Emma K Eccles

I was born near Dudley in the early seventies, but grew up in Wales, and I now live in Oswestry on the Shropshire border.

When I was younger I felt that being an Artist in itself wasn't a secure career option. I juggled working in the catering industry, parenthood, qualifying and volunteering as a Person-centred Counsellor (with a view to becoming a creative therapist), and spent some time delivering Art and Craft sessions to disadvantaged young people.

For the past few years I have been focusing on my own artwork as a form of expression and self exploration, and occasionally painting favourite scenes from places I've been. My 'Dreamscapes' are narrative pieces, sometimes using symbolism, and their inspiration is drawn from many directions. Our relationship with nature, the past, other people, and the subconscious mind. The impact of life. I think that I approach painting in a similar way to writing poetry, and what grows from the original idea can teach me something along the way.

I use acrylics or watercolours depending on whichever suits the subject, and like the versatile nature of acrylics, to build up layers, or use as a wash. I always consider acrylics to be quite forgiving. Watercolours much less so! But I do love working in watercolours.

I have been influenced by a combination of traditional styles of painting, like the Pre-Raphaelites, and the line and shape of contemporary sculpture, like Henry Moore. I am also drawn to quite decorative art styles like Klimt and Mucha, more generally the Arts and Crafts movement and Art Nouveau, and plan to integrate this into some of my work in the future.

I paint a variety of subjects, so I'm open to commission enquiries on almost any theme.