Emma talks about her projects:

I am enthused and intrigued by the quirks, characters and narratives of individuals. Through a reference to the human figure, line, text and use of everyday materials and processes, I aim to illuminate the grassroots experiences of people in various communities; providing a creative platform to make work about their experiences of nature and heritage, an opportunity to visually challenge systemic inequalities whilst simultaneously experiencing the wellbeing aspect of the art-making process as makers/co-producers.

My sub-project theme ‘Together, We Green’ A celebration of people’s interactions with the green of SPP from their Haslingden homes, on their doorstep and to th’ills has resulted in a series of images which depict people’s (my co-creators) interactions with the South Pennines Map and captures their experiences of both the urban and the rural.

These are supplemented by playful plant and human portrait analogue photography, homages/temporal shrines to significant plants and their associated stories, intuitive ink drawings of those plants, collagraph prints of bouquets assembled from a communal garden space and cellulose acetate shoe sole shapes capturing a selected view along with descriptions of the objects encountered on the walk to get there.

A selection was assembled into final images for a set of celebratory bunting flags for each space! Establishing regular participants through spontaneous conversation and a hand-posted leaflet exercise plus delivering in public spaces enabled a wider and unpredictable level of engagement and so, people ‘cutting through’ to access the town centre had the opportunity to become part of the project. Likewise, after Session 1 in the Coach House space at The Whitaker, session 2 & 3 were delivered next to the main entrance and extended the invitation to passers-by or visitors to the park or museum!

Film & image credits: Studio Bokehgo