Emma Forrester

Paintings

15 Jul

Emma’s mixed media paintings are an intricate dance between tradition and innovation. Drawing influence from a myriad of sources, from the artistry of Chinese ceramics, to the delicacy of Japanese woodcuts and the vibrant patterns of Turkish Iznik ceramics, Emma’s work is a tapestry of cultural exchange.

In the intricate dance between tradition and innovation, Emma finds her artistic voice. Drawing influence from a myriad of sources, from the artistry of Chinese ceramics, the delicacy of Japanese woodcuts, and the vibrant patterns of Turkish Iznik ceramics her work is a tapestry of cultural exchange.
In Emma’s work she often flattens out the picture plane, a departure from the traditional use of western perspective. Liberating depicted objects from their customary still life setting is where she finds her playfulness. This departure allows for a dynamic interplay of forms, where objects become characters in a visual narrative unbound by convention.
The careful balance between negative space and intricate detail resonates deeply as she navigates the interplay of form and emptiness. In this manner she aims to infuse her paintings with a sense of serenity and contemplation.
Emma builds her paintings up carefully with translucent and opaque layers, enjoying the interplay and tension created between these contrasting applications of paint. Inviting viewers to uncover hidden stories within the layers of the paintings. This technique allows her to meld disparate elements into a harmonious whole.
Emma Forrester (b.1972) graduated in 1993 with a degree in Fine Art from Liverpool University. Having worked as a scenic artist in the theatre on many West End shows and Royal Opera House productions, she now works solely on creating and exhibiting her own paintings. She has been painting professionally since 2003.
Raised in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of the pottery industry, she and her family have a life-long appreciation of ceramics. The celebration of this once great British industry is hopefully apparent in her sensitive depiction of ceramic forms.
Emma’s work is collected and shown worldwide.