Emma Whigham

Biography

Emma Whigham is a visual artist living in the Scottish Borders. Emma studied Jewellery and Metal work at Edinburgh Collage of art in the mid 90’s where she was also introduced to printmaking, then went on to study at the Royal College of Art in London.

For some years now Emma's practice has been concerned with Printmaking, collage and sculpture; exploring materials and making marks in an experimental way is often at the heart for her work.

After receiving a VACMA Bursary in 2022 to explore printmaking further, Emma became a member at EP and  was keen to use this time to explore, play and lean into unlocking awareness and expression with this vast medium.  

Part of Emma's practice involves art facilitation. She is interested in how art can support and aid mental health and wellbeing as well as cultivating a whole host of life skills.  Most recently Emma has been working with organisations in the Borders to provide workshops where people can explore making art and experience the impact it has on their lives.

Artist Statement

I have been re-evaluating my practice recently and reflecting on the shift in my way of being and how this is impacting my work.

In the past, my work has explored ideas around form, balance and randomness and how these juxtapose each other; specifically, the tension that exists between them. These themes continue to interest me as I move through life.

In an effort to break free from self-made limitations that have undoubtedly crept into my practice over the years, I’ve been stripping things back to basics and acknowledging how I love to work with materials and their processes. I enjoy how it allows me to ‘lose myself’ for a while.

I am currently investigating how it ‘feels’ to make the work and how that plays out aesthetically. I aim to do this consciously, slowly, and gently, granting myself the time and space to digest, ponder, and embrace the connection between maker and material.