ARTIST STATEMENT

As an abstract expressionist painter, I make my works in response to an innate need to process my lived experience and elicit conversations around the human condition. A late diagnosed autistic woman, I have only recently had the opportunity to truly understand my own, and this exploration forms the basis of my current body of work. 

I am inspired by the raw urge to create; the psychology behind creativity, it’s place and its purpose. I’m currently focussed on exploring these concepts following a recent autism diagnosis which has led to an introspective collection of works addressing concepts of identity, aesthetics, ephemerality and crisis. The human existence fascinates me, and I find myself searching for the missing link that bridges the big questions and unknown gaps in our concepts of existence.  

My works are inherent. It’s more of an urge than a considered, research based practical approach. I’m fascinated by abstract expressionism and the mark making that comes from other people’s brains and psyche. The more I consider my own, the more I want to explore others. I paint exclusively with my hands and feet, moving subconsciously before obsessing over my mark making. My sketchbooks are full of writing and colour combinations, I never know what a painting will look like, and I have no formative plan. I have been searching for a way to eloquently explain that they ‘just happen’ for many years now. I work predominantly in acrylics boosted by pots of household tester paint and gloss. I paint in many layers requiring quick drying paint. I’ll often have 12+ paintings in progress at a time and I’d have more if I had more space.

I want viewers to experience my work as opposed to viewing it. I experience life intensely due to my neurodivergence and I want my work to elicit conversations. I want to hear what people see and how it makes them feel. I want to encourage emotion and create a psychologically safe space to have difficult conversations and address uncomfortable thoughts.

I’m intrinsically connected to every mark I make. Sensory experiences can be uncomfortable or overwhelming but always extreme, so colour, texture, sound and light are important considerations. As I explore the concept of un-masking, I am recognising the coping mechanisms I have put in place as I navigated life as an undiagnosed autistic. If I don’t paint, I suffer. It’s my meditation and my outlet and enables me to function on a day-to-day basis. 

I studied a foundation year in Art and Design at Plymouth College of Art before completing a Fine Art degree at the University of Plymouth. I struggled to convey my concepts when I discovered it wasn’t enough to say ‘it just happens.’ It hadn’t occurred to me that I would need to explain, I thought everyone created based on their innate experience of the world. 

I held my first solo show at JARO Gallery in St Helier, in May 2024. My work is now held in a number of art collections on the Island. I have collectors in the UK, Europe, America and Canada and I am currently exploring exhibition options for my new series. I represented Jersey at the Forum Des Arts in St Malo in 2017 and have exhibited in a number of establishments across the Island over the years since, including the Harbour Gallery in St Helier.

In my spare time I enjoy indulging in my other special interests – mainly interiors, cooking, music and our cats. I love setting aside time to research things that fascinate me such as psychology, ancient human history and aesthetics. 

I’m more than happy to take on commissions or bespoke pieces  relating to specific sizes and colour palettes. Please contact me on emilieknightartist@outlook.com for more information. 

I run abstract expressionist painting workshops which can be adapted to children and young adults. They’re focused on creating safe spaces for people to explore the concept of abstract expressionism, focusing on letting go and tapping into your self-conscious rather than leaving with a beautiful painting. I’ve had amazing feedback and loved every single one.  

I also sit on the autism advisory council for Autism Jersey and use my painting as a platform to raise awareness and attempt to break down misconceptions around autism. I’ve been interviewed by BBC Jersey and Channel TV in recent months and continue to engage in advocacy work wherever I can.