Introducing artist Sarah Emily Porter

Award-winning British artist Sarah Emily Porter works from her East London studio where she explores colour and the historical context of painting.

By pouring and manipulating paint on tilting structures, she creates a dialogue between art and science as the paint ebbs and flows in a single linear stroke under the force of gravity. Through this method of painting, she removes the artist from the gesture and emotion of painting, highlighting instead the complexity of colour and the intricacies of her materials. She has also created a series of installations and sculptures that explore colour, composition and form.

Here we chat with Sarah about her journey into the arts world..

Can you tell us your backstory and how you got into the art world?

Before studying fine art at the Slade and Chelsea College of Art, I worked as an event manager for 10 years so I tend to think of painting as an event – one that is as much concerned with the process of its emergence as it is with the final outcome.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

My work explores colour, composition and form with a scientific and mathematical twist. My colour palettes are often influenced by places I visit and everyday interactions which I record in photographs and sketches.

I often use architectural geometries and mathematical sequences which I map onto my canvas as a framework, before pouring the paint on my specially made mechanisms. These mechanisms tilt the canvas from horizontal to vertical positions allowing gravity, serendipity and chance to inform the final outcome.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

My latest work has been inspired colours seen on a recent trip to the British coast, where the beach and headland have been abstracted and my pour process reflects the ebb and flow of water and landscapes.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning?

I’ll be starting a residency at Bankside Hotel in Southwark on 3 March until 25 May. I’m very excited that the hotel guests and members of the public will be able to get an insight into my process as it’s such a large part of my practice.

I’ll also be hosting an artist talk and opening the residency doors for people to have a go at making a collaborative painting during London Craft Week (12-17 May). If you can’t make it to Southwark, I’ll be showing a selection of work at the Hampstead Affordable Art Fair on 7-11 May and at the Urban Art Fair in Brixton on 5-6 July – or you can always visit my website!

What is the best advice you received as an artist?

Be curious, be proactive, and be open to collaboration – you never know where it might lead.

For more information please visit www.sarahemilyporter.com