ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
EMMA DAVIS
EMMA DAVIS HAS MANY PROFESSIONS : ARTIST , ILLUSTRATOR , JEWELLERY DESIGNER AND MUM . TRAINED AS A PRINTMAKER AND WITH A CAREER IN EXHIBITING AND TEACHING BEHIND HER , THIS MULTI-TALENTED KENT ARTIST IS NOW FOCUSED ON HER ILLUSTRATIONS AND CHAMPIONING OTHER ARTISTS , AUTHORS , AND LOCAL PRODUCERS . insideKENT SAT DOWN WITH EMMA TO TALK ABOUT ALL THINGS ART ; GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF HER INSPIRATION , HER INFLUENCES AND HOW SHE JUGGLES IT ALL ...
What was it that inspired you to become an artist ?
I come from a very creative family of poets , musicians , authors , photographers , and opera singers . In younger times I ’ ve danced ballet , sung - both rock and choral , and been on many stages , but my true passion is for fine art , printmaking , painting and working with metals .
Tell us a little about who your artistic heroes are ?
As a printmaker my earliest influence was Sir John Tenniel – the original illustrator of Alice in Wonderland . Pablo Picasso , as he worked across all mediums and as a playwright and poet , and Frida Kahlo for her work , spirit and gumption . Others include Banksy , Michelangelo , Giacometti , Johns , Noel Fielding and Vic Reeves , I could go on ...
You work with a variety of different mediums , tell us a little about why that is ?
My preferred medium is etching but when without access to a print studio I turn my hand to acrylics and anything else if they run low . In last year ' s
November lockdown I ran out of pigment paints and drew an entire collection of Frida portraits with a Sharpie . I have even been known to use food colouring !
Pop culture and celebrities seem to be a big source of inspiration for your work , can you tell us a little about why these idols influence you ?
I grew up surrounded by music , theatre , film , poetry and dance so I ' m drawn to personalities , lyrics , personal messages , narrative and style . I draw on those who shaped my youth and it is an ongoing love affair . I am currently working on an idols collection which includes actors , musicians and artists including Bowie , Rickman , Blondie , Winehouse , Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Ian McKellen .
What is your biggest accomplishment as an artist ?
To date I would have to say exhibiting with the wonderful Gottfried Helnwein in Ireland some years ago , that was pretty special . Selling as an artist is an accomplishment in itself , but showing your work and then having it appreciated ; that ’ s the real honour .
What does the typical day of an artist , illustrator , jewellery designer and mum look like ?
In two words : organised chaos ! It ’ s a juggling act that never gets dull . Finding creative time can be challenging , especially project managing the Walrus & Oyster Emporium , but where there ' s a will … Inspiration can strike at strange times and is solely responsible for my sleep deprivation – many creative souls will know this only too well .
Where can we see your work ?
My illustrations , jewellery and original skateboards are currently available from Walrus & Oyster in Canterbury . You can also find my designs on the Walrus & Oyster ’ s Instagram page – @ walrusandoyster or via Facebook with the hashtag # walrusandoyster .
Walrus & Oyster Emporium in Canterbury is a creative business support hub and social inclusion project . They are delighted to welcome their first autistic artist , Mr . Samuel Latter , whose inspiring artwork is currently exhibiting in the first-floor gallery .
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