We had the absolute pleasure of interviewing NSW’s most talented tablescape artist- Emma Sheehan. Here’s what she had to say about all things art and her rise to success.
Who are you? Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to become an artist.
I’m 28 years old and live in rural New South Wales. After completing a Graduate certificate in interior design and decoration at the Inchbald School of Design in London in 2021 and a master’s degree in art curating at the University of Sydney in 2018, I now paint full-time in my studio in Jugiong.
My experience of becoming an artist can be described as a sliding doors moment. I started painting during COVID-19 as a hobby. At the time, I was working for an interior designer in Brisbane and painting mostly on the weekends. I posted one of my works on Instagram and a gallery owner in Moree saw it and asked me to produce a few more works for her to sell. From there, it was a snowball effect of having other galleries see my work, which led to my first solo exhibition at the beginning of 2021 at the Maunsell Wickes Gallery in Sydney. These works sold out on opening night, and this gave me the confidence and validation I needed to consider continuing along this path.
The support of my family, the Moree Gallery and Maunsell Wickes were instrumental in my decision-making, where each assured me that I had nothing to lose in taking the maybe not-so-stable path of becoming an artist. It has now been just over three years since I made the commitment to painting full-time and I have never looked back.
Emma at a group show at Michael Reid Murrurundi
Looking at your portfolio, it’s clear that you favour painting European tablescapes. Are there specific influences that have played a significant role in shaping your artistic style and approach?
Modernism saw artists shift from using precism to using a wild harmony of colours and intuitive colour combinations. This movement has shaped the way I approach my work, where I always try to strike a balance between reality and making something my own. Both Picasso and Matisse’s use of bright colours, bold shapes and exploration of combining contrasting colours within a work has always intrigued me and I find myself drawn to their art. I have a much stronger appreciation of texture, pattern and colour more so than subject matter, but tablescapes are a great way to express these different visual qualities. From my studies in art curation and interior design, I have also always been intrigued by the important role of art within the home. Art can be used as the starting point to help make interior decisions, where often it is the centrepiece or feature of the room and can change the look and feel of a space.
Emma’s art as an interior feature. Photograph by Tim Salisbury
Could you walk us through your artistic process, from concept to completion, and how you decide which inspiration to use?
My approach can change depending on the item that first sparks my curiosity. If I am inspired by a certain textile, ceramic or colour combination that I have seen then I use it as the centre point of the work. From here, I like to try and visualise the other elements that will go on that piece, whether it be a plate I have seen that I believe will complement a textile or I try to imagine a moment in time. “What would the people sitting at this tablecloth be eating, a summery Italian feast or a fresh bowl of breakfast fruits?” I often paint from memory or reimagine items rather than having exact items or photographs to copy from as this allows the work to be more organic and I am not so obsessed with the perfection of the subject matter but rather the energy of those items.
Emma’s putting the final touches on a piece for the Maunsell Wickes Gallery
Among your numerous projects do you have a particular piece or series that holds special significance to you? If so, could you share the story behind it?
Recently, I was asked to paint a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf for a client’s home in Melbourne. This was the first time I had ever painted something off the canvas and of such a large scale. I covered the bookshelf in bold geometric patterns in a rainbow of contrasting colours. I was so proud of myself for taking on the challenge as I have become very comfortable on canvas. It almost marked the transition of me being able to take on larger projects, particularly ones that are out of my comfort zone.
Art often evokes strong emotions and thoughts. How do you hope viewers connect with and interpret your work?
Art can be seen as a vital layer of colour, pattern and texture that brings a space to life. I deliberately use vivid colours and pattern mixing in my works to instil a sense of joy within the viewer and to create a vibrant and lively space. If it isn’t the colours that initially attract the viewer, then it is often because they are connecting the work to a core memory. For many people, the kitchen table is the centre of the home, full of cherished and shared memories. I have had many audiences reach out and tell me how certain works remind them of their childhood or the food their mums used to make, and I think that is a special thing.
You have had many successes! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Can you tell us about them including where your artwork has been featured?
I have now had nine solo shows and over ten group shows in my three years of being an artist which is crazy to think about. I am represented by The Moree Gallery and Maunsell Wickes Gallery in Sydney. I have been shown in House and Garden UK, World of Interiors, Home Beautiful and House and Garden Australia. I was also featured in Anna Spiro’s latest book ‘A Life in Pattern’.
Emma’s second show at Maunsell Wickes
Every artist faces challenges. Can you discuss a specific challenge and how you overcame it?
Like any creative, I often doubt my abilities and sometimes criticism can be taken personally. At the very beginning of my career, I questioned whether my art was worthy of being in a gallery as I was not technically trained. I think it is important to find a support system that can help you talk through these doubts. I have had to trust the words of others and find confidence in their belief in me and this always helps push any negative thoughts to the wayside.
How do you see your style and approach evolving in the future? Are there new techniques or themes you are excited to explore?
I have been lucky enough to design patterns for fabrics which has been a fun way to combine my love for art and interiors. I have loved seeing my designs take on new life in different forms, whether it be as the cover of a book, on a cushion, a sofa or more recently, someone turned a textile I designed into a dress. I would love to explore fabric design a lot more and maybe have my own fabric line in the future.
Emma’s art as a calendar and tea towel
For emerging artists looking to establish themselves in the art world, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences and journey as an artist?
I think it is important for an artist to know who they are talking to when creating their art in order to define and establish themselves. Identifying your audience helps your creative process and can also help you market yourself, establish your marketing goals and create an artistic niché. Currently, marketing has become increasingly important in putting your art out into the world and shaping the way it is received, so emerging artists should take this seriously.
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