Emma Williams British, b. 1968

Artworks

About

Emma Williams was born in Ireland 1968 and began her artistic career studying textile design at Huddersfield University. Emma's degree put the young artist in good stead as it was underpinned by craftsmanship, developing not only her skills for making things but also incorporating creative development and thinking. Thus Emma emerged from Huddersfield with an understanding of both traditional and future materials and applied creativity toward cloth, craft design, artefacts and textile art. Once qualified Emma worked as a freelance textile designer and artist from 1994 and 1998, gaining experience not only as a freelancer but also defining her work and style which eventually led to focusing solely upon her artistic practice.

In 1997, Emma Williams made the switch to full-time artist. Her wealth of experience designing and producing printed textiles became strongly evident in her painting style. Her signature compositions contained a varied and bold palette, applied to create still life's and coastal landscapes in flattened perspective.

Emma's inspiration has originated, and still comes from, the beautiful Cornish coast. With a dramatic coastline stretching for 300 miles on nearly all sides of the region, Cornwall provides a constant source of subject matter with its bustling fishing harbours and bright blue waters. Emma began incorporating glimpses of interiors in the foreground of her landscapes, creating a more complex and relatable scene for the viewer to almost practically step into. Thompson's Galleries, with their own coastal origins in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, sought after Emma's work in the emergent stages of her career. They have enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the artist ever since.

Artist Statement

"My paintings are textured and always vivid - evoking memories of a time space and mood. My many visits to Cornwall have been a constant source of inspiration, influencing my particular approach to interiors and landscapes. Colour and decorative qualities combine with flattened perspective play an essential role in creating rich images."

Style

Emma's style is distinctive and strong, with vibrant colour and a flattened perspective hinting at influences like Mary Fedden of the Modern British era. The selected colours are very much of the Cornish sea, providing a rich and bright palette. Emma's clever layout and combination of still life and landscape never fail to delight audiences, bringing back fond memories of days lazed away on the water.

Exhibitions