Emma's Blog

Hello! I’m Emma Preston, a contemporary design and illustration-based artist in Huddersfield, UK. My passion lies in digital botanical pattern design, where I draw inspiration from the beauty of nature that surrounds me. Growing up in a rural area, I have always been captivated by its natural landscapes and diverse plant life, which have profoundly influenced my artistic style.

In my work, I love exploring the intricate details of botanical forms and translating them into contemporary patterns. Using Procreate and digital techniques, I create striking, modern designs that capture the delicate lines of leaves and the bold colours of flowers—each piece reflecting my deep appreciation for the natural world.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my exploration of various exhibitions and houses, where I find further inspiration from my visits, and how I have been able to utilise and synthesise them within my own practice.

See my website here: Emma Preston.

Thank you,

Recently, I visited Nostell Priory and Appletree community garden with Faith, who is on the same course at university, to take some photos with a film camera. The aim was to collaborate as we both utilise similar subject matter.

Exploring

Upon arriving, the gardens were particularly vibrant, and we spent time trying different angles and compositions. Using a film camera added a unique challenge, as we had to think carefully about each shot.

One of the first images we captured was a blurred close-up of foliage, showcasing the greenery. This abstract shot encouraged us to view familiar subjects from new perspectives. Another was a soft focus on a flower, which highlighted its delicate beauty and evoked a sense of tranquility. This was taken at the community garden.

After exploring the gardens, we went inside the priory. The interior was filled with interesting furnishings and historical items. An ornate ceiling design caught our attention, and we took a moment to appreciate its intricate detailing. This added to the historical atmosphere and inspired our creativity.

Collaboration

This outing was particularly useful as both of our practises focus on nature. My project centres on botanical subject matter, and I was excited to capture elements that could inspire my digital artworks. The vibrant flowers and greenery provided interesting primary source imagery for my creative process.

Reflection and Creating Work

We shared ideas about framing our shots and what to focus on. Capturing an abstract composition featuring vibrant colours allowed us to explore the playful nature of film photography, emphasising how it can lead to unexpected results. This highlights the importance of collaboration, especially in an area we were both inexperienced in. In addition to photography, I created some digital artworks inspired by the natural elements we encountered during our visits. I was quite pleased with them, having incorporated a new element into my creative process.

Situated in Derbyshire, Chatsworth House has lots of English heritage and artistry. The estate is full of history as well as beautiful architecture, and is also known as the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit.

Interior and Exhibitions

Upon entering, the viewer is greeted by a beautiful interior, with an intricately painted ceiling. The grand staircase, with ornate railings, sets the scene for what’s to come.

Chatsworth houses a large collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Stand out pieces include detailed floral vases and historical manuscripts. They combine to showcase the art, whilst also telling stories of its past.

Another interesting part of the house are the exhibitions shown. For example, the “Gatherers” exhibition features botanical illustrations and manuscripts, showcasing the relationship between art and nature. “In Place and Out of Place” welcomes the viewer to contemplate the changing relationship between nature and art, with vibrant displays that challenge traditional aesthetics.

With my subject specialism being botanical subject matter, I found this particular section very interesting. In particular, the room with the vivid bright yellow walls, was very interesting as it differed from other installations I had seen that would use more muted colours. So, it was very useful in enabling me to contemplate the curation of my own work.

Overall

Chatsworth House is a lively and historically rich house, that celebrates art, culture, and the beauty of nature. As well as the traditional architecture, Chatsworth also houses diverse exhibitions and installations, further engaging the viewer. It was also useful, as mentioned, in enabling me to contemplate over my own practice, utilising botanical subject matter similarly to what was utilised in the exhibitions shown here.

Twitter: [@ChatsworthHouse] #VisitChatsworth

Instagram: [@ChatsworthHouse] #ChatsworthExperience

The "David Hockney: Pieced Together" exhibition at the Science and Media Museum in Bradford offers the chance to see his artistic journey through a range of works, ranging from photographic collages, to video installations. This exhibition enables the viewer to see first hand Hockney's multifaceted approach to art, in particular exploring nature subject matter, and combining traditional techniques with modern technology.

The Four Seasons: Woldgate Woods

A notable piece of the exhibition is the series titled "The Four Seasons: Woldgate Woods." Displayed on multiple TV screens, these digital displays capture the transformative beauty of nature through the changing seasons, highlighting Hockney's deep connection to East Yorkshire landscapes.

