This month, we're excited to explore the captivating world of Emma James, a talented abstract landscape artist based in Yorkshire. Emma’s work offers a peaceful escape, effortlessly guiding us into a realm of calm and reflection. In this blog, she opens up about her creative journey, shedding light on the powerful role of natural elements like light and the sky in her art, as well as sharing the inspiring story behind her beginnings as an artist.
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. In the light on my morning drives to work. I store them like tiny fragments in my memory and think how I can capture these beautiful ordinary moments in a painting.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I am exhibiting at York Open Studios now, and North Yorkshire Open Studios in June. I love the opportunity to show my work in Yorkshire where a lot of my inspiration starts.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I look for the lines that define the landscape and the light changes these as it moves across through the clouds and across the sky.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. Some people say I have a “Turneresque” look and feel to some of my pieces – which feels like the ultimate of all compliments!
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
Don’t try for perfection, as it will never happen. Start small, be prepared to fail and make mistakes but keep going with your dream and your most important values driving you on.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. When I put myself out there in the public arena for the very first time and a Gallery in Newcastle showed my piece
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
Painting Mother’s Day cards for my beautiful Mum!
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I work full-time leading the Family Support team at our regional children’s hospice. We provide the emotional wrap around care to children and families receiving specialist palliative care. This job has extra special meaning to me as one of my twin daughters was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged three, and all our lives changed in a heartbeat. She has had to battle illness for many years. This has had a huge impact on both my girls.
My favourite thing in the world is to walk my beautiful Black Labrador Luna with my family. This is even more treasured now after Luna had an injury and has had 18 months of rehabilitation to be able to walk again! I am so proud of her!
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. Abstract landscapes and loosing myself as I wander through the fells!
Q. What is your dream project?
A. One day I would love to have a small studio by the coast or the moors and share my love of painting with others. Creating art is my happy place and a healthy way I have found to process life’s challenges and find inner peace. I would love to help others on this journey!
Thank you, Emma, for sharing such valuable insights into your creative journey. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and explore her stunning artwork, which is available for purchase on her website. We’ll be back next month with another talented artist to feature!