Go Fig-ure, Framed

Emma Gurner is a London-based artist whose creative journey began with a Foundation Diploma in Art at Middlesex University, followed by a specialisation in Fine Art at Manchester. Her early career led her into the world of interiors, where she worked as a stylist for leading magazines before founding her award-winning design studio, Folds Inside. Her work has been featured in top publications such as Living Etc, Elle Decoration, and Architectural Digest. Today, Emma has returned to her first love painting dedicating her practice to exploring colour, form, and expression on canvas. What inspires your work as an artist? My background in the interiors industry has trained my mind to think in layers combining colours, fabrics, patterns, and textures much like building a moodboard. That same instinctive layering informs my approach to painting. I'm constantly inspired by colour combinations, which I find everywhere from nature and art to fashion. I love experimenting with patterns and shapes, always aiming to strike that perfect balance. Whether I’m designing a space or creating a canvas, the principle remains the same for me. And of course, nothing compares to the inspiration of a gallery visit. Being surrounded by artistic talent always recharges my creativity and sparks new ideas. Who are your biggest influences? I've always been captivated by the ground breaking, rule-defying spirit of artists like Van Gogh and Modigliani, as well as the bold, vibrant style of Frida Kahlo. Among contemporary artists, I’m especially drawn to the work of Amy Drury,  Kate Florence, and Naomi Munuo for their striking use of colour, pattern, and composition. What does your work mean to you? Creating art is a joyful escape for me  a space where I can fully immerse myself in colour, pattern, and mark-making. It’s a deeply personal process, where I feel free to express myself without boundaries or expectations. That freedom is not only liberating but also incredibly healing. There’s something profoundly satisfying in knowing that one of my paintings might one day become a meaningful part of someone’s home that it could be the finishing touch to a space they love, and that it will be seen, felt, and appreciated each day. What Techniques do you use? I primarily work with oils, drawn to the richness of the medium and the tactile experience it offers. I love everything from the process of mixing colours to experimenting with different brushstrokes and mark-making techniques. There’s a looseness and occasional unpredictability in oil paint that I find both exciting and expressive. I also sometimes incorporate collage elements into my work, adding layers of texture and visual interest to deepen the overall composition.