My Mother, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire

Another notable piece is "My Mother, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire," in which Hockney's mother is a central figure of the piece, in which Hockney had taken multiple photos and spliced them together in a collage, evoking a sense of energy and liveliness. This piece, alongside others, demonstrates how Hockney's art is often connected to his own life experiences.

This is something, having seen his work previously, I have taken inspiration from, combining elements of photography and the digital together.

Visitors can engage with the exhibition through various multimedia installations, including video displays that offer insights into Hockney's creative process. This interactive aspect enriches the viewing experience, allowing audiences to see not just the final artworks, but the journey behind them.

Overall

"David Hockney: Pieced Together" is a highly engaging and interesting exhibition, enabling the viewer the chance to see a range of works by Hockney, including his photo collages, as well as a video alongside showcasing the process he utilised to achieve them. The interactive digital installation "The Four Seasons: Woldgate Woods" is captivating for the viewer, due to the scale, and the ability to simultaneously see the different seasons play out at once.

In addition to the nature subject matter, it was also useful seeing his 'spliced-photography collages' in person, as this is something I have previously taken inspiration from.

Twitter: @ScienceMediaM

Instagram: @ScienceMediaMuseum

The Henry Moore Institute, Leeds is currently showcasing the Surrealist-inspired exhibition titled "The Traumatic Surreal." Delving into the abstract relationship between trauma and surrealism, the viewer is invited to explore how contemporary artists express complex emotional experiences through their work.

Bertlmann and Oppenheim

The exhibition includes a range of interesting works that invite interpretation. Known for her provocative pieces, Renate Bertlmann's works such as "Full Heart with Knife" (1987) and "Carmen enfant terrible" (2001) explore themes of femininity and vulnerability. Her unique use of materials encourages the viewer to confront their own feelings about identity and trauma.

Meert Oppenheim's "World of Wonder" makes use of intricate design and surreal elements. The work aims to translate the complexities of perception and reality.

Trauma and the Human Experience

The exhibition is thoughtfully curated to create an immersive experience. As I moved through the space, I was able to view works of a range of materials, from sculpture to mixed and multi-media, each telling a different narrative about trauma and the human experience.

"The Traumatic Surreal" at the Henry Moore Institute is a highly thought-provoking exhibition that encourages the viewer to confront their interpretation of trauma and how that is expressed through art. Through various art forms, it opens up the dialogue regarding memory, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Again, though not a direct link, it was still useful to be able to build upon my viewing of the curation of exhibitions of a diverse range of artworks.

Facebook: [Henry Moore Institute Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@hminstitute]

The Imperial War Museum is currently showing a vibrant and engaging exhibition called "Chila Welcomes You," featuring works by contemporary artist Chila Burman. Burman uses bold colour to explore themes of identity, culture, and the relationship of personal and political narratives.

South Asian Heritage

The exhibition is an immersive experience that showcases her South Asian heritage, addressing contemporary societal issues alongside. Filled with large-scale installations, neon lighting, and intricate pattern, the viewer is encouraged to interact with the artwork on multiple levels. Burman's use of colour and lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, encouraging dialogue about culture and community.

Again, I found this useful in relation to my own practice, how colour evokes different emotions in an audience, colour being an important component of my practice. It was also interesting to see how Burman engaged the audience with her use of lighting.

Resonation

Her works primarily focus on themes of identity, feminism, and the challenges faced by marginalised communities. The exhibition connects personal stories with broader societal issues, enabling an opportunity for the viewer to resonate personally.

"Chila Welcomes You" at the Imperial War Museum offers not only colourful visually appealing artworks in the form of video, installation, and personal artefacts, it also celebrates diversity and explores identity through the lens of contemporary art. It was also useful to connect her use of curation with my own practice.

Facebook: [Imperial War Museum Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@IWM]

The Lowry in Manchester is currently hosting an interesting exhibition dedicated to the life and works of L.S. Lowry, one of Britain’s most celebrated artists. Best known for his depictions of industrial landscapes and the lives of working-class people, Lowry's work is still appreciated today.

Welcoming

Upon entering, I was met with eye-catching banners, colourful and bright, they are useful in welcoming the viewer into the building.

Distinctive Style

The exhibition features a range of Lowry's most recognisable pieces, including his famous matchstick men and expressive urban scenes. These works not only demonstrate his distinctive style, but also an insight into the lives of many during early 20th-century Britain.

An interesting component of the exhibition is the inclusion of a collection of Lowry's personal items, including photos and sketches, that offer a deeper insight into his life. His tools and materials on show in particular showcase his life as a working artist.

