Emily Whittingham's Circle of Hell

Memento Tea
Jan 21, 2019
4 min read

Welcome to the new "Artist's Circle Of Hell" editorial: a journey through the eyes and thoughts of magnificent Dark Artists.

Today we are delightful to talk with Emily Rachel Whittingham.

Emily is a mixed media artist, hailing from the UK. She creates and reinvents characters and creatures with illustration, paint, and sculpture made from various materials such as fabric, polymer and paper clay, and paper mache.

An Animation graduate from UCA Farnham and a nostalgic at heart, Emily draws inspiration for her work from the things she loves: vintage American animation, classic horror films and books, fairy tales, modern vintage culture and sweet edible goodies. Her artistic influences include Tim Burton, Roald Dahl, Tex Avery, pop surrealism, and traditional Disney (including the classic rides at the Disney parks!)

Emily is currently a resident artist at The Sorting Office, Hampshire; and has traded at Whitby Goth Weekend, who welcomed her with open arms! She is most likely to be found somewhere in England either creating art, drinking tea, or fawning over cute reptiles.

Enjoy the interview!

First circle - Limbo

How old is your soul? Do you have an inner child?

I’d say my soul is that of a child from somewhere in the past. I am such a big fan of the old films, cartoons, and pop cultures from various points in the 20th century, and draw a lot of inspiration for my work from there.

Second circle - Lust

Before you have reached your artistic path, have you ever instinctively tried different fields that did not appeal to you, just for the sake of it? Are you still in search for your art style?

When I finished my Animation degree, I did try to get into puppet making. My experiences were a lot of fun but something still didn’t feel right. I then created a painting of a zombie woman and one of a spider woman on a whim… and eventually realised that this was my calling. I just wished I came to that realisation sooner. I still adore and appreciate the art of puppet making but from a spectator’s perspective.

Third circle - Gluttony

How hungry are you for the art, for your passion? How much are you addicted and addicted to it, moving away from your perception of reality?

Very! I always find that I am very relaxed and in my own little world whenever I draw or paint. And whenever I’m not drawing or painting, I’m usually daydreaming about new ideas or anything related. I must admit that I’m never usually fully in reality. I can often be away with the fairies…sometimes literally.

Fourth circle - Greed

Sometimes, do you feel greedy with your job? Do you think that a strong attachment to money can compromise your art? No intention to offend, but only to explore what goes beyond being a "starving artist".

In an ideal world, I’d like to be a full-time artist with a comfortable lifestyle who can sell a painting for a four to five figure price. But that’s definitely not the case at the moment! I’m currently a part-time artist, working at a local tea room on the side to get some money coming in. I definitely could not go down the ‘starving artist’ route – I like to live comfortably and I get a lot of satisfaction from money I’ve earn myself, whether it’s selling my artwork or selling cake! (Though selling the former is definitely a lot more satisfying!)

Fifth circle - Anger

How you see the Art World today? There are some stuff that make you uncomfortable?

I must admit that I am both very squeamish and a bit prudish. So, anything along those lines can make me squirm if done too explicitly and realistically. Also, abstract art. Don’t get me started on abstract art.

Sixth circle - Heresy

Have you ever done a project or commission totally different from your kind of art? (for example, as fairy art, erotic art, fantasy art or comic art)

Before I found what I truly love creating, I did a few caricatures and pet baubles last year. It was fine but it didn’t give me as much joy as my usual art.

Seventh circle - Violence

Are you afraid to represent cruel stuff of the reality in your art? If not, it goes beyond the simple visual impact?

No, and I never will. Firstly, as I said before, I’m squeamish. (I fainted over a splinter in my thumb for crying out loud!) Secondly, and more importantly, that is not what my art is about. My art depicts a spooky yet fun, whimsical and slightly comical world that aims to make people smile. Reality, in my opinion, is not usually that fun to draw or paint.

Eighth circle - Fraud

Without naming, have you ever been deceived by a false customer or company? What was your initial feeling? Do you want to give some advice to those who are new in this field? Don't worry if you do not want to answer.

I have had one of my T-shirt designs copied and sold once. I was heartbroken. But the company kindly took it down after I messaged them regarding the matter. I watermark everything now just to be on the safe side.

Ninth circle - Treachery

Would you ever exchange your life as artist with a safer and quieter life? What would you do if you could not make art?

Never! For the first time ever, I finally feel that I am going in the right direction. There have been bumps along the way, and tears aplenty but it has been totally worth it! I love what I do and it makes me sad when people don’t pursue their passions as a career. I have done just that and I wholeheartedly encourage others to do the same!