‘ IT'S ALL ABOUT HAVING FAITH '

Emma Franc’s often ethereal oil paintings reveal a vision of the world that seems just beyond reach, like the fragments of a dream on waking

- Sandra Smith

Emma Franc’s terraced house, close to the centre of St Albans, is unremarkable. The Victorian architecture is familiar, so too the solid construction. But apart from the instantly recognisable style, one would easily pass by without a second glance. The old adage don’t be fooled by outward appearances applies here though, because stepping into this house in which Emma has lived with her family for five years is to be transported into a melting pot of creativity. Here, with authenticity and skill, Emma creates memorable oil paintings which subtly defy convention and boldly entertain.

‘I’ve always wanted to paint, it’s part of my DNA,’ explains Emma who, after growing up in Berkhamsted, moved to London where part-time work was boosted by her occasional art sales. That was until the milestone of her 30th birthday which prompted her to sign up for a life-changing masters degree. As we sit in her light, compact dining space, she recalls her ‘brilliant experience’ on the course at Wimbledon School of Art and the lessons which continue to inform her work.

‘You can’t be a good artist if you think everything you do is great,’ she says. ‘During my MA you had to defend your work, question everything, justify contextually, historically, step back and look at it as an art critic would.’

So the impact was pivotal to her work? ‘Yes, yes! I developed faith in my work. I’m no longer scared to try something new.’