House of abstract

Emma’s work is rooted in the visual language of urban surfaces, shaped by graffiti, layered city textures, and the subtle traces of human activity. Through dynamic mark-making, reworked surfaces, and a considered use of colour, she captures rhythm and resilience. Her work explores the interplay between structure and spontaneity.

Process sits at the core of her practice—an evolving dialogue between control and chance, where layering, erasure, and reworking become as significant as the final image. Emma also incorporates digital editing as an integral part of this process. Working with photographed images of her paintings in Procreate, she reworks and refines compositions, explores colour palettes, and develops new directions. The tension between contrasting surfaces created echoes the visual language of our urban walls—a recurring thread throughout her work.

Whilst living in Bristol, Emma was continually drawn to the ever-evolving graffiti that animates the city’s walls. She found particular inspiration in areas where layers of street art overlap — where contrasting styles and colour palettes collide to create unexpected harmony. This visual dialogue, full of energy and tension, continues to inform her practice today, with echoes of those vibrant urban layers woven throughout her abstract work.

In Emma’s abstract compositions, time becomes tangible — revealed through layers built up and stripped away, each gesture marking a moment’s passage.

Emma studied Fine Art at Plymouth University, specialising in painting during her final year. Since graduating, her work has been featured in several exhibitions, including:

• Royal William Yard, Plymouth

• SaLon Gallery, Notting Hill

• Paintworks, Bristol

• Public Art Auction, Chippenham

Shortly after graduation, Emma’s work caught the attention of a representative from the Saatchi Gallery, who selected her paintings for inclusion in the ‘Best of the UK’ exhibition.

Over the past 14 years, Emma has balanced her artistic practice with a career in teaching and supporting children’s Mental Health and Well-being in Bristol. She continues to use her creativity as a tool for engagement and self-expression within education.

Now living in Wiltshire, Emma devotes her studio time to exploring abstract forms and processes, creating contemporary works that reflect her ongoing fascination with mark making, colour and the passage of time.