Emma Hill

My abstract paintings are raw, self-expressive and contemporary, blurring the lines between impressionism and graffiti. They are spontaneous and intuitive, expressive and emotionally charged. Each picture begins with a single brush stroke, starting a conversation. A streak of turquoise leaps above a squiggle of parchment and lilac beside a glimpse of fluorescent pink. Prussian blue drips like pouring rain and brilliant white miniature dots, light up like stars. Gradually layers of colour build phrases of optimism. Inspired by nature; brush strokes grow, constantly explore, entwine and then separate and die.
Working on a large format enables a sense of freedom, to get lost within the picture. The painting process follows a journey into the unknown. In taking risks and trusting my intuition, I embrace uncertainty and vulnerability, allowing the accidental to become the structural core. Markings are made, painted over, wiped off and layered over.
Influenced by the sky and the sea, a painting is given meaning and becomes complete by engaging the imagination of the viewer, who recognises something for themselves. In that moment, a glimpse of the figurative or a hint of a memory begins to form, shapeshifting and disappearing deep i...

I graduated from the University off East Anglia with a double honours degree in Art History and Scandinavian Studies. While I have no formal practical training in art I consider myself, self-taught, my ‘art’ education is based upon 8 years of intensive searching for art and culture during my days travelling worldwide as cabin crew for British Airways. My painting journey began after leaving BA while having children. For 8 years I successfully sold my art represented by New British Artists taken on as their ‘wild card’ at the London Art Fair. Since 2010 have been employed as an art instructor/ manager at Arthouse Unlimited, a charity working with artists living with complex epilepsy and learning difficulties, in our shop-studio based on the highstreet in Godalming, Surrey.
While renovating our home I took a 3 year break from painting pictures enjoying the pleasures of DIY, painting walls, doors and ceilings instead. Now the house is almost complete, I am painting pictures again. I have started working with a fresh new style feeling liberated and energised.

2012: The Affordable Art Fair - Battersea, Southwark Open Studios
2011: The Chelsea Art Fair, Southwark Open Studios, The Affordable Art Fair
2010: The Chelsea Art Fair, 20/21 International Art Fair, The Affordable Art Fair
2009: 20/21 International Art Fair- Royal College of Art, Cambridge Art Fair, Affordable Art Fair
2008: Affordable Art Fair - Battersea, Glasgow Art Fair and Northern Art Show, Harrogate
2007: Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair and Affordable Art Fair
2006: Dulwich Art Fair. Art on Paper – Royal College of Art. The London Art Fair - Business Design Centre. Affairs of the Heart - The Art House, Westbourne, Affordable Art Fair -Battersea
2005 Skylark 2 Gallery. A member of the artist -run Skylark 2 gallery located in the Oxo Tower on the South Bank where my artwork was on permanent display. Experience included participating in the running of the gallery, organising exhibitions and hanging of displays, while also publicising the gallery. Barbers Art Gallery. Woking, Surrey. Contemporary Art Fair Edinburgh. Affordable Art Fair - Battersea, My World - The Art House, Westbourne. The Anglian Contemporary Art Fair. The London Art Fair - Business Design Centre
2004: Affordable Art Fair, Manchester Art Show. Lo...