MEET THE ARTIST Emma Kate

Emma Kate has been in touch with her creative side since a young age, entering every colouring-in competition possible as a kid, and experimenting with wild makeup as a young adult. Now 36, the mum of three uses a variety of mediums to not only express herself, but also reflect the beauty of Esperance’s pristine coastline. Emma makes both decorative and functional art, like clocks and drink coasters. Much of her work is created with epoxy resin, which results in striking pieces in an array of deeply vibrant colours.

How did you fall into the world of epoxy resin?

I started working with resin in 2019 after coming across YouTubers, Artist Till Death . I was intrigued by the amazing effects they created using various techniques and it wasn’t long before I had purchased my first bottle of resin. My first experience with epoxy didn’t go as planned, but I was instantly hooked. Once I found the world of fluid art and joined various online communities, it really opened the door for me to express myself. When you do what you love, it’s very rewarding.

What do you enjoy about the practice?

I’ve always had a need to do something creative. When I’m working on a piece, I immerse myself in what I’m doing. It’s very therapeutic. As a stay-at-home mother to three girls, my time is dedicated to caring for other people, so it’s important to have something that is just for myself. Although, my kids are very creative, so I don't think it will be long before I’m sharing my studio space. But I’m ok with that!

How did you come to be in Esperance?

I was born in Hobart, Tasmania, and moved around as a young kid until my family settled in Kambalda. We frequently visited Esperance, as my dad worked as a commercial fisherman, and we eventually made the move when I was nine years old. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Do you find the local community encouraging of your work?

The community has been amazing. The encouragement from not just the public but also other small businesses has blown me away. Every time someone leaves me a positive comment or shares my work, it boosts my confidence. It can be a daunting experience to go public with your artwork and open yourself to judgement, but I haven’t had many negative experiences.

When you’re not creating art, what can we find you doing?

Something that always brings me joy is planning parties for my girls. I recently did face painting for my second daughter’s birthday party, and I enjoyed it so much that I’m in the process of getting my Working with Children Check and hope to create a small family business later in the year that also involves my daughters and helps to build their creative skill.

Lastly, where can we find your work?

One of my largest artworks hangs in Smooth Skin Cosmetic Injectables in Dutton Arcade. I also have two pieces hanging in Luxe Floral & Home Co, who I’ll be partnering with later in the year to exclusively sell my most popular products, such as clocks. For anyone interested in following my art journey, I’m most active on Facebook, Art by Emma Kate . I also have a YouTube channel, Art by Emma Kate , for those who want to see the creative process from start to finish.

First Lights: Boodja Dwordak Wirn

More than 150 drones will light up the Esperance Bay on May 12 and 13, in a cultural event that shares stories about the deep, continuous cultural connections of Wudjari people, the traditional custodians for Kepa Kurl (Esperance), to their Country. Commissioned by the Fremantle Biennale, First Lights: Boodja Dwordak Wirn is one of several First Lights performances taking place across regional Western Australia between March and July. Fremantle Biennale have partnered with Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation for this special event, which incorporates narration by Wudjari Nyungar Elders and dancing by First Nations students from Esperance Senior High School.

The intention of the First Lights project is to create an opportunity to highlight local stories within a contemporary art event. The large-scale contemporary artform involves choreographing a fleet of 160 drones with powerful LED lights through specialist 3D animation techniques. The drones can produce more than four billion colour combinations and, accompanied by a cinematic soundscape, create an immersive experience that is free and accessible to all.

Narrated by local Elders Kevin Reynolds Snr and Annie Dabb, and accompanied by a composition by Noongar musician and linguist, Maatakitji (Clint Bracknell), Boodja Dwordak Wirn will share ancient knowledge, living stories, and the history of Kepa Kurl. The

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script and images for Boodja Dwordak Wirn have been developed over many months, in close consultation with Wudjari Elders, combined with the technical expertise of Noongar artist Ilona McGuire and animator Jarrad Russell and led by local Wudjari artist, Jennell Reynolds.

A series of six original digital animations, which informed the development of the local First Lights performance, will also be launched at Boodja Dwordak Wirn , being played on a large LED screen prior to the main event. The animations celebrate Wudjari Wadarn Boodja (Sea Country), and were commissioned by Parks Australia and created from the narratives and artwork of traditional custodians by visiting animator Bernadette Trench-Theideman.

First Lights: Boodja Dwordak Wirn is a free event, suitable for all ages. The drones will lift off from the James Street Jetty just after 7pm on May 12 and 13, and will be visible from along the Esperance Foreshore. The public is invited to arrive from 5pm, with a formal Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony on the beach, and the Wudjari Wadarn Boodja animations beginning at 5:30pm. For those who can’t make it, Boodja Dwordak Wirn will also be live streamed. For event updates, keep an eye on the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation Facebook page.

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