I'm thrilled to be exhibiting in two locations this year!
The first chance to see my work is at The Earth Trust Gallery, as part of a joint show that includes, painters, ceramicists, photographers and mixed media artists.
The work exhibited here is inspired by the intriguing landscapes around Abingdon and the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire. The pieces are colourful, mysterious and celebrate the artefacts and monuments created by the area’s previous prehistoric inhabitants. Some of these pieces are made using a photographic process called sun prints (known as cyanotypes) which create intense blue images. These are over-painted with real indigo pigment, coloured paints and foraged chalk from the Ridgeway.
Secondly, I'll have more of my work in The River Room at St Ethelwold's House, Abingdon, next to the river Thames. You'll be able to view pieces created in cool colours, embellished with sparkling metallic paints, including more sun prints inspired by watery environments including the Devon coast and local rivers. You'll also be able to see sketches and prints of local Abingdon scenes.
Both locations are beautiful and serene and you are welcome to stay and explore both sites, bring a picnic and soak up the garden or Wittenham landscape.
Check out my workshop information as I will be running some family-friendly workshops at both locations. I'll be running a Family Friendly workshop on Saturday 13th May, 10-11am helping families to create their own amazing sun prints. I'll also have art materials available throughout the exhibition for anyone who feels inspired by the beautiful garden and wants to get creative themselves.
Remember to visit Caroline Harben's exhibition (location 23) which is located in the Garden Room of St. Ethelwold's House.
Emma makes colourful, decorative, semi-abstracted images based around the themes and objects of the sea as well as the local prehistoric landscape and its’ archaeological finds.
Emma grew up in rural Devon between coast and moorland, visiting both of these environments were formative experiences in her childhood. The countryside that surrounds her now in Oxfordshire informs her art and she is interested in how humans have used this landscape for millennia. She explores pre-historic sites and researches archaeological finds in museums. She is a great believer in sketching from life, and always has her sketchbook in her bag! She is also an avid beachcomber, mud lark and field lark meaning that her pockets are always full of bits of 'treasure' both man-made and natural! She can't decide on one art form, so regularly dips into many processes, creating pieces that are layered with mixed media, reminiscent of the layers of history found in the landscapes around her.
During a visit to the Fox Talbot photography museum as a teenager she discovered the process of sun prints and has recently returned to the process, which is simple, but highly addictive!
As well as her art practice she is also an art tutor at Sunningwell School of Art and Oxfordshire Hospital Schools for children and young adults. She is also a member of a local art group, Abingdon Artists. Previously, she has worked in a Botanic Garden for many years and has now added 'Winemaker' to her CV courtesy of the family vineyard she helps to run in Devon! Life is NEVER boring!