We had a chance to engage with multimedia Artist Samantha Louise Emery. The title of her latest art pieces ‘ IKONA | Mirrored Interior ‘ caught our imaginations and we wanted to know more.
I personally love all the colours the artist uses in the series. She embodies all the energy of what it feels like to be a woman. Let’s all embrace the Feminine Spirit. Read more to find out what drives Samantha to create.
The artist creates large scale multimedia portraits of influential female trailblazers. The modern female icons of our generation inspiring others through their actions.
Artist Creates Portraits of Influential Female Trailblazers
“Through my work, I look to bring awareness to the depth of the Feminine Spirit and the positive effects of female solidarity, celebrating wonderful women in all their glory. “
About Samantha Louise Emery
London born Emery completed her Ceramic and Design degree at Central Saint Martins in 1993. In 1992 she won the award at the Young People’s Film & Video Festival for her short film Night Shift inspired by the work of Sylvia Plath.
Emery then moved to Canada and debuted several series of paintings which she exhibited in Toronto and New York. The multimedia artist splits her time between the UK and her studio in Bodrum, Turkey, her spiritual home.
The artist Samantha Louise Emery creates large scale multimedia portraits of influential female trailblazers, the modern female icons of our generation inspiring others through their actions.
“My next portrait series IKONA \ Wise Women will feature portraits of women who are striving to make a difference in the world. The series will include portraits of activists, filmmakers and journalists amongst others.”
Artist To Watch: Questions with Samantha Louise Emery
SC: What was your first memory of Art?
Age six, painting a still life of a violin and trumpet.
SC: How did you discover your crafts?
Exploration and a natural inclination to creative expression.
SC: Starving artist Pros & Con’s?
Pros – motivation
Cons – limitations
SC: Established Artist Pro’s & Con’s
Pros – More opportunities
Cons – More pressure
SC: What made you create these pieces?
The idea for my IKONA portrait series came to me during my birthday two years ago. Thinking about all the inspirational women in my life and the strengths I had witnessed in my two daughters, I decided my next project would be a salute to womankind. My first series of IKONAs, IKONA | Mirrored Interior, honours ten women alive today who have been influentially inspiring to my life’s journey.
SC: Where were you when you found out that you wanted to live an artist life?
From an early age, through my love of performing, whether in dance, music or theatre and through my love of creating art, I knew that I wanted to live an artist life.
SC: What has been your favourite career moment so far?
I am currently living it!
SC: What is your signature design?
I like to explore different mediums and discover how to connect them. I follow an intuitive, cognitive process. Currently, I am creating multimedia pieces combining digital drawing, photo compositing, hand embroidery and painting, alongside my other works of abstract paintings in oil and acrylic.
SC: Tell us about Working Chance charity and the Malala Fund.
I decided to donate a portion of all income from my work to these two charities as I feel that they reflect the ethos of my work, empowering women to reach their highest potential in life. Working Chance is the only UK based recruitment consultancy for women leaving the criminal justice and care systems, and the Malala Fund works to give all girls the chance to an education.
SC: What do you want your artist footprint to be?
To have left a positive influence on human psychology. I hope my life’s work will have inspired women, and men, to seek their unique colours and potentials.
SC: Who is your dream to collaborate with?
There are several creatives I would value collaborating with. Currently, through my next series IKONA | Wise Women, I am collaborating with an assortment of incredible internationally creative women, all making inspiring differences.
SC: What is your must-have on the road beauty/grooming product?
Lip balm!
SC: What are you up to when you’re not creating?
Reading, singing, dancing, cooking, spending time with friends and family as well as practising daily yoga to maintain core strength, flexibility, mental and physical health, and creative clarity.
SC: Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be collaborating with other like-minded creatives.
SC: What artist do you look up to?
I look up to many artists however the late Georgia O’Keeffe is a constant source of inspiration.
SC: What are you listening to right now?
I chose to live in beautiful Bodrum, Turkey. The summer heat and winds generate magical sounds from nature. I love this at the moment as my chosen soundscape while I work.
SC: If one art buyer would pick up your work who would you wish it to be?
I would definitely say, Maja Hoffmann.
SC: What are you grateful for?
My place as a woman in this world today.
SC: What advice would you give an emerging artist like yourself?
Listen carefully to your instincts, creating is an organic process. Try different mediums, have patience and spend time alone in nature. Creating something powerful takes time and effort.
One of the key points is to spend time alone! We understand and appreciate the female artist who gives such good advice. Guess creative types understand the importance of this. Don’t forget to check out more on our latest artist to follow.
Social Media: @samanthaikona
