Murphy Ever Templeton is a local young lady to keep an eye on. At just 17 years old, she is quickly going places.
Templeton is a senior at Tri-County Early College High School in Peachtree, and she is also working toward an associate’s degree in fine arts. Although her classes keep her busy, she still makes time to pursue her dreams of art and photography. She also enjoys auto mechanics.
Templeton’s love for art began when she was very young, as her father was artistic.
“I guess I developed it from him,” she said.
The drawings she likes doing the most are abstract people and faces but she enjoys drawing architectural structures as well.
Templeton listens to music and podcasts while creating her works. She can be critical of herself.
“I get stressed out when it doesn’t turn out exactly the way I want it,” she said, “because I’m a bit of a perfectionist.”
Templeton draws for herself – not others.
“I don’t like sharing my work with a lot of people,” she said. “I’m not very out there, and I don’t sell it or do anything because I don’t want other people to influence the way I do things.
“I want it to be my own thing. I don’t want to do my work for other people because I feel that ruins it for me.”
Her work is on display at Tri-County Community College in Peachtree. At some point, she would like to do a public art piece for downtown.
Templeton doesn’t have much time or desire to play around on computers, as her other interests include photography, videography and the automotive industry. She purchased her first car before she could even drive by herself.
Her father went with her in search of a vehicle. She bought a 1984 Porsche 944. It ran rough and had plenty of other issues.
A friend of hers had a place to work on the project car, along with all the tools required, and with his guidance she learned some auto mechanics. Together, the two would bring the Porsche back to a functional state. She did much of the work and proudly drives it today.
Templeton’s interest in photography has already started to pay off, as she received a pair of boots at no charge from Redwing after doing a photo shoot for them. She has also done photography for BMW, although she considers herself an apprentice at this time.
Templeton works at Rare Bird Emporium with her parents, Pav and Kate, who own the gift store, donut and coffee shop on Andrews Road. She calls herself a barista who sometimes “manages” the establishment.
Her future dreams include going to art school, travel and, with high hopes, taking studio classes in Italy.