‘How the lily blooms’
76 x 56cm
Mixed media on Canvas
Framed in a natural strip frame
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Emma Lock creates in a profound and intuitive way, which may seem like an obvious thing for most artists. But for an artist to truly create without `over-thinking´ is admirable. It´s what many aspire to attain and Lock achieves this.

Creating with such abandon suggests that there is no preoccupation with minute details or perfection. However, as a mixed media artist, her artwork is full of character, texture, and layers that not only add depth to her work but also seemingly contradictory elements as well. A sense of both freedom and spontaneity with such attention to detail is to be applauded.

Where are you from? 

I am from Essex in the UK, currently based in Suffolk.

An artist, musician, and actor you´d invite to dinner.

Tracey Emin, Pink, and Meryl Streep.

Describe your art in three words.

Fluid, calming, organic.

The most difficult thing about creating.

The growing stage, where your mind is ahead of your physical skills and you are trying to catch up. It can be really frustrating, it can make you doubt yourself as an artist but without the struggle, it would be incredibly unrewarding when you finally catch up to it. That’s the joy right there.

How did the quarantine affect your creative process?

That is an interesting question, it definitely made me more aware of how inspiration comes for me, from an outside source. I need to be out and exploring different places, landscapes, gardens, anywhere outside really. I guess with a lot of lockdowns and restrictions in the UK that was the hardest part for me, the lack of inspiration due to being stuck inside. But that is when I found out how much I love taking a walk and that has been something I really lean towards if I am finding myself lacking ideas.

“There is something alluring about the vastness of abstract painting, it has no limitations, you can explore so many techniques and styles within it until you find your own voice. It’s visceral for me, a gut feeling and for me painting this way is how I can truly express myself.´´

What music do you listen to when creating? 

I am not a huge music fan and I work a lot of the time in silence. I know I am a complete weirdo! I love background sounds and quiet. I find music and podcasts can be sometimes too distracting and overstimulating. I do love a good podcast and I will listen to it whilst creating but mostly when I am doing admin work or colour studies. When I work on my larger pieces I find I need the quiet to truly get into that flow state. My favourites are Art Juice & the Laura Horn Art podcast, I have never missed an episode yet!

How has your art has evolved over the past three years? 

My work has evolved quite a bit over the past few years. I took a break from creating after college as I started working in finance and I had to put my passion to one side. However coming back to painting consistently and seriously about four years ago, I dived headfirst into trying all sorts of techniques and styles. I took a year to really explore and started the 100 Day Project, eventually finding abstract painting. I instantly fell in love with it and I now can’t imagine doing anything else! There is something alluring about the vastness of abstract painting, it has no limitations, you can explore so many techniques and styles within it until you find your own voice. It’s visceral for me, a gut feeling and for me painting this way is how I can truly express myself.

Is there something creative you’d like to try?

Yes, everything! I have always wanted to try pottery and I have booked a beginners class in August, I can’t wait! I used to dance when I was younger and have always loved ballet even now.

What advice would you give to artists on how to balance creating with the business aspect of being an artist?

How do you keep creativity flowing?

A lot of my inspiration comes from nature and being out in nature. To keep the inspiration going, I let myself take breaks from creating to rest and recharge. I read books, cook new recipes, take walks with my dog Bailey (my studio assistant), anything to inspire something new. I used to think that if I was not creating constantly every day I would lose it but now after years of experience I know it will always come back to me and that taking time to reflect and time away is what helps ease out new ideas and exciting new journeys.

Most inspiring place you have visited.

I would have to say Snowdonia in Wales. We visited Wales recently and the landscapes and mountains were absolutely stunning. We camped in between the mountains and just being in nature was inspiring for me.

Have you always wanted to be an artist? 

Yes, I have, I have always been torn between artist and photographer. I was told at school that neither of these was realistic options for me and I needed to consider more academic career choices. Well, I can safely say that was bad advice!

An artist on Instagram that we need to follow.

Barb Smucker. I am in love with her work, her use of collage and colour is beautiful.

Favourite art gallery.

I love to find small art galleries and hidden gems but I do love the Tate Modern in London.

Favourite colours to use at the moment.

Green and pink, I just love the contrast, the hues mix so well together as they are complimentary. I cannot stay away from this combination even though I try!