As part of our 'Freedom Through Creativity Campaign', we spoke to painter Emma Senti. We came across Emma (@aimable_atelier) on Instagram a while back. We were instantly drawn to her use of earthy tones & clean lines- details that really reflected our own collection. There is a clear style & story told in her work, something that we wanted to know more about. ​ ​

My name is Emma, I am 25 and I’m a painter. I come from Pau, a quiet little town in the south-west of France & where I now live & work. I am trained in art direction but I am now starting to make a living from my true passion which is illustration and painting.

My work is above all poetic. I would say that it is a dialogue, firstly between me and my future, but also between the protagonists present in my painted scenes. Very figurative, soft, feline with a touch of surrealism.

Painting these scenes is a way for me to reassure myself and to transcribe what I feel. I call them waiting scenes. Waiting for what? I’m not sure, that’s what I’m looking for in these paintings.

Felines remain one of the recurring elements in my paintings. What I create depends on the moment and how I have spent that day. I always start with a sketch, with any medium, and from there I decide on what format and what other mediums I will use to bring the scene to life.

I paint a lot, especially in acrylics! When I started out, I only did black and white, I was afraid of colour! Now I never do without them and use a lot of warm and natural shades. Recently, I’ve also started to experiment with Indian ink.

Emma: I started painting in 2018, after an internship in Biarritz. I had the chance to spend time with the artist- Madi (@________madi______), and see first-hand the universe in which she operates. I think she’s the one who really inspires me! Other artists, designers, photographers, series, and even architecture inspires me. I try to look for creativity everywhere.

Emma: I sometimes take custom orders, and I once created the birth announcement for a lady. It really touches me that people can find their own representation, their own emotions and can relate to my work; I like the fact they trust me enough to be the interpreter of their desires & feelings. Emotionally, that was my favourite part. Other than that I painted a mural in Marion’s (@fringeandfrange) beautiful home, and I really do like to see my work match so well with the decor and the identity of a house.

It’s well known that painting is an outlet. All the more so when I paint these scenes, when the cats become lookouts. Guardians. Through the arches & windows I look & imagine things; it allows me to get out of this tiny workshop for the day. 

Creativity is an incredible means of expression. I know I only mention painting, but I really appreciate having it as an escape. I feel free to be myself & the real me (maybe that’s the freedom I seek, right?). I also see it as a way to surpass myself & constantly seek to do better & bigger! It’s satisfying, this is a great adventure!