Our favorite brands and designers are always collaborating with different artists. It seems that artists work in a similar way; they inspire each other. The beauty industry and the arts are no different.
Paul Wilson is the owner of Art + Science Salon in Chicago. The popular concept salon has three locations including Logan Square, Evanston, and Logan Square barber shop. They also turned the West Loop location into an art gallery. The featured artist is none other than Paul’s 18 year-old son Emmett Kyoshi Wilson.
Emmett Kyoshi Wilson, 18, is an award-winning Artist and Inclusion Pioneer advocating for people with unique abilities through his art. As a Chicago-based artist with Down syndrome, Emmett has created over 95 abstract pieces featured in four gallery showings over the last five years; including a commission to paint the American Flag for the American Embassy in Croatia
Luckily, they kindly agreed to share the process behind this amazing collaboration. So let’s get into the interview, shall we?
AG: Could you share how it started and how it works?
PW: In terms of Emmett’s art, we put a paintbrush in his hand at around the age of 5. While he was struggling with reading & writing, painting came so naturally to him, it immediately became his most impactful form of communication.
AG: Have you always worked together as a team? If so, what is it like for a father and son to work together?
PW: If by team you mean being Emmett’s assistant, I’m a pro. Growing up as an artist I know just enough to completely annoy Emmett if I suggest anything while he’s working. My wife and I are a great support mechanism and as tireless promoters of his creative endeavors we are a phenomenal team.
AG: Paul, how does Emmett inspire you?
PW: Where do I start? He inspires me by giving me and everyone in his life a glimpse of the world through his eyes. He sees such love and joy in virtually everything. He is a teacher in the true sense of the word. His art inspires me because it’s a physical, spontaneous, and vibrant way to see into his mind.
AG: Emmett, how does Paul inspire you?
EYW: I’m inspired because he is great guy and the best father. When he did the Elvis pompadour on YouTube it was amazing!
AG: Any other collaboration coming up?
PW: Art + Science salon in the West Loop has become Emmett’s personal gallery and his work inspires our team every day. We continuously rotate new pieces in and each and every painting becomes a conversation piece between the staff and our clients. Emmett also has an art show coming up on Friday October 27th at Vibrantcast gallery in Lincoln Square, where he will be raising money for the Greater Chicago Food Depository.”
AG: Do you ever disagree, and if so, who wins?
PW: Emmett is 18, so we certainly have disagreements and he typically wins. He has a stubborn side that is either a natural part of his personality (from his Mom’s side of course) or a trait from his extra chromosome. We’ll never know.
AG: Lastly, is there anything else you’d like the world to know about you, or your art/work/business?
PW: Art+Science is made up of an amazing group of talented, passionate and grounded people and we have been creating great hair in Chicago + Evanston since 1989. Having Emmett’s expressive work in our space helps us continue to foster our own creativity and for that we are grateful.
Paul Wilson is an international celebrity stylist, owner and artistic director of Art + Science hair salons and Global Artistic Director of American Crew.
For more about Paul visit here, or follow him on his Instagram! Also, visit Emmett’s website and follow him on social media. If you are from Chicago or just visiting, drop by to see Emmett’s art gallery at Art + Science West Loop or visit any of their locations to try the hottest hair style/color and beard trim.
XOXO,
Your fashion bestie
All media provided by Paul Wilson