In order to further emphasise the insight into Lowry's life, the exhibition utilises multimedia installation (video) to invite the viewer to learn more about class disparity and urbanisation, all of which are related to his work and are both educational and engaging.

Salford

A dedicated section features a map highlighting Lowry's deep connection to Salford, the city that inspired much of his work. This contextual information enriches the viewing experience, emphasising the local significance of his art.

To connect the setting with the artist, there is a dedicated section showcasing a map of Salford, a place that held huge influence over Lowry's works. This again enriches the viewing experience, emphasising the local significance of his work.

Overall

The Lowry exhibition offers an interesting and insightful experience, especially for those with a specific interest in Lowry's work as well as the history of Salford itself. As well as showcasing his work, including his most famous pieces and personal artefacts, the exhibition connects the setting of Salford with Lowry himself, adding a layer of personality, connecting the viewer with the work.

Again I found it useful to see the curation of his work, including the multi-media aspect of the video and how that can engage an audience.

Facebook: [The Lowry Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@TheLowry]

I recently visited the exhibition "Untouchable Utopia" by Manish Harijan, which is currently on display at the Art House in Wakefield. This exhibition combines powerful visual art with poignant social commentary, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of identity, society, and the complexities of utopian ideals.

Art and Identity

As I entered the exhibition, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colours and striking compositions adorning the walls. Harijan's work often explores the intersection of personal and collective experiences. The pieces challenge preconceived notions of identity, especially in relation to societal structures.

One of the standout pieces features a circular canvas depicting a young woman draped in a colourful dress, surrounded by intricate patterns. This artwork not only showcases Harijan's artistic talent but also symbolises the beauty and resilience of marginalised identities. The vibrant colours create a sense of hope and possibility, inviting viewers to envision a more inclusive future.

Sculptural Works

In addition to the paintings, the exhibition includes several sculptural installations that add depth to the narrative. One notable piece features a dome-like structure made of interwoven materials, reflecting themes of enclosure and protection. The interplay of light and shadow in this installation creates an immersive experience.

Another sculpture, resembling an orb, combines organic forms with a sense of modernity. This piece encourages consideration of the relationship between traditional and contemporary influences in art and culture.

Visual Narratives

Throughout the exhibition, Harijan uses humour and irony to address serious issues. One painting features a superhero figure surrounded by familiar objects, yet the composition conveys a sense of ridicule. This juxtaposition challenges viewers to consider the societal roles assigned to individuals and the expectations that accompany them.

Another artwork depicts a figure lying on the ground, surrounded by everyday items. The use of colour and form creates a surreal atmosphere, prompting reflections on the complexities of existence and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Culture

Harijan's work also pays homage to iconic figures and pop culture, as seen in a series of prints featuring a reimagined Marilyn Monroe. This playful reinterpretation highlights the complexities of fame and beauty while inviting viewers to question societal standards.

The artist's ability to blend cultural references with personal narratives creates a rich tapestry of ideas that resonate deeply. Each piece serves as a reflection of contemporary society, urging viewers to confront the realities of our world.

Overall

"Untouchable Utopia" is a compelling exhibition that offers a unique perspective on identity, society, and the pursuit of a more inclusive future. Manish Harijan's vibrant artworks and innovative sculptures encourage viewers to engage with complex themes while celebrating the beauty of diversity.

Although not directly linked to my practice, it's still very useful to see the curation of a diverse range of artworks and how they are received by an audience.

Facebook: The Art House Wakefield Facebook Page

Instagram: @thearthousewakefield

Recently I visited the exhibition "Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes," at the Hepworth, Wakefield which showcases the imaginative realms created by surrealist artists over the past century. This exhibition, filled with dreamlike imagery invites visitors to explore the boundaries of reality and imagination.

Surrealism

As I stepped into the exhibition, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant and intricate designs covering the walls. The striking green wallpaper, reflected naturistic themes, creating an immersive environment that set the tone for the surreal landscapes to come.

The exhibition features a diverse range of artworks, each offering a unique perspective on the surrealist movement.

I was really drawn to the giant green patterned curtain that was attached from the floor to the ceiling. Thinking heavily about my final exhibition, I was already aiming to translate my digital pattern designs into an interior setting. I loved the draping of the fabric and how the pattern adhered to the surface of the curtain. This sparked a lot of inspiration and ultimately led to me printing my pattern design onto a curtain for my exhibition.

