Emma Mackenzie graduated from Surrey Institute of Art and Design with a BA Hons in Three Dimensional Design, returning to live in the Hebrides close to family in 1994. It is during this time she began to be inspired by the rich history of textiles of the island, Emma's creative journey into textiles began by learning to hand spin yarn and dye yarn to create handmade items.
This developed into new and innovative methods of working with textiles. Emma's work often involves combining processes and using both paint, print and textile methods creating a direct response to the world around her.
Her aim is create innovative art depicting the colours, textures and linear qualities which echo the landscape and seascape of Lewis and Harris, drawing with stitch and layering textiles and over painting to produce original work.
Emma's work relies on reclaiming and recycling of fabric and often utilises secondhand fabrics, combining and working with papers such as old books or other found materials it is the very challenge of being limited by the materials available which interest her.
Emma is inspired by the sense of place, it's rich narrative and history as well as the light, movement and colours of the island.