Art Unites: Our Stories - Meet the Artists!
After reviewing all the applications from our call-out, we are pleased to introduce you to our two local artists. Maura Hawkes and Emily Cooling will work alongside Kremena Dimitrova, leading workshops and getting creative in the community. We caught up with them to find out more!
So, Maura and Emily, tell us about your work and artistic style?
Emily: My artistic style is characterised by a community-centric and collaborative approach, emphasising engagement with diverse groups through inclusive workshops that foster creativity and a sense of belonging. Utilising mixed media techniques like willow weaving and mosaic, I create playful and imaginative projects that inspire participants of all ages. My work reflects environmental awareness and sustainability, often addressing local themes and narratives that resonate with community identities. Additionally, my practice has transformative and therapeutic elements, promoting emotional well-being and self-confidence through creative expression. As an educator, I guide participants in developing skills and ownership of their projects, making my versatile and impactful work a significant contribution to the arts and education sectors.
Maura: My art practice centres around using sustainable materials to explore inspiration from the natural world, folklore, personal symbols and historical artefacts. I enjoy assembling many different materials and ideas within one art piece. Recently, I have been focusing on wood block printing, wild clay ceramics and using natural pigments.
A ceramic bird sculpture created my Maura.
We’re hoping the project helps people to discover visual arts and inspires them for the future. Can you tell us about a moment in your life that made you think “yes, I want to be an artist”?
Maura: At school, in sixth form, I nearly studied all science subjects, but I had a gut feeling at the last minute to study Art A-level as well. I’m so glad I followed this feeling, as I ended up wanting to spend all my time in the art room! I then did an Art Foundation at Bucks New Uni and had an amazing year, which led me to realise that I wanted to spend as much of my time as possible making art.
Emily: There was no one moment that made me think “yes, I want to be an artist". I just was and have been born this way. I have known nothing else. My earliest memories are of being 4 years old, making my first day of primary school. I was very unhappy about it, and Mrs Jones had worked out I liked making and set me a task.
A participant of Emily's workshops enjoying themselves!
Art Unites: Our Stories aims to connect people to their local area, and we are so proud to have such a wonderful project championed in Buckinghamshire. What is your favourite part of the county?
Maura: My favourite thing about Buckinghamshire is the beautiful countryside. I love living next to a Beech tree woodland and the River Chess.
An out-of-this world puppet from Emily!
Some intricate weaving created by Maura.
I know I’m excited to watch you two get started on this project. What are you most looking forward to?
Emily: I'm looking forward to meeting the participants and getting to listen to their stories and finding out about their local area, heritage and culture, of new and old. I'm sure there are many things I don't know about Buckinghamshire that I'm about to find out!
Maura: I am looking forward to running the workshops, as it’s always fantastic being creative within community settings. I love seeing people learn new skills and their confidence in their creative abilities grow.
We’re looking forward to working with Emily and Maura over the course of the project. Stay tuned to find out more about their workshops, and the rest of Art Unites: Our Stories.