AW80W

Around the World with Eighty Women: Em’s Story (England, UK)

Creative inspiration and art as a therapeutic tool

Image Supplied by Em

View a gallery of Em Hoten’s inspiring artwork or learn more about the person behind the paintings. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram. This article is part of the continuing AW80W series — read the introduction here.

Living in England’s Peak District is more than a geographical location for Em. Instead, she discusses how ‘place is a central element’ in her work and contributes to her ‘sense of self and belonging.’ Em’s emphasis on ‘sense’ feels appropriate since one of her inspirations is the visual play of light:

‘I’m fascinated by how light transforms a scene — creating atmosphere, mood, and a sense of place. Lately, I’m more reflective, with light symbolising hope, memory, and emotion in my work. Dramatic shifts in weather and light continue to inspire new layers of meaning and expression in my art.’

Em is unsure where her fascination with light originated but recounts a childhood experience that may have been an early influence: ‘I spent quite a bit of time in churches as my mum sang in a choir. You can’t beat watching colour shifts through stained-glass windows to pass the time as a kid!’