Leaving school in 1982, Emma Haggas studied Fine Art, History of Art and Education at Homerton College, Cambridge qualifying with a BEd degree in 1986. After four years teaching A Level Art and Design at Kingston Grammar School, Emma began to concentrate on her own work, holding her first solo exhibition at the Ozten Zeki Gallery, Walton Street, Chelsea in 1992. Her second solo exhibition followed in 1993 at the Marryat Gallery, Richmond, Surrey. Family life took over but Emma continued to exhibit in numerous group shows including the Hampshire Art Fair, the Kent and Sussex Art Fair, Jardinique Group Show, Josie Eastwood Fine Art and the Rosvik Group.
With studios in both Wiltshire and Cornwall, Emma draws inspiration from her environment most often painting landscapes and seascapes. Employing brushes of various sizes and frequently a palette knife, Emma builds up her canvases with layers of paint – the energy in her abstract compositions is palpable.
'Emma has that rare ability to turn what she sees into a work of personal insight. Such a gift is a rare quality to possess as it is the necessary force that lends the work distinction and grips the observer's attention and interest. Increasingly in her work, it is the dynamic of movement that excites the eye and this emotional hold draws one in to explore the picture and to respond to its meaning. It is her excitement to paint that gives her work its emotional appeal and give the forms and colours their compelling interest.'
Robin Child
Solo exhibitions at Cricket Fine Art, London:
2018 - Drawn to Paint
2021 - Living Landscape
2024 - Recent Works