A new methodology began to appear in her practice. Dropping ink onto the blank canvass Chapman tipped the surfaces from side to side allowing gravity and motion to determine random webs of interlocking lines. Once the ink was dry, she observed the shapes for hours until mosaics of images, figures, patterns and animals emerged from the fragments allowing her to collate the organic shapes into visceral, iridescent visual architypes: Aztec goddesses, mermaids, peacocks, mothers, protectors, goddesses of Nordic, Egyptian and Greek tradition.

Ancient narratives of resilience, bravery and rebirth reimagined for an era of loss and becoming.

“This period felt confusing and complex. Reality was fragmented and yet we all yearned for cohesion. This strange moment of history has forced us to realign with what it means to be truly human. For me, specific themes surrounding women, resilience, rebirth and redemption felt urgent and aligned. The use of the earth’s gravity in the composition of these pieces helped steer me beyond myself and channel what felt like a sort of pantheon of imagery.

Emily Chapman lives in North Norfolk with her husband.
Commissions are available upon request.