Q&A with Gray's Painting Graduate in Residence, Emily Hill

Emily has answered a few questions about her time at Gray’s and the upcoming exhibition.   

When did you first become interested in art?  

I think I've always had an interest in making things. I have memories of two small paintings which my parents had bought from someone in Cullybackey (my local village) of a river scene with trees. The surface of those canvases were irresistible, secretly I would reach up and touch them every time I walked past them in the hall. So, I suppose my interest began at quite a young age in art, even if it was just the surface of the canvas that I liked. However, choosing to study art at university at a later stage was easy, I either pictured myself in five years’ time as a radiographer (with the hopes of my parents) or study painting and really enjoy what I try and do, the latter appealed more, I couldn't picture myself not painting in the future.

Why did you choose Gray’s?

Initially looking at art degrees I knew I wanted to get out of Northern Ireland and instinctively go to Scotland. Having come across Gray's online and reading about its Fine Art course in painting it really appealed to me and I thankfully got accepted.

How was your experience at Gray’s?

It's coming round to four years since I graduated from Gray's and the memories of my experiences are good ones. The tutors were always great in giving critical advice and having discussions about your work. The projects that were set throughout the years gave a strong foundation in approaching new ways of thinking for when the time came to leave Gray's. 

Can you tell us a bit about your work and what inspires you?

My work is influenced by my memories of growing up in Northern Ireland, and I use it as a way of trying to understand, through a child's perspective, what happened during the troubles. Usually the works take place in various environments, usually without people. However, I do hope some presence or emotion is created through the colours and marks I use on the surface. Memories and moments of home are the main generators of inspiration, though things that I read, see or even hear in everyday life can also trigger ideas that could potentially develop into a painting.

How has your time been as Graduate in Residence? What are the best parts about the experience?

Being Graduate in Residence has been great, it has provided me with the opportunity of time and space which I really needed, allowing me to explore new ideas and create a new body of work. After finishing the postgraduate scholarship in 2017 at The Royal Drawing School in London, I really appreciate the size of the studios and how spacious it is here at Gray’s. Also, how handy everything is when it comes to making stretcher frames or buying materials. I also forgot how beautiful the location is here at Gray's, which I definitely took for granted when I studied as a student. The best parts of this experience has been getting to see old faces again and meeting new people who are all in this hub of creativity.

The exhibition?

There should be between 7-10 works on show in the exhibition on the first floor of the stairwell, ranging from smaller A4 size paintings, to very large 6ft works. My favourite piece, or the one that I enjoyed making the most, is of a series of works on astrolux paper painted with oil paint. The series is looking through a car window; the back seat passenger, the person that stares out the window on what I can imagine is a 'Sunday drive'. This was something that happened a lot when I was wee, nothing much else to do after church on a Sunday, no shops are open so 'will we go out for a drive'. 

What are the plans once your residency comes to an end?

Honestly, I haven't much planned after the residency ends. I'll be moving back to Northern Ireland so will be looking for a studio again. I do have a joint show coming up at the end of June with The Rendezvous Gallery, along with Catherine Ross who was the previous year’s Graduate in Residence. So the thought is to just keep making paintings and applying for other opportunities and to keep going. Potentially, a master's at some point!