The Canvas | Emma Ashby
20 December 2011
Born in England, now living in New England in USA, Emma Ashby started out as a textile and knitwear designer. After having raised four childeren, she returned to her artistic roots and began experimenting with Encaustic Medium (hot wax), which allows her to incorporate fabric and natural objects, such as seaweed, into her paintings. Emma says: "I am fascinated by the natural world, the colors, patterns and textures; the cycle of growth and decay".
What is your earliest artistic memory?
Going to the Royal Academy as a child to see their summer exhibition.
What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?
Moving countries.
What has been your biggest mistake?
I try not to see them as mistakes, more as opportunities to learn and grow, and I have had plenty of those!
Where is your favourite place, anywhere in the world?
Italy
What is your favourite book?
Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy.
What would you scribble on a wall of world’s greatest quotes?
"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. hatred darkens life; love illuminates it." Martin Luther King Jr.
What would you define as ‘success’?
To realize your dreams.
What is your favourite art gallery or historical building and why?
Tate Modern because it pushes the boundaries.
What is your all time favourite movie?
The Railway Children! (original)
If you could own any piece of artwork, what piece would it be?
Could not possibly choose one piece!
If you could start your life all over, what would you do differently?
To embrace each day and take nothing for granted.
What has been your best ever purchase?
Bella, my boxer dog.
What is your favourite food?
Curry.
What is your favourite season of the year and why?
Spring in England, watching everything come into life after the winter. Also Fall in New England - the colors and climate, best time of the year!
Who is your favourite artist and why?
Marc Chagall. I love the intensity of his colors.
What are you most afraid of?
Mediocrity!
What is your most prized possession?
My family.
What life lesson do you always stand by?
Try to love unconditionally
If you had to give art students today some advice, what would it be?
Express whatever is inside of you. Do not be defined by what others may say is art.
Where on the web can we find you?
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