Current Exhibition
CURRENT EXHIBTION
30th March – 26th April 2024
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E M M A J E F F R Y E S
‘ B Y T H E S E A ‘
“These new paintings are based on subjects that have inspired me over the past year. They reflect my continued quest to portray all that is wonderful about being by the sea, and form a study of the profound connection we have with the ocean and how that connection, in turn, shapes the very nature of our coastline. St. Ives will always figure strongly in my work, as a place that remains very close to my heart. The challenge, though, is finding new ways of approaching it in terms of viewpoints, compositions and techniques. One day in January I set up on Porthmeor Beach to work ‘en plein air’. It was absolutely freezing and there was nobody around, but it was great to be working directly from life again. The two paintings I made there that day, titled The Sea and January Sea, are included in this show, alongside Tea, Tate, Town, which is inspired by the view from the Tate St Ives café.
Beyond St Ives, my husband Ben and I have continued walking the coast path, which has inspired many of my paintings over the past few years. It is so long that we haven’t even completed the Cornwall section yet, but it is a joy not to rush the adventure, as it remains a constant source of wonder and creative inspiration. Throughout the seasons I have recorded these walks in my sketchbooks, later making studio paintings that take in Hawkes Point and other spectacular views of the Cornish coast.
Last August I spent a week at a waterside apartment in Falmouth in order to paint the 2023 Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta, but sadly this world-famous event was cancelled at the last minute due to the arrival of Storm Betty. Consequently, I spent my time on a little terrace just above the water, witnessing a whole way of life for all manner of sea going folk, from sea swimmers and paddle boarders to fishing boats, sailing yachts and huge military ships, along with Tall Ships anchored patiently in the harbour during unusually stormy conditions. I found it all absolutely enthralling. Finally, the Tall Ships had to sail off in a rather low-key way, but it was still breathtaking to watch.
Back at my studio, I still like to work with flowers and simple objects to advance my practice in terms of colour, composition and mark making. In particular, I’ve recently had a fascination with the uplifting beauty of soft, floral oranges and vibrant pinks. From St Ives to the Coast Path, to the Falmouth Regatta, to a bunch of bright flowers in a big yellow jug, I find there is so much in this world to be inspired by”.
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