When art imitates life

For Emma, 52, from north London, the worlds of interior design and making meaningful artwork are inextricably linked. After a number of years spent running a busy interior design business, she has decided to return to her first love, which is painting.

And there are clear similarities between the two, she says. “Interior design is about someone living in a space which they connect with, and a painting is about having something which you want to feel connected to in a space, and which will hopefully end up in your home.”

Emma’s own artwork is captivating for its focus on colour and form, but also its playfulness. Her first collection has echoes of her career in interiors – crockery on beautiful, patterned tablecloths and vases, books and candlesticks set against decorative wallpaper in the background. Even though people aren’t in the images, objects like a pomegranate cut in half, bowls neatly stacked up, or a table laid out invitingly for breakfast give the sense of spaces which are lived in.

Later this month, Emma will be launching her second collection at The Three Rooms Gallery in East London, as one of several artists featuring in their exhibition Little Wonders & the Space in Between.

Her most recent still life paintings are about “appreciating the simple things in the chaos of the world” and often feature food. “I draw attention to everyday things and give viewers a moment to stop and appreciate them.”

'Pick of the Bunch' by Emma Gurner[Missing Credit]

Still keeping up with the latest trends in interior design, her social media shows how a career in that world heavily influences how she approaches each new painting. “I bring in a colour palette and think about textures and mood, but without the restraints of interior design. There is a lot more freedom.”

As a student, Emma took art diplomas at Middlesex University and Manchester University, specialising in fine art, and later “stumbled” into home design. “I was unwell in hospital and while reading interiors magazines, thought I would love to do something in this area.”

She initially worked as an interiors stylist at various publications before setting up the company Folds Inside in 2016 with a friend. “The idea was to sell interior accessories while supporting British independent artists and designers, but quite quickly, I began giving home styling advice to people buying the products.”

After she and her friend amicably parted ways, Folds Inside became Emma’s interior design company.

Success came quickly, with commissions for big residential projects – sometimes for celebrities – and collaborations with brands, and Emma’s work frequently featured in the top glossies.

Her decision to shift full-time into painting, which was always something she had done in her spare time, coincided with entering her sixth decade, and her two daughters, aged 16 and 22, becoming more independent. “I am now just thinking about what makes me happy, and painting really is good for my wellbeing.

“‘Today, I feel empowered by my achievements and confident enough to do something I really love.”

Emma Gurner’s work is featured at The Three Rooms Gallery, London E17, from April 22 to April 27 in their exhibition Little Wonders & the Spaces in Between

@em.gurner