About

Em Whiteford is an artist and maker based in Cumbria/Scotland whose work is deeply inspired by wild coastlines, uplands and the tempestuous skies of the North.

Having grown up exploring the mountains of my home county and the impressive coastlines in my childhood, nature has always played a major role in my life. Now, it’s my playground, place of rest and ever my source of inspiration. Turning to the outdoors has always been a way for me to process emotions and challenging life events.

Since completing my degree in illustration, I’ve been painting ever since. I work predominantly in oil paint, and focus on conveying the power and movement which can be found in the skies, seas and hills of the North. Each painting carries a completely unique message, drawing inspiration not only from a sense of place, but also from the stories and legends which have been passed through generations.

The way I work is through an intuitive process- allowing myself to experiment with light and colour to create land and seascapes which channel the ancient, unyielding and beautifully wild places that are so close to my heart. Painting is, and has always been, a deeply personal experience for me, and being able to turn my love of these places into something tangible is what brings me the most joy in life.

Through my art, I hope to spark an emotional response in people, help others to establish meaningful connections to our landscapes and our coastlines, and ultimately contribute to protecting them.