Artit is thrilled to bring you an in-depth conversation with Emmette Lewis, a multidisciplinary artist whose work beautifully intertwines themes of eco-maintenance, social activism, and the relationship between self and nature. Emmette’s art invites viewers to explore the hidden layers of our environment and our own identities, blending the familiar with the uncanny through expressionist portraiture and abstract forms.

In this interview, Emmette shares the influences that have shaped her unique artistic vision, from her South African and Canadian roots to her evolving approach to art. 

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How has your upbringing and cultural background influenced your artistic journey and creative expression? 

Growing up, I was immersed in art that was deeply rooted and reflective of my community and culture. My parents, who both immigrated from South Africa, inveterately kept their traditions and heritage alive through food, music, community and, of course, art.

 

When I began painting, I inherently gravitated toward the traditional stylistic practices of South African art that I would see through everyday life and juxtapose that with the contrast of Canadian culture. Incorporating these into the creative foundation of my work feels like a spiritual practice to reconnect to my roots and honour the culture that shaped me. Beyond South African influences that I project into my work, I also pull from my home in British Columbia. From a young age, I have been enamoured with prolific environmental painters such as Emily Carr and Lawren Harris which shaped the way I look at environmental conservation and eco-preservation. While portraiture has remained the dominant focus of my work, BC has been a canon towards addressing environmental themes and symbolic imagery within each piece. For me, the connection between self and nature is ineradicable and sacred; I strive to weave those relationships throughout my pieces.

 

Lastly, community has been a staple throughout my growth as an artist. My aunt is a painter who creates these stunning large-scale portraits from photographs she's taken across West and South Africa. Painting in her studio is one of my first memories I have of being interested in art. My father, in his spare time also paints figurative works that comment on the sociopolitical and environmental consciousness of South Africa. Art in my community was inescapable and I wouldn’t change it. 

Debate the necessity of political agenda in art. Do you think it's important for art to have a political agenda? Why or why not? How does this perspective influence your work? 

Beyond aesthetic beauty, art carries personal and public merit that reflects the community within; giving it a voice procurable to everyone. In other words; expression is an artistic birthright every individual has. I don’t believe that art requires a political agenda but I do believe in utilising art as a creative vehicle for political intervention. Creativity is channelling emotional expression into a visual language, whether that comes from themes of self-discovery, history, science, social commentary or politics. It is all powerful and relatable. Art reveals stories of hope, rebellion and history by providing a creative space to transform and question societies’ independent and collective actions.

 

This emotional drive is immersed in the idea of recentering and accessing what cannot be expressed through words. When art takes up political space, it creates an unlimited platform that demands engagement, reflection, and communal effort. This cultivates a framework that provides a creative voice accessible to everyone; unrestricted by language barriers, cultural and political differences, or economic divides. The power that surrounds creative communication is driven by the limitless potential to influence and impact society on an educational, social and environmental level. Visual stimulation and immersive engagement bridge a gap between the scholarly and the creative; allowing for experimentation in colour and for knowledge to be gained through embodying a creative perspective.

 

Art cannot be limited by social class, race or cultural background. Instead, it is a vehicle for storytelling, educational development and community inclusivity. This mindset influences my work by allowing me to speak fluently in a creative language made up of my own volition and platform.  

Describe how your approach to art has evolved. In what ways has the approach to creating art changed over the years? What have been the significant influences or learning experiences that have shaped your evolution as an artist? 

I never sought to become a professional artist, it was always a passionate drive that I couldn’t escape. Every artist, whether consciously or not, undergoes continuous phases of growth. Through our art, we capture fragments of ourselves, our history, and our communities. As we evolve, so too does our work. Change is not just a possibility for an artist; it is an inevitable journey. When I first began dedicating myself to art, my illustrations and figurative drawings emerged from a place of curiosity and whimsy.

 

However, as I grew more serious about building a career, my work naturally evolved from personal exploration to social commentary. Yet, perhaps these two aspects are intertwined, each reflecting different facets of the same journey. Over the course of my career, my approach to art has become more methodical and meditative, with a structured, almost ritualistic practice. I've noticed that I no longer create with the same childlike imaginative ingenuity I once had. Without structure, my work falters. Instead of abandoning my passions, I've evolved within my creative capabilities, finding new ways to channel my artistic expression. The significant influences and experiences that shape my art today come from the active participation and observation of daily life.

 

My work revolves around understanding the human condition, and on a deeper level, obstructing and obscuring it. I want my art to evolve alongside my own growth, continuously shifting, deviating, and expanding in perspective as I develop my craft. When I look back on my work, I hope it weaves a collective narrative, capturing the essence of my observations and experiences throughout the history of my life. 

How do you think social media platforms influence the way art is created and perceived today? 

Social media has become a powerful platform for artists, offering both significant opportunities and notable challenges. On one hand, it provides a space for artists to interact, explore, and curate their own creative communities. With the reach of social media, artists can establish a global presence, connecting with galleries, collectors, and fellow creatives across borders. This unprecedented accessibility has made being an artist more attainable and wide-reaching than ever before. Opportunities for sponsorships, monetization, collaborations, and cross-cultural exchanges are all within the reach of a smartphone. When used effectively, these advantages can be highly beneficial.