Landscapes of the Mind

One of the most interesting sections of the exhibition is titled "Landscapes of the Mind." The works evoke the dreamlike quality of the unconscious. The bold colours and abstract forms, enable the viewer to question the boundaries of reality.

Colour and Form

As I moved through the exhibition, I was drawn to the use of colour and form. One artwork featured vibrant, oversized leaves, while another captured the fluidity of shapes in a harmonious blend of hues. These pieces not only demonstrate the artists' technical skills but also their ability to evoke emotion using colour.

The juxtaposition of natural and abstract forms challenges the viewer’s perception, encouraging a deeper exploration of the relationship between reality and imagination

Overall

"Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes" is a thought-provoking exhibition that invites visitors to explore the boundaries of reality through the lens of surrealism. The diverse array of artworks encourages imagination, creating a rich dialogue between the viewer and the art. Due to the material and subject matter, it was also a highly influential exhibition for me, as mentioned ultimately leading me to print my design onto a curtain for my final exhibition.

Facebook: [The Hepworth Wakefield Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@HepworthWakefield]

Recently, I was able to visit the photography-based exhibition, "The Plant That Stowed Away" at Tate Liverpool. The exhibition explores themes of nature, memory, and history, offering a unique perspective on how plants and landscapes shape our experiences and identities.

Visuals

The viewer first sees a series of black-and-white photographs, capturing the haunting beauty of urban landscapes and natural forms. Each image tells its own story, evoking a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about the places depicted. The stark contrasts and textures in these photographs invite viewers to look closer, revealing hidden details and layers of meaning.

One wall featured a collection of prints that showcased the fluidity of form and colour. These vibrant works, with their bold shapes and patterns, seemed to dance on the wall, celebrating the vitality of plant life. The use of colour and composition in these pieces reflects a deep appreciation for nature and its ability to inspire creativity.

Having utilised photography in my work previously, it was very interesting to be able to see how it had been combined with nature. Here I have included some pattern designs created, with a combination of photography, something I have really enjoyed, and the inspiration of which was inspired by seeing this exhibition.

Historical Context

The exhibition also highlights historical artworks, including aquatints by William Daniell. His works, depicting scenes of Liverpool and its surroundings, provide a window into the past, allowing us to appreciate the evolution of the landscape.

The Resilience of Nature

Another powerful aspect of the exhibition are the series of images from contemporary artists that focus on the resilience of nature. These photographs capture the interplay between humans and the environment, showcasing how plants reclaim spaces and thrive in unlikely conditions.

Overall

"The Plant That Stowed Away" at Tate Liverpool is an interesting exhibition that encourages viewers to consider the relationship between nature, history, and identity. The combination of contemporary and historical works is diverse, enabling an exploration of how plants and landscapes shape our lives. It was highly influential in terms of my own practice and led me to creating pattern designs incorporating photography, again interconnecting the physical and the digital.

Facebook: [Tate Liverpool Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@TateLiverpool]

Instagram: [@tateliverpool]

The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool is currently hosting a range of exhibitions that showcase contemporary art, alongside works from the past. My recent visit enabled me to see the vast array of art from different eras.

"Stitching Souls: Threads of Silence" by Karen McLean

One of the standout exhibitions is "Stitching Souls," where artist Karen McLean explores themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage through textile art. The installation features vibrant colours and intricate patterns that invites the viewer to contemplate the stories woven into fabric.

Included in this exhibition are pieces that blend traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. One artwork, featuring a decorated garment combines elements of fashion with culture. The use of textiles as a medium allows McLean to stitch together personal and collective histories, creating a personal dialogue.

Installations

In addition to McLean's work, the gallery showcases various installations that challenge the boundaries of traditional art forms. One installation features a visually striking sound system made from transparent materials and bold colours.

Another notable work is a series of vividly decorated heads that highlight the use of fabric in exploring identity. Each head tells its own story, adorned with patterns that celebrate cultural diversity and creativity.

A Blend of Old and New

The Walker Art Gallery is also home to classic works, including pieces from the War Artists collection. This area of the gallery pays homage to the historical context of art, showcasing how artists have responded to conflict and change through their work.

Colour and Form

As I continued exploring, I encountered abstract pieces that play with colour and form. These works encourage contemplation and invite personal interpretations, demonstrating how abstract art can evoke varied emotional responses. Again, reflecting on my own practice I was reminded how important colour is in the interpretation of a piece and the different feelings evoked from it.

