In 2017, Emma Jennings opened her first retail gallery in Sassafras.
Last year she made the move to a larger space in Olinda in between lockdowns, just before the devastating June 9 storm; with her current work focused on the storm event and exploring the complex connection we have with our environment.
Emma’s works aim to find comparisons with the re-growth in the forest and the strength and resilience of our community in recovery.
The artist’s intricate paintings on handmade Japanese paper communicate the idea that we are all connected through biology, landscape, and our basic need for clean air and a healthy environment.
Living in the lush temperate rainforest and rolling hills of the Dandenong Ranges provides an endless source of inspiration, and having two keen mountain bike riders for children allows for time to explore the forest while they ride the trails around Olinda and Silvan.
Emma paints in the gallery and enjoys sharing her process, materials and inspiration with customers.
A carefully selected range of sustainably made products, books and vintage ceramics complement Emma’s original paintings, prints, cards and textiles.
The Star Mail asked Emma some questions about living and working in the Dandenong Ranges.
1. What is something people don’t know about you?
I was born in Alice Springs, I and played Softball for Victoria, but I always wanted to be an artist.
2. Tell us about your role as Director at Emma Jennings Gallery?
Like any small business owner, it’s a constant challenge wearing many hats, while pushing to explore and experiment making new artwork, and solo parenting two beautiful boys and a very energetic kelpie. It’s a joy to talk to customers directly about my work, and demonstrate the process, ideas and materials while I’m painting in the gallery.
3. What has been your most memorable moment as an artist? Why?
There are so many! Having my work hang at the NGV in the year 12 Top CATs exhibition, working as a mentor with tbC on the mural project in Belgrave, working with staff and students at Ferny Creek Primary for a whole school art project, the official launch of my gallery when I opened in 2017, and having Tina Arena buy my work was pretty exciting!
4. What do you love most about working and living in the Dandenong Ranges?
Being able to walk to work, having the forest all around me, the fresh air, the wildlife, cold misty mornings, and of course our beautiful community.
5. What are some of your hobbies?
Bushwalking, gardening, baking, writing – I only wish I could carve out more time out for them!
6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?
It would have been amazing to be around when Edna Walling designed the gardens and cottages for Bickleigh Vale Village, or to have been in Vienna when Gustave Klimt painted the Beethoven Friezes, and I look forward to a time when all new buildings, vehicles and industry are using renewable energy, when the arts and creative thinking are valued in education, and gender equality.
7. Who do you admire the most?
Artists, scientists, teachers, carers. Anyone who persists with pursing their dreams and passions to bring inspiration and joy to the world despite the odds, breaking the rules and the moulds, pushing the limits.
8. What is an important issue in the region you think needs exposure?
The constant threat of climate change induced natural disasters, balanced living in a fragile natural environment, reliable renewable energy. And of course highlighting the outstanding quality of our local creative practitioners.