 

However, social media also presents a paradox. It's a catch-22. While it offers an engaging platform, it can also lead to patterns of comparison, isolation, and even self-destruction. The focus on self-promotion often skews toward the inauthentic, leading to issues like misinformation, art theft, and a potential loss of creative passion. The vast, often anonymous audience can easily breed self-doubt and insecurity, making it challenging to maintain confidence in one's work. Thus, while social media can be a powerful tool for artists, it requires careful navigation to avoid its pitfalls. 

 

Regardless of the audience you have on social media, I believe it is important to take moments to self-discover without the influence of social media. It is important to take time to return to your creative roots and create without the eminence of these platforms. 

Offer five pieces of advice to artists who are experiencing discouragement or creative blocks. 

✧  The most important advice I can offer is to be patient—with your art, with yourself, and with your energy. Nurturing your well-being and your mind is just as crucial as nurturing your creativity; one cannot flourish without the other. Creative burnout is a natural part of the artistic journey and happens to every artist. Remember that your identity as an artist is not diminished by periods of rest or inactivity. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but it’s your unique process that gives your art its distinctive character. Give yourself the time you need to rest and recharge, knowing that this is an essential part of sustaining your creativity.

 

✧ When you feel uninspired, step outside your usual creative environment. Visit museums and galleries, engage in conversations with other artists, and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Familiar surroundings can lead to complacency, making it easy to fall into routine. By exploring new creative avenues and seeking out fresh influences, you open yourself up to new sources of inspiration that can invigorate your work. 

 

✧ I believe as you progress in your career, there’s often pressure to create work that sells, makes a social impact, or garners significant community response. However, this expectation can be overwhelming and inevitably leads to burnout. We became artists to feel, to express, and to fully enjoy the creative process. When you experience burnout or discouragement, allow yourself to create something spontaneously, just for you—without the pressure of showcasing it. Release the anxieties surrounding what qualifies as “good art” and simply make art for its own sake. Experiment with styles and mediums different from your usual approach; you may uncover new insights and aspects of yourself in the process. 

 

✧ If you're feeling discouraged as an artist, a powerful way to regain momentum is through collaboration. Reach out to fellow creatives to discuss ideas, methodologies, and practices, and to exchange creative insights. Seeing your work through someone else's eyes can offer new perspectives and help you appreciate your craft in a fresh and inspiring way. Collaboration not only rejuvenates your creative energy but also fosters a sense of connection and shared growth.

 

✧ Remember to avoid overworking yourself and to set realistic, achievable goals. I've found that burnout often arises from overwhelming expectations, such as attempting to complete 15 large portraits in a month or working 12-hour days every day. When such ambitious goals aren’t met, it can lead to feelings of defeat and unfulfillment. Instead, establish clear boundaries and seize the opportunities that come your way. You don't need to change the world overnight; every small step forward is still progress.

If you were given the opportunity to interview a creative mind from any era, who would you choose and what would you ask? 

If I had the opportunity to interview any creative thinker, I would choose Hal Foster. Widely regarded as the godfather of postmodern art theory, Foster has profoundly shaped the way we understand contemporary art and culture. His critical analysis of the art world has long been a source of fascination for me, particularly his exploration of the "anti-aesthetic"—a concept that challenges traditional notions of beauty and meaning in art. If I could engage him in conversation, I would be eager to discuss how the rise of internet culture and contemporary media influences and intersects with his ideas on the anti-aesthetic. How do these modern phenomena reshape our understanding of aesthetics, and what does this mean for the future of art? 

How do you envision the evolution of your art in the coming years?

Lately, I’ve found myself growing tired of traditional oil painting, which has prompted a desire to reinvent my approach to portraiture. Moving forward, I am increasingly drawn to integrating sculptural elements into my work. I want to step away from the confines of the traditional canvas and create pieces that are not only engaging but also interactive and participatory for the audience. I want to continue using recycled materials and sustainable resources, and I am eager to incorporate more environmentally conscious materials into my work. In the coming years, I anticipate my art will undergo significant transformation, both structurally and conceptually, evolving into more abstract forms.

 

As I grow older, I find myself less concerned with critical recognition. Instead, I’m driven by the pursuit of obscuring and transfiguring the conventional. My focus isn’t on achieving success or merit; rather, I’m committed to evolving creatively. I am constantly seeking new ways to challenge my artistic drive and reinvent my approach to my work. This is the path I see myself following.

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We hope you enjoyed this enlightening chat with Emmette Lewis, who has given us a lot to think about when it comes to the connection between art, nature, and the human experience. Her dedication to creating art that challenges conventional beauty and embraces the complexities of our world is truly inspiring. Keep an eye out for Emmette’s upcoming projects — there’s so much more to come from this emerging artist! Also, visit Emmette's Artit portfolio to get a better idea of her style and see all her artwork.