Emma Scarlett is a Scottish multimedia artist, currently studying at The Glasgow School of Art. Through printmaking, painting and sculpture Emma explores themes of connection to the natural world, community, and feminism. Creating abstract forms, layering imagery and playing with the effects of shadow, Emma’s work aims to be reminiscent of the familiar whilst maintaining a sense of ambiguity. “I love the connection that my artistic practice has to the past. Humankind has been painting, drawing, and making for as long as we have existed. By carrying on this ancient tradition, I feel a sense of belonging. Connection to the present is also very important. Through making and appreciating art, conversations can begin, friendships can form, and minds can expand and be nourished.“

Thanks for being with us Emma! Tell us how your artistic journey started.
Like many artists my journey began in childhood. I have always had an innate leaning towards making art, using my hands and creating alternative ‘safe’ spaces for myself.

How did you arrive at the theme of your work?
Both my prints in this exhibition come from places of peace that have been disrupted. After the pandemic I was freshly heartbroken to see violence and persecution continue to happen throughout the world. I had hoped, perhaps naively, that a global event such as Covid would allow governments to pause and rethink. Alas, the cycle of war continues, there is no peace. Hope still exists though, with beautiful acts of kindness and resistance to hate.

Can you walk us through your creative process?
I usually begin with photography, capturing moments and interesting compositions on my phone camera. These act as ‘bookmarks’ to an idea I then start to develop. This can be through screen-printing, lithography, painting, collage, or sculpture. I create through making, doing, and undoing, until something feels good or right. 

How do you overcome creative blocks?
I quite often get a bit upset and panic, then I take a breath, recognise the block for what it is and calm down. Going to exhibitions and galleries helps enormously. I am lucky to live in such a culturally rich and diverse city, there is always something interesting to go and explore. Equally going for a walk is helpful: nature has a way of grounding one’s fears and worries. Lastly, reading, both fiction and art books. Right now, I am reading Hettie Judah’s Acts of Creation as well as some essays and biographies on Louise Bourgeois. 

Which artists inspire you? Are there non-artistic influences such as literature or music that impact your work? 
Louise Bourgeois and Hettie Judah as above are two. I also love Anna Eva Bergman, Käthe Kollwitz, Hannah Hoch, Helen Chadwick, Louise Nevelson, Barbara Hepworth, Annegret Soltau, Doris Salcedo. I have Katy Hessel to thank really, as I often listen to her podcasts whilst working and then further research artists of interest. Silvia Federici is also a brilliant writer and feminist thinker. I do also admire the work of male artists, such as Jannis Kounellis and Frank Stella, but I prefer to focus my attention on female as there is a historical and present gap that needs filling. 

What do you do to keep motivated and interested in your work?
I just keep going, acknowledging the ups and downs, then continuing to explore, develop and learn. I am currently studying at Glasgow School of Art, where the tutors and technicians are fantastic, really supportive, talented and interesting. Being part of an artist community like GSA is a great way to keep motivated. We can support one another, celebrating the wins and pushing through the lows. 

Find out more about Emma and her work on Instagram. Our Winter Open Call exhibition features an incredible collection of works by twenty-six artists who have each considered the season and explored the interplay of light and shadow, warmth and cold, presence and absence, through a wide range of mediums and styles. Chiaroscuro runs at Six Foot Gallery until Thursday 9th January 2025.