Emma Bass, a renowned New Zealand artist, merges her passions for beauty, flowers, and wellness into an artistic vision that resonates deeply with viewers worldwide. She creates what is floral wonders on frames that serve as decor for any space. She was born in Liberia, West Africa in 1967 and lived in England before arriving in New Zealand aged six, where she resides in the beautiful twin harbor city of Auckland. This experience laid the foundation for her future artistic works, combining her skills in photography with a supernatural appreciation for flowers and the beauty that surrounds her on a daily basis.
A Little History About Emma's Life Before Becoming a Floral Artist and Wellness Lover
Emma's father, a cardiologist at the time, made her paint flowers on the walls and windows of the coronary care unit where he worked when she was ten years old. This sparked a lifelong fascination with the ability of beauty and the natural world to inspire, uplift, and support health and wellness. To achieve this, Emma has given artwork to numerous healthcare facilities, including oncology units, hospitals, and hospices. Studies conducted by scientists substantiate the notion that flowers can offer physiological and psychological benefits, like lowering stress.
Emma, a former nurse, moved to London in the early 1990s and attended the Camera Club in Leicester Square, where she discovered her passion for photography, learned how to use a darkroom, and participated in her first group show. On her return to New Zealand, she became one of the country’s foremost editorial photographers, working freelance for over 20 years and winning numerous awards.
Emma's work is characterized by its celebration of the impermanent and the flawed, a concept she explores through her series 'Imperfect'. This collection captures the beauty in decay and questions the authenticity of perfection, showcasing flowers at various stages of life, often augmented with paint and objects to highlight their natural state even in decline. Her approach is compassionate and detailed, reflecting her background as a nurse where she developed a good understanding of healing and comfort.
A First Exhibition That Marked a Before and After in Her Artist Career
After returning to New Zealand, Emma established herself as a versatile commercial photographer, freelancing for over 20 years and earning numerous awards. Her transition from commercial photography to art was marked by her first exhibition in 1992, which garnered a strong following and solidified her reputation as a prominent artist. Notably, in 2016, Emma was the only New Zealand artist invited to exhibit at the prestigious Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in London, an honor she was shortlisted for again in 2019.
Emma's art extends beyond the traditional gallery setting. Her works are held in private collections globally and are featured in public spaces like hospitals, hospices, and funeral homes, where they serve as sources of solace and inspiration. This connection to healing environments is proof to her belief in the uplifting power of flowers for everything. Flowers heal, flowers do good, flowers see good, and flowers are good for overall health and mental well-being.
Another of her floral series goes further into themes of illusion and superficiality, examining how these concepts are intertwined with the human perception of beauty. Emma continuously experiments with various media, including light boxes, animations, and even unconventional canvases like puzzles and umbrellas. This innovative spirit keeps her work fresh and engaging, constantly pushing the boundaries of floral art.
Floral Series That Have Captures Many Eyes Worldwide
In addition to her well-known Floral Portraits/Imperfect (2010–present) other collections include Embellish (2017) and A Little Garden (2018). As Emma continues to diversify and explore new territory, her recent series' includes Interrupted Eden (2019–present) and her latest series of work Florasssemblage (2021-present) interweaving photographic and painted mark-making. Her exhibitions are experiences that invite viewers to reflect on the momentary nature of life and what surrounds us, many times not even noticing the beautiful natural things we have close by.
Bass's online presence, including her Instagram account, provides a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process which turns a complete floral setting into flowers that are placed in a frame, looking vivid, real, and gorgeous. Her works feature glimpses of her studio and the details of her compositions. Her digital footprint enhances her connection with a global audience, allowing her to share her journey and insights into the therapeutic aspects of art and nature.
Transforming everyday floral arrangements into artsy statements is her superpower. Beauty, even in its most transient forms, holds the power to heal and connect us all.
For more information about Emma Bass and her works, you can visit her official website Emma Bass, and her Instagram account @emma_bass.
Photos: @emma_bass
