Emily Jackson is an artist who finds inspiration in the little things—textures, colors, and patterns from everyday life. In this interview, she talks about how memories, childhood objects, and even something as small as a crayon or a fabric sample influence her abstract art. She compares her creative process to the Wolffia plant, the tiniest flowering plant on Earth, which may seem small on its own but creates a significant impact when it spreads.

She also shares how artists like Shirley Jaffe and Bridget Riley have influenced her fearless use of color and pattern and how she wants her art to bring joy to people. Jackson talks about her excitement for exploring sculpture and public art, which makes her work more accessible to different audiences. She also discusses her collaborations, including designing fabric and wallpaper with Maison Pierre Frey and working on an algorithmic art project with Motus.

Employing the power of color, form, and pattern, Jackson’s works are an act of resilience that draws from personal memories and everyday observations, from wallpaper to children’s crayons or the texture of a fabric sample. Her complex compositions are imbued with the bold confidence and intricate depth of abstract artists like Shirley Jaffe and Bridget Riley. The studio’s namesake, Wolffia—the tiniest flowering plant on Earth—is a poignant symbol of Jackson’s methodology. Unremarkable in its singular form, the Wolffia plant becomes visually impactful as it spreads across vast surfaces. Combined with striking, sometimes clashing color combinations, this interplay between singular form and expansive pattern continually fueled Jackson’s creative vision.

1. How does the symbolism of the Wolffia plant shape your creative approach?

When multiplied, something small, insignificant even, can create an impact and become visible. I consider it a language to create when working, especially with the forms I call on. When making a design or work, it’s about careful repetition and balance of miniature elements. I am using this mentality of building on individual components to dream up something impactful.

When multiplied, something small, insignificant even, can create an impact and become visible.

Emily Jackson

2.   Your work draws from personal memories—how do everyday objects inspire your compositions?  

I don’t discount anything at all. Anything can hold even a tiny space in your mind that you then draw on to generate something new. It can seem so insignificant at the time—a colour combination, a texture, materials being used next to one another. But they’re all essential memories to hold in your mind and to be able to call upon.

3.   How have artists like Shirley Jaffe and Bridget Riley influenced your use of color and pattern?  

Bold color choices inspire me, and any early female artist pushing into abstraction/geometric works of art always naturally piqued my interest. In my artistic approach, I work with color without fear. It’s something to be enjoyed and embraced; the energy transfer, I hope, reaches the viewer. It’s about joy!

4.   What excites you most about expanding into sculpture and public art projects?

I am continuing to develop the language that I speak through abstract forms. I also want to make the work accessible to more people of different ages and with barriers that stop them from accessing art in traditional spaces.

I don’t discount anything at all. Anything can hold even a tiny space in your mind that you then draw on to generate something new.

Emily Jackson

5. Can you share the story behind your Carnet de Voyage collaboration with Maison Pierre Frey?

One of my works took the house, and we knew it would translate well into fabric and wallpaper. Seeing the creativity they applied in their process was a beautiful process. The fabric is deeply sympathetic to my work, full of texture and contrast, and feels like a new art. It was a dream collaboration.

6.  How did your algorithmic art project with Motus challenge or expand your creative process?

Allowing someone into my work was a new experience. Owen (Motus) and I joke that he is the only other person who knows my work close to the depth that I do. He studied it continuously, and I am so proud of the project. It expanded me to think outside of a canvas, to break rules you can set for yourself, and to be open to new routes of creativity, especially this form of generative creative coding, which really feels like a tool with no limits.

Through this interview, we gain a deeper appreciation for Emily Jackson’s creative vision—one that celebrates the power of small details, fearless creativity, and the joy of making art accessible to everyone. Through vibrant abstract paintings, public art, or collaborative projects, she continues exploring new ways to connect with people through her work. To learn more about Emily, click the following links to visit her profile.

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