Meet The Maker - Emma Louise Wilson

This week we interview Emma Louise Wilson, a multi-disciplinary artist who explores her love of painting seascapes across a range of mediums including enameling, watercolour paintings and jewellery. The collection entitled 'Coastal Echoes' comprises of chunky silver rings that depict dramatic seascapes through tonal blue enamelling and accented with gold and silver flecks.

When your jewellery making journey begin?

I graduated from Art School in the mid 90’s and became a jeweller then, but I had quite a long break after I had my kids. I got back into the workshop after 18 years and launched my first collection in 2019.

Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)

There a few female enamelers in the UK who all inspire me, including Jane Short, Jane Moore, Ruth Ball and Sheila McDonald.

Where did you find inspiration for the rings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can?

My inspiration always comes from the coast and the sea and the huge skies we have here in Aberdeen. ‘Submerge’ is inspired by the groins at the beach which interrupt the coastline with their straight, vertical shapes and disappear into the sand and the sea. “Rain’ kinda explains itself! ‘Green Pool’ is inspired by a calm, deep green sea.

If you weren’t a jeweller what would choose as a career?

Well, when I was bringing up my kids I had a business making notebooks and stationery and did a lot of drawing, so it would still be something creative, using my hands.

Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

My creative process always starts at the beach, taking photos of the waves, the sky or the sand. I then paint a lot of watercolour sketches from the photos, they are very abstract trying to capture the colours and atmosphere of a moment. These watercolours then feed directly into the enamel designs. The shapes are inspired by pebbles, so soft round shapes, although never perfectly round but always comfortable and comforting.

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?

I listen to a lot of gentle music when I am working, music which doesn’t distract but is 
beautiful and calming, like Agnes Obel or Max Richter. I listen to podcasts when I’m doing repetitive boring tasks, like polishing. I love Material Matters, A Thousand Facets, Art for Your Ear and If Jewels Could Talk. 

What’s next for you and your brand?

Next up this year, I’m part of an exhibition called Hag. in Dunfermline, which is showing the work of thirteen female makers over the age of fifty, to show our collective knowledge, power and alchemy through craft. And in May I’m off to New York to take part in Mad About Jewelry, which is very exciting!

Which is your favourite piece you’ve ever made?

Gosh, it’s difficult to have a favourite, but the ring I made for myself which led to this latest iteration of ring shapes I do wear all the time and still love. There’s also a bowl I made a few years ago that is pretty special and I’ll always remember.

Finally, for fun, what would be your dream piece to make or person to make for?

I would love to make a brooch and ring set for Tilda Swinton or Cate Blanchett.

Browse the Exhibition