Tipsy McSway's, the Glynn Place Mall, Jekyll Beverage Center. These are places (just to name a few) you can find Ed Hose’s signature-styled, brightly colored illustrations. In fact, drive almost anywhere in the Golden Isles and you’ll spot her work. (I’m pretty sure I saw something of hers while driving up to an ATM one time?) Ed truly is “the” artist of the Golden Isles. Her work brings a happy tone with plenty of humor, love, and a sense of “togetherness.” It’s no wonder businesses don’t hesitate to commission Ed to create unique pieces that accurately portray their product or service and individuals entrust her to skillfully capture a loved one through an illustrated portrait. While the message behind any work of art is certainly up for interpretation, I would say Ed does an exquisite job echoing the emotion of anything or anyone she draws.

Though Ed’s shop sits tucked away in the Pier Village Market, it is anything but hidden. Walking up to her tiny hut, you will be met with a “Free Hugs” sign and illustrations that cover almost every square inch of her space. The atmosphere is welcoming, light, and positive. Taking a look around, you’ll quickly realize there’s a piece for every personality. (One of her most ingenious creations is her coloring book collection.) While standing in her shop, I began throwing questions out to her for my blog. One of them was how long it took to complete each piece. Ed stated she is unsure how to gauge the time it takes to work on a piece since she may end up starting over several times but she guesses anywhere from 10-80 hours, give or take. It is both fascinating and intimidating to attempt to calculate the hours Ed has dedicated to the work that envelopes every customer who steps foot in her shop.

Ed says she doesn’t remember a time she wasn’t drawing. As an only child, she learned to keep herself busy with a pencil and paper. She has an educational background in illustration and graphic design and gained experience through a children’s art center and an Entertainment Collectibles company though, shortly after, decided working for herself was most appealing. (Can I get an “amen?!”) Her two sons are the driving force behind her work but she says her greatest inspiration is drawing about love stories and puns. If you want to find Ed in her “zone,” you’ll have to drive to a bar or crowded place where she gains focus through loud noises, conversation, and lots of stimulation. In fact, the first time I ever met Ed was in a bar where I found myself in desperate need of a break from my core studies. (Basically, yes, I’m trying to tell you I went there for a drank.) She sat quietly with a rather large, extremely detailed illustration and I observed her take several breaks to observe the people around her. My twin sister introduced us and I’m pretty sure I was foaming at the mouth because my brain was imploding from all of the talent at which I was gawking.

Ed says, “I would hope that my illustrations convey a different perspective. That’s my favorite thing about drawing. There are limitless perspectives to draw upon. I could draw the same thing endless ways and I hope my perspective is one that people like, laugh at, and remember.” This is the thing that speaks to me the loudest. As a photographer, I also hope my perspective is one that people like and are inspired by. If you are lucky, one day you’ll meet Ed Hose and walk away feeling like you’ve just come across one of the most talented, genuine, positive, and freaking hilarious people who ever existed. And if you buy one of her works of art, you will walk away owning a piece of Ed and a piece of yourself.

Find Ed on Facebook or indulge yourself on her website. You can find her in person at her shop at the huts at the Pier of St. Simons Island, GA!