Well Wandered
Travel Tips & Wanderlust with Emma Gale
When I look at the work of Emma Gale, I see someone who travels with a deep curiosity and a desire to know a place, its people and its culture. Emma paints scenes that depict a way of life only seen by those who travel slowly and mindfully, taking time to stop and build connections, becoming part of the community if only for a brief moment. This is an incredible gift she shares.
Described as rustic, naïve and narrative, Emma’s artworks transport us to exotic locations such as Ethiopia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. More than ever, art that transports us feels so important given the current ban on travel. Here we chat to Emma about how travel inevitable inspires philanthropy, what travel has taught her and the fascