Emma Hercus - Figurative Painter

Creative Matters

Emma Hercus is a painter born in Hastings and now living in Plimmerton, just north of Wellington.

The everchanging ocean and its view from her home serve as constant reference points in Emma's narrative abstract figurative paintings.

I loved talking to Emma. We talk about her early influences and inspiration from family as she was growing up, the amazing basketry and weaving practice she developed when she first decided to get back into being creative after having kids - which after a number of years finally led to her painting practice. We discuss her experience studying art for 3 years part time at the Learning Connection in Taita, Wellington, gaining a diploma in creativity.

Emma shares what she loves about painting, how she incorporates mark making using her favourite scruffy brushes; layering, sanding, scratching to create beautiful marks and glimpses of colour and patterns through the layers.

We explore interesting topics like using chatGPT or AI for writing artist statements (or not), framing, why she sometimes likes to elongate limbs in her paintings, where her stories come from and the symbols in her work.

We talk about her joint show Wildy, coming up this week at Railway Street Gallery + Studios:
An exhibition by painter Emma Hercus and ceramicist Jenn Leov
Wed 23rd October - Saturday 9th November 2024

And you'll hear from Emma's doggie Ricky at times making a guest appearance.

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