Creator's Corner: Emma Stenhouse | Warrnambool, VIC
Emma Stenhouse | Painter & Weaver
Emma is a painter and weaver whose practices connect back to country, people, and nature.
Here she talks about her passion for education and sharing the beauty of her culture, her dream project and what she looks forward to each day.
Tell us a little about yourself! Who are you and what’s your creative background?
I'm Emma, a 42-year-old wife to Shane and mum to Lachie (16) Fraser (10) and our daughter Asha (in Heaven) I was born and bred in Broken Hill, Outback NSW, and made the seachange to Warrnambool, Victoria five years ago. I’ve known about my Aboriginal Heritage, but only made my connection to it after turning 40.
Through my work at a local kindergarten, I met beautiful Indigenous weavers. After learning from them I became obsessed with it and began following a lot of makers on social media. After showing my mum a particular artist who had caught my eye, she told me the woman was in fact my dad’s cousin! I sent her an email introducing myself and from there, my Aunty Glenda put all the missing puzzle pieces together and helped me find out who I am and where I'm from.
When did your artist's journey begin, and what are the different practices/mediums you use to express connection to your Ngarrindjeri heritage?
My connection to culture began through weaving. I had become obsessed with the coil weave - the weave of the Ngarrindjeri women. I was delighted to make the discovery that I had innately been practicing the weave of my people. I then progressed to painting. My first was an educational piece to show the children at my kindergarten the yearly journey of the Ell (kuyang) that lives in the river close by. The story was shared with my Local Peek Whurrong Elders Uncle Robbie Lowe (the Wundjit - leader of the Peek Whurrong people) and Uncle locky Eccles. I was given their permission to paint and create on their land, and share their story.
What is your work inspired by and how does it translate into the pieces you paint and weave?
My work is always inspired by nature. I use traditional iconography to produce contemporary art which tells a story. My stories are about connection; to country and to each other. A large section of my work is based around my view of women being incredibly powerful in many ways of life, and the impact women can have on each other.
What are your personal guiding values, and how are they reflected in the art you create?
My art practices are always about my connection to country, people, and particularly nature. I've always been a nature nerd and my love for our natural environment and how it sustains us has been a strong theme in my life. I also place great value on the love and friendships I have In life.
Do you have any rituals that help you get into the zone before you sit down to work on a piece?
I don't necessarily have any rituals, however, I'm often inspired by a walk or a little adventure. If you asked my family, they would tell you I’m very messy. I usually have paints and canvases everywhere. I'm currently painting on the floor of our kitchen in our small townhouse. I do like to have some flowers and a candle nearby and some tunes.
How has art led you to a deeper awareness of self and your culture?
Indigenous art has been about the sharing of knowledge. I’m passionate about education and sharing the beauty of our culture. It’s made me learn more, become engaged in the community, and support other young adults and children like me who haven't always had that strong connection.
What has been your favourite recent project / artwork you’ve created and why?
I recently painted a road bike from the Tour de France. It’s been sent back to France for an exhibition. Never in a million years did I think I would be doing art in this way and expressing my creativity on items not usually associated with art.
How do you see your art evolving over the next few years?
My art practices will be strongly linked to education and using my platform to raise awareness of the beauty of our country and the stories we have to share.
What would be your dream project?
Creating my own range of fabric and producing ethically made clothing and resources for Kindergartens and schools.
What is the proudest moment in your journey so far?
Entering my woven wanderer artwork in the Koorie Heritage Trust Artshow this year. I was able to ‘come out’ as an Indigenous woman who finally felt connected to my culture.
What can we find you doing when you’re not creating?
Having adventures in nature, hanging out with my boys and attempting to run a business despite the fact I’m an artist - not a business woman.
What do you look forward to each day?
Mixing paint and teaching.
What other artists or creatives do you admire?
Gabriella Possum, Grotti Lotti, Reko Rennie and of course my Aunty Glenda Nicholls who is a Masterweaver.
How do you view the future of First Nations Art?
I see it really coming to the fore in commercial spaces, however, I hope that goes hand in hand with sharing knowledge.
Finish these sentences
The place I feel most connected to self is with my feet in the red dirt around Broken Hill.
I lose track of time when Im painting and weaving.
These 3 adjectives describe my life right now: happy, full and exciting.
All imagery provided by Emma Stenhouse
Follow Emma on Instagram
Shop her art at www.emmastenhouse.com.
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