Wellington Place is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a thriving community powered by people. This series of interviews aims to highlight some of the people of Wellington Place, share their inspirational stories and find out why Wellington Place is much more than just a place to work…
MA in Illustration graduate Emma Jones’ ‘Harebell’ is the first piece to take centre stage
As part of our Artist’s Windows initiative, we have once again partnered with Leeds Art University to provide five artists in the region with a platform to showcase their finest art masterpieces. MA in Illustration graduate Emma Jones is the first artist to take the spotlight at 11 Wellington Place.
What’s your background in art?
I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Illustration from Sheffield Hallam University in 2020. I then studied an MA in Illustration at Leeds Arts University in 2021 and graduated in early July.
What’s the inspiration behind your art piece?
With the Yorkshire Dales in mind, I depicted a scene using collaged flowers native to the area such as meadow thistles, field pansies and harebells. I also used an old family photograph of people sitting on a bench and placed them into the scene. As a collage artist, I am very conscientious of creating minimal waste, therefore I focus on using paper offcuts and found ephemera in my work. For this piece, I have repurposed papers from the university’s print room bins, imagery from charity shop books, found materials as well as my own collection of photographs.
What does it mean to you that your work is displayed at Wellington Place?
I was delighted to hear that I’d been chosen as the first artist to display my work as part of the Artist’s Windows initiative. I moved to Leeds in 2021 for my Masters degree and have loved living and working here. Wellington Place has a great sense of community, and I am grateful to be a part of it. The Artist’s Window initiative is an incredible opportunity for artists to showcase their work and helps to create accessibility within the competitive arts industry.
What are your future plans?
My plans are to continue to work in Leeds, to freelance illustrate, and be involved more with collaborative projects with the creative community. I typically work on smaller canvases but seeing my work displayed in the windows of Wellington Place has inspired me to pursue mural design.
You can discover more of Emma’s work on her Instagram page or her website www.emmajonesillustration.bigcartel.com.