Overall

My visit to the Walker Art Gallery was very interesting in terms of being able to see a combination of traditional and contemporary works. The exhibitions, particularly "Stitching Souls" highlight the importance of culture and identity in art, whilst the War Artists collection showcase the response to conflict and change. I was also further able to reflect upon my own practice in terms of exploring how colour can hold meaning and how that would affect a viewer's interpretation.

Facebook: [Walker Art Gallery Facebook Page]

Twitter: [@WalkerArtGallery]

Recently, I visited the "Nature: Sensory" exhibition at The Art House in Wakefield, and it was an enriching experience. Running from 14 January to 15 February, 2025, this exhibition invites visitors to engage with art that explores the intersection of nature and sensory experience.

Accessibility and Environment

One of the first things I noticed was how accessible the venue is. The lift made it easy for everyone to navigate the space, ensuring that all visitors could enjoy the exhibition without barriers. Accessibility in art spaces is vital, and The Art House has accommodated for this.

The Artwork

The exhibition showcases the work of several artists including Helen Thomas, Jessie Davies, and others. Their pieces invite the viewer to contemplate nature in unexpected and thought-provoking ways.

A notable installation was a series of tactile sculptures, encouraging interaction. One piece featured ceramic forms that visitors were invited to handle gently.

Another intriguing work was a geometric sculpture that combined natural materials with a modern aesthetic. The juxtaposition of the raw and refined, reinforces the relationship between nature and art.

I was particularly drawn to the vibrant paintings depicting natural landscapes. These works not only captured the beauty of the outdoors but also evoked feelings of being in nature. The colours and textures were vivid and bright welcoming the viewer to really experience the subject matter.

Reflecting upon my own practice, in which I am primarily creating digital botanical pattern designs on Procreate, I thought in particular about colour and how that impacts the way my work is viewed. Colour has always been a large component of my practice, I often enjoy utilising bright, vivid palettes, extenuating the beauty I find in nature.

I also contemplated on texture and how that could come in to play in my patterns. Not long after this, I created some lino prints and created some digital patterns out of them, creating an intersection between the physical and the digital.

Interactive Elements

A standout feature of the exhibition was a unique book art installation that visitors could handle. This interactive element allowed me to explore the delicate illustrations of botanical forms up close.

Another memorable piece was a large multi-panel artwork that blended various mediums to create a representation of nature's complexity.

Overall

Overall, "Nature: Sensory" at The Art House in Wakefield is a highly engaging exhibition that celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world. The thoughtful curation, combined with the accessibility of the venue, made the exhibition very enjoyable. It also enabled reflection on my own practice, ultimately influencing me to experiment with texture in my work.

Facebook: The Art House Wakefield

Twitter: @TheArtHouseWF

Instagram: @thearthousewakefield

During my recent trip to York, I decided to visit the Jorvik Centre, aiming to step back into the Viking Age.

The Ride

As I entered, there was an opportunity to experience a ride, that enables an immersive journey through Viking History. I did find it to be a bit overwhelming. There was a lot happening at once—lots of sounds and visuals— making it hard to focus on any one thing at a time. This made it hard to absorb the information being presented.

One thing that stood out was a strange smell throughout the ride. Although this did add to the immersive aspect of 'stepping into Viking history'. it was a bit strong at times. which was a bit distracting.

Exhibits

After the ride, I explored the various exhibits, all very interesting and insightful. The display of Viking artifacts was particularly interesting. I was fascinated by the intricately crafted combs and tools. They provided a tangible link to the past that I found really engaging, as these were physical artefacts from the time.

I also came across some skeletal remains on display, which was both eerie and intriguing. The informational plaques nearby offered context, though due to the dimly lit space in which they were situated (due to protecting the skeletal remains), it was hard to read at times.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere throughout the centre was captivating. The lighting, especially in the recreated Viking scenes, really set the mood. The depiction of a Viking settlement was particularly striking, with historically accurate décor that brought the era to life. It made me think of my own practice in the sense of 'setting a scene'. Although my focus is primarily botanical pattern, my aim for my installation is to bring these elements to life in an interior setting, so being able to experience such an immersive atmosphere was certainly thought-provoking and allowed me to reflect in terms of the 'feeling' I aim to evoke in the audience.

Overall

Overall, my visit to the Jorvik Centre was good, though there were some downsides. While the ride was a bit long and overwhelming, the exhibits were definitely worth seeing in terms of seeing physical artefacts from the past. It was also useful to be able to synthesise the setting and atmosphere with my own practice.

Facebook: Jorvik Viking Centre

Twitter: @JorvikCentre

Instagram: @jorvikcentre