Emma Forrester
Emma 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 is now concentrating on creating and exhibiting her own paintings.
The technical skills acquired whilst working in theatre have partially contributed to the expressive style evident in this body of work.
Her recent works, including many still lives, bear an expressive use of line to portray everyday objects such as vases and teacups. An appreciation of pattern and form has been fundamental in creating these works. Looking at the influence of textiles on the work of Matisse has provided great inspiration.
She says of her work, “I am drawn to beautiful forms whether they are man-made or natural. My aim is to show my appreciation of the simple beauty of such objects by their sensitive portrayal in my paintings. In my work I'll often draw and paint the forms many times, scratching and scraping through to previous layers to create a broadly descriptive but beautiful image. My aim is not to ‘copy’ the object in paint, but rather to describe and celebrate what I see with mark making skills that have developed into my personal style as an artist.”
In some of her most recent pieces she tenderly draws and paints pattern over objects, which then spills over into the background thus flattening out the picture plane. This transforms what could be a simply representational still life into a thoughtful and delicate abstract piece of work, exuding balance and harmony.
Born 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 this recent body of work.
Education
1990-93 Liverpool University – BA (Hons) Fine Art and English Literature
Exhibitions
2021
August Fresh Art Fair with No Naked Walls Gallery, Bramley, Surrey
July Battersea Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
2020
June Group Show Graham Hunter Gallery Baker Street London
March Battersea Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
2019
November Singapore Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
September New York Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
September Cheltenham Fresh Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
May Hampstead Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
March Battersea Affordable Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
Ongoing representation with No Naked Walls Gallery, Surrey
2018
May Fresh Art Fair with Carina Haslam Gallery
March, Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London with Carina Haslam Gallery
Winner of the Dry Red Press Award at the Royal Watercolour Society, Contemporary Watercolour Competition, Bankside Gallery, London.
2017
Two-person exhibition, Different Perspectives at Store Street Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
Representation by Bridgeman Studios
Ongoing representation with:
The Lion Street Gallery, Hay-on-Wye
The Art Agency, Esher
No Naked Walls, Chertsey and Bramley
2016
Exhibition with the Moreton Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh
Affordable Art Fair Battersea with Store Street Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
Ongoing representation with:
Store Street Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
The Lion Street Gallery, Hay-on-Wye
The Art Agency, Esher
No Naked Walls, Chertsey & Bramley
2015
Summer Show, Gallery Fifty-Five, Hartley Wintney
Affordable Art Fair, Hong Kong, with London Contemporary Art
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London, with The Art Agency
Solo show, Graham Hunter Gallery, Baker Street, London
Decorative Arts and Antiques Fair, Battersea, London, with Catherine Millar, Hollywood Road Gallery, Chelsea, London
Ongoing representation with:
Store Street Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
The Lion Street Gallery, Hay-on-Wye
No Naked Walls, Chertsey & Bramley
2014
Brighton Art Fair
Open studio, Wimbledon Art Studios
Grand Designs Live, ExCeL, London
2013
Affordable Art Fair, Stockholm
Affordable Art Fair, Hampstead, London
Group show, Bell Fine Art, Winchester
New York Affordable Art Fair, with Store Street Gallery, Bloomsbury, London
Group show at The Art Agency, Esher
Bristol Affordable Art Fair, with The Marle Gallery, Axminster
Joint show at The Marle Gallery, Axminster
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London, with the Stark Gallery, Canterbury
Group show, Foss Fine Art, Aldeburgh
2012
Bristol Affordable Art Fair
Open studio, Wimbledon Art Studios
Group show at The Art Agency, Esher
Spring Show, Moreton Gallery, Moreton-in-Marsh
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea, London
Glasgow Art Fair