Emma-Jayne Holmes is an artist whose work is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep connection to her surroundings. Her creative process often begins with quick sketches, capturing fleeting moments of life. When weather permits, she paints outdoors, fully immersed in the environment, but often relies on her sketches, notes, and memories to recreate the essence of a place in the studio.

 

Her evolving fascination with the landscape led her to engage with the conservers and custodians of the land, which challenged her romanticized views of nature. Seeking to truly understand the terrain she depicted, Emma-Jayne accompanied local rangers to gain insight into land conservation. These experiences have shaped her artistic journey, now focusing on the relationship between people and the landscape, and how nature influences our emotions and well-being.

 

Emma-Jayne's work explores the interconnectedness of everyday subjects and nature, grounded in the philosophy of meliorism—the belief that small acts of creativity, love, and kindness can improve the world. Her still-life studies honed her observational skills, while her landscapes reflect a deep appreciation for the cycles of nature. Her portraits of volunteers, musicians, and community members embody her reflections on the human experience and gratitude for life’s simple joys.

 

In 2022, Emma-Jayne contributed to Dr. Veronica Calarco’s post-doctoral research project, 'We Live with the Land / The Land as Other', which explores the perspectives of Wales-based artists on the landscape. Emma-Jayne’s role involved creating artwork, participating in retreats, and presenting at the International Conference for Autoethnography, where she shared her observational sketches from the 'Our Picturesque Landscape' project.