Emma Nolan (PACT Art Collective)

Over 12 months, the PACT Art Collective, four Western Australian artists Alex, Laura, Kirsten and Emma met weekly in Hyde Park to paint "en plein air", to celebrate the park, highlight current challenges it faces, and inspire a conversation.

PACT Collective: (left-right) Alex Kyriakacis, Laura Peden, Emma Nolan, Kirsten Hocking (photo credit: Josie Nolan @art_amidae)

Emma Nolan

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an aspiring illustrator, graphic designer, and artist from Boorloo (Perth). Having just graduated from Curtin with a bachelor of design, I am starting my self-lead journey to find my creative voice. Generally I lean towards more illustrative works; however, I love to play in more gestural spaces as well.

What does your work aim to say?

While I am still figuring this one out, I am inspired by artists such as Louise Bourgeois in the way there is a direct connection between the physical making of the art and the art itself. For me, fine art is a way of understanding myself better and acts as a way for me to process emotion, whether through the act of making, or through illustrative works that are visually representative of my emotions. 

Emma Nolan (photo credit: Josie Nolan @art_amidae) and artwork.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

Growing up, my mum, Laura (who is in this exhibition as well) always made sure to surround me with art. We visited every art gallery that we could and she always made sure to educate me on the artists themselves. This coupled with the fact that I have been blessed to have a plethora of fantastic art teachers as I grew up cultivated my undeniable passion for art. Starting from pre-primary all the way up to year 12 I had supportive art teachers who encouraged and grew my love for art. Through the time I have spent with the other three women for this exhibition they have also truly inspired me. To be surrounded by such dedicated and knowledgeable artists has been truly such a blessing.

How has your career developed or evolved?

I am only just getting started!

Describe your studio or workspace.

For now, I do my work in my bedroom. While it is not ideal, it is truly a connection to self; good, bad and ugly. It however does get very messy very quickly…

Describe your dream project

As I am still figuring myself out as an artist, I am not sure what my dream project would be as I try to figure out what fulfils me most. While I wish to continue to explore myself through my art, I would like to make a true impact on others with my art (however I still have a lot of technical learning before I can get there!)

What is the best piece of advice you've received?

The main piece of advice that helps me in my art is to not be so precious about it. It is important to not take things so seriously especially in this developmental stage of my career. This advice has been given to me by pretty much everyone that I have trusted throughout my journey, so… thank you everyone!

How do you overcome creative blocks?

I am still trying to figure this one out as it is a real problem for me. Through my graphic design degree, I have learnt to be able to create a lot of ideas within a short time. It is important for me to just force myself to blurt down what I can and then refine from there. Otherwise, I get too stuck in my head!

How do you stay motivated in your art practice?

As I haven’t got to any point where I am making money from my art, it may be a bit different for myself. However, for me I just get the itch to create and so I must. Being surrounded by like-minded, motivated people is probably the most influential for me though. I find it extremely helpful to be able to bounce ideas off other people.

How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

I would like to be an illustrator as my main job in the future with fine art being more of a passion. These two styles for myself are very different so it helps to balance the two, however like a lot of artists, I feel that art is my life. It not only is something that fulfils me, but it connects me to so many other like-minded people. Art is so important to me in all aspects of my life!

Connect with Emma:

Email: fishernolancreative@gmail.com

Instagram: @fisher_creative_

Exhibition Poster: