I’ll admit, with a name like Hemingway one might anticipate an air of privilege, however, Langley Fox [Hemingway] is a pleasant surprise of humbled grace. Articulate and thoughtful, it’s easy to fall for her playful personality. Sure, she could talk about her cat Jack for hours if you let her, but if you want to truly understand the beat of this girl’s heart, ask her about her drawings. Ask her how she’ll never claim to have received any of the Hemingway talent, yet never takes her family for granted. She has worked hard to make name for herself and it shows in the stunning photo-realistic illustrations she creates.
Story and Interview by Chasity Glass
What drew you to art?
I went to school at an early age, and I was dyslexic (giggles, embarrassedly). They put me into special reading classes and I was so embarrassed by it, reading was something I never wanted to do... so I guess I was just drawn to drawing. No one was judging me, no one was saying I was bad at it, teachers would compliment my drawing... even though I am pretty sure they were terrible drawings (giggles again). I was super shy and I didn’t have a ton of friends. Drawing was something I was good at, and could do it all by myself.
How has being a Hemingway affected you and your art?
When I was younger I didn’t understand the legend behind the name, though as I’ve gotten older, I know now it’s lasting impact on me. I’m so fortune to be a part of such a creative bloodline… but it’s also really intimidating (giggles, shyly). I work hard in my creativity and for myself, I’ll never claim I got any of the Hemingway genius. Never. I work everyday because I have to, and I want to. I come from a driven family. We know we’re blessed, gratefully so, with an easy step to making it... my sister and I didn’t take it [being a Hemingway] for granted, we work hard to prove we are strong individuals and establish OUR names along with our great-grandfather’s.
Did you always want to be an artist?
In kindergarten my best friend asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up and I said “an artist slash comedian.” I was always in art classes and not really confident in anything else as a kid. As I got older, art school was a no brainer for me.
What gets you out of bed in the morning and drawing?
Thanks to my cat Jack waking me up, I hop out of bed at 6:30am in the morning, generally starving. I’m a very structure person and have my routine of eating breakfast, looking at pretty pictures and then working, working all day long.
What keeps you inspired?
I take every project I have super seriously. I want to produce the best work that I can for myself, or for anybody. I keep myself inspired by getting excited to make it better – the more I do it the better I get.
What fuels your creativity?
Maybe its silly, but I think happiness fuels creativity. Things that make me happy are going on walks, hiking, being with my best-friend – being able to stay inside to work is charged by the happiness you got outside of it. And seeing the beauty in the world, even blogs online, looking at different creative imagery, that makes me happy... and loving my cat Jack, that makes me happy... that makes me want to work harder, the happier I am.
Why this medium? Why pencil and paper?
I love the contrast of black and white, there is something vintage about it. There is something so nice about graphite, it takes me back to old etching and old illustrations, it’s the kind of things I am drawn to, like a beautiful black and white photo. I can go into photo realism, give it an edge of fantasy, but also make it old and timeless.
What do you surround yourself with?
I grew up in Idaho with cabins and vintage and western, I’m drawn to the kind of surroundings my great-grandfather surrounded himself with. It’s just sort of embedded in me. Having mountains close, and a great window view, loving the outdoors, working hard – maybe it’s something I learned growing up, or maybe I was born with those feelings.
Describe your sense of Style.
I have a funny sense of style. I think I’m a little kooky. In drawing I like to create characters on a page. I tend to do the same when I get dressed, using my body as a canvas. I like to put an outfit on and be playful and have fun with it. I like contrast in things. I like to mix prints. I find a ton of inspiration from old classic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, Anna Karina, and then mixing it with a little Mick Jagger and Patti Smith.
What piece of clothing you couldn’t live without?
I can’t live without my jewelry. Every finger is covered. Some fingers even have three rings on them. I consider them the string that holds all my kooky outfits together… and I love a hat, not gonna lie. They always make my hair look better. Oh, and I have a fascination with crazy printed dresses, I literally have all I can fit in my closet right now.
