Emma Whitelaw
Emma Whitelaw, Pink and Gold Banksias, acrylic on wooden panel. 60cm x 80.5cm, 2019.
What's your relationship to Kingston?
I live and work in Kingston.
Artist medium
Mainly painting.
Describe your art or craft practice
There are various themes in my work, however, my overall style has a strong graphic quality with crisp lines, smooth flat rounded shapes and patterns, which all feature heavily in my work.
Artist bio
I have studied illustration and graphic design. I began selling my work through Etsy, where I designed hand-drawn illustrated invitations. For the last few years though, I have been focusing on painting. I sell the majority of my work through Bluethumb, which is an online gallery featuring Australian artists.
Do you have a favourite artist or artwork?
I love bright colourful and intricate work, and love American artist Lisa Congdon. I also love the work of Klimt and Juan Romero for their intricate detail and pattern work.
What was your first experience of art?
I started drawing very young. In prep, I was chosen to represent the school along with another student, where I got to paint a little girl skipping. It featured on a lovely big mural that included other primary school students in the local area. I got to go to the exhibition and saw it hanging on the wall at McClelland Gallery in Langwarrin.
How has the current situation changed your approach to making art?
I have to try and fit my art practice in and around the kid's homeschooling, so I practice in moments when I have the time.
What motivates your creative business or arts group?
I have to paint or create, it's something that's just in me. I have created art in some way or another since I was a little girl. It's instinctual and necessary for my happiness.
What are you looking forward to after the pandemic?
Visiting the NGV in the city and supporting local art exhibitions.