This week Brighton Journal spoke to Emma Bennett, a local graphic designer and illustrator. Emma’s vibrant and detailed sketches are inspired by her surroundings, many of which feature familiar Sussex landmarks. All of Emma’s artwork is hand drawn in pen, and then scanned into Photoshop where she adds a pop of colour. Her work is currently on display in Montague Gallery, Worthing. We discussed Emma’s love of architecture, her most exciting projects and her new experimentations with mosaic. Take a look.
What are you doing today?
I have a rare day off from my full time job as a Draughtsperson/Designer. I am enjoying the exceptionally hot weather by relaxing in my garden and mosaicing a coffee table (my new lockdown hobbie).
Describe where you do most of your creative work.
My artwork is pretty compact, all produced in a number of sketchbooks and I mainly draw from my own photos. So my work can be done sat on a sofa, or in the garden, but has also been done from a sun lounger in Sardinia and Croatia.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve worked on?
I enjoyed working on two sketches of Las Vegas where I sketched the front of many iconic hotels. Mainly because it has amazing memories of my holidays, but also because it was a complicated sketch and such a challenge. Recently though the most exciting thing was working on my first mosaic coffee table. It completely came to life when I grouted it in black and painted the legs turquoise. I even took a time lapse video of the process.
What made you decide to become an artist?
I think it’s in my genes! Its been my hobby for as long as I can remember, but particularly the last 17 years. My brother, sister and Dad are all creative too. So we all encourage each other.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on a sketch of an aerial view of the Amex Stadium with surrounding landscape (not my photo this time). Also, I’m producing a lot of mosaic plant pots I am currently selling at the Montague Gallery in Worthing as part of their garden themed window display.
What are the key themes in your work?
I sketch landmarks and recognisable scenes, mainly architecture. A mix of local Sussex scenes and places around the world, mainly from my holiday photos.
What would you like people to notice about your work?
The detail of my sketches. Also, how colourful they are when you have a whole wall of them together. It looks like a rainbow. I have sketched most places in Sussex, so lots to collect if you like local art.
What attracts you to the medium you work in?
I simply use a range of fine line black pens to sketch. Then scan in the black and white image and add colour to it digitally. I like the fact its compact and I can take my sketchbook anywhere. I like the boldness of the black lines against the colour background.
What equipment could you not do without?
My range of fine line black pens and a good photo to work from.
Who or what inspires you?
My local surroundings inspire me. It is particularly architecture I am drawn to sketch and photograph. I also sketch all around the world, usually from my holiday photos. I think places hold a lot of memories and connect you to my art.
How is your work affected by living in this area?
I have lived all over Sussex for most of my life. Consequently building up a big collection of art of Sussex. From Worthing, to Brighton, Shoreham, Arundel, Seven Sisters and Littlehampton. I have sketched them all and plenty more. Places are always changing too. So when the wheel came to Worthing I sketched that. Brighton’s seafront is constantly changing too, so it’s fun to sketch and maybe capture a moment in time.
What’s your favourite thing to do locally?
Having only moved to Worthing 18 months ago I’ve been enjoying exploring the local cafes, restaurants and bars. Covid-19 temporarily stopped that, but the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has got me back out there.
What’s your favourite gallery (or place to see/experience art)?
The Montague gallery in Worthing town centre (BN11 1YJ). I have exhibited there for a year now. It’s a fantastic place of 35+ local artists, selling affordable art. I have really enjoyed meeting other local artists, especially as I was new to the area. The artist help out in the gallery, so there is always a local artist or few to chat to.
If you could collaborate with one artist, from any time, who would it be and why?
Antoni Gaudi. I am a huge fan of the Art Nouveau period, but particularly of the architecture of that time and style. To me, he is the ultimate architect. I have visited Barcelona five times. My recent interest in mosaic too reflects this. If I did any other career I’d love to be an architect. I have sketched many of his buildings and will continue doing so.
What’s your favourite colour?
Turquoise. It features in a fair amount of my artwork.
To find out more about Emma and her work, take a look at her Instagram and Twitter.Â
You can also find her artwork for sale at Montague Gallery in Worthing town centre (BN11 1YJ). Open Tues – Sun, 10am – 4pm.
