“I always make a range based on what I would like in my home,” explains Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art + Co. “I know, it’s very indulgent indeed.” But, as I tell Emma, when your style is eclectic, contemporary and just plain beautiful, well you can be forgiven for being a little self-centred!
Recently launching her latest collection, Summer Printscape, it features a few firsts for Emma, including photographic prints, a tight collection of textiles and a small fashion range. “The photographic element is brand new. I love contrast and really wanted to mix up the imagery, throwing in photographic prints with my hand-printed pieces. In terms of the textiles, the dress range is a first. I often hang dresses up like an artwork and wanted to produce a dress that could do this, simply because of its pattern. The dresses are also double-sided which is cool!”
Always on the hunt for new pieces to make, it seemed like a natural progression to create photographic prints. “I always use my own photos from my phone as a reminder of a texture or colour when creating my artworks and textiles, so it makes sense for me to have a small range of photography to go with my work. Printing and photography go hand in hand. I love a strong image.”
One image that is particularly powerful is Emma’s favourite, Wattle Arbour, which holds a sentimental place in her heart. “A friend saw this artwork and told me the wattle was a symbol of her baby girl who sadly passed away. She thought this artwork would be perfect for above her bed. I’ll never forget this. The power of symbolism astounds me and I’m humbled my artwork now reminds her of her little babe.”
Designing and producing her products herself, Emma’s process is very organic. As she admits, there’s no planning in sight! “I wish I could be methodical and use purchase orders and the like, but in the end the way I do it works, so I figure, why fight it?! The more I try to be something I’m not the less likely a product or design is to do well. Does that make sense? I have learnt to trust myself. I just need to stay confident, which as we all know is hard!”
Summer Printscape is available through Lumiere Art + Co’s online shop and Emma’s representation, Greenhouse Interiors.
Photography by Anette O’Brien
