Welcome to Mamamia’s art endeavour, the Voulez-Vous Project. Every week we celebrate emerging artists, designers, illustrators, creators and women who knit using their vaginas. (Kidding. Maybe.) Our aim: to help the internet become a slightly more beautiful, captivating, or thought-provoking place by making art accessible.
To find out more about the Voulez-Vous project, click here. Click here to see all the previous Voulez-Vous posts.
When we were growing up, we were told of the importance of learning. Education is priceless, and teaches us to perfect our skills. But Emma Louise Ball, an emerging Australian artist, has shied away from art education.
“To be honest I am afraid to take art classes!” she told Mamamia.
“As I am an intuitive artist I always worried that if I took classes it would affect my paintings. I don’t want to become concerned about if I am using such and such technique or is the balance right. I need freedom to play and believe that something beautiful will happen on the canvas.
“I paint my best when I don’t overthink, not picturing an outcome just simply spontaneously creating. Adding layers of colour and enjoying the process. For me, if I start to analyse a painting I must walk away and come back later when I feel open.”
Her work is bright and vibrant, filled with intriguing blends of colours. To this, she credits nature.
“I love researching colourful animals, lizards, birds, marine life and fauna. You wouldn’t believe some of the natural bold colour combinations that are out there. Although I never formally represent animals or other objects in my paintings I definitely use their colours for inspiration.”
Emma Louise has been creating for her entire life. From arts and crafts to poems, making clothes and pottery – she can’t quit her natural instinct.