. I think she would be very proud!
(but also mortified that I’m showcasing her artwork here! :)
A beautiful watercolor floral by my Nana, Margaret Gilland.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree does it?