18th October 2024
Interview with Emma Stüffe
Creating texture and drawing inspiration from neurodesign to reflect how emotions shape our worlds is the core of Emma's work. Based in Sweden, her work is deeply rooted in the shifting landscapes of nature.
" My paintings explore what lies beneath the surface, inviting the viewer into a conversation about the unseen and the felt. Through sculptural impasto layers and delicate strokes, I weave together elements of the past, present, and future. Each painting becomes a journey—a dialogue between texture, form, and emotion. Writing also plays a vital role in my practice. I often compose poems to accompany my works, capturing the essence of the feeling or story I’m expressing. This adds another dimension for viewers to connect with." - Emma Stüffe
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
I'm not sure if it was inspiration or a calling. Probably a calling, as I found it hard to express my emotions as a child. Painting allowed me to explain with nuances, shapes, and colors—turning my experiences into something beautiful. It became a process of unearthing, shaping, and summarizing my thoughts and feelings.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
My love for art began with my love for mystery. As a child, I would trace shapes and shadows on old coins, trying to uncover the stories hidden in them. I never “became” an artist; it was simply something I was. Working with colours & shapes, and expressing emotions through them was natural to me. It felt less like a choice and more like something as essential as breathing.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Art is the slow unravelling of yourself - don’t rush. Compare your work only to your own, and seek authenticity, not perfection. Let mistakes be part of your creation; they aren’t flaws, but conversations between you and your art.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
"Paint what you don’t know." This advice transformed my approach, pushing me to explore the unknown and allow intuition to guide me. It’s within the unfamiliar that the real magic happens.
How has social media helped your career?
It’s like opening a portal to new dimensions. Social media has connected me with people around the world who resonate with my work. It’s allowed me to take my art beyond gallery walls, engaging directly with the curious and the dreamers.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from the unseen—what’s shaped from within, from relationships, landscapes, dreams, and experiences. Often, it’s like catching something out of the corner of your eye. Fleeting, quiet, but once you glimpse it, you can’t help but follow. The layers of life and emotion are my constant muses.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
FW Acrylic Inks - there’s something magical about how they move, bleed, and blend, like liquid emotion. They allow me to express both precision and wildness, making them a vital part of my process.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I’ve always been fascinated by combining traditional painting techniques with digital mediums. It feels like merging the old with the new, balancing the tactile with the intangible. Exploring the space between human touch and technology excites me.
What is a quote that you live by?
"Art is a journey into the unknown. If you don’t come back changed, you weren’t paying attention.”
Explore Emma's work further here.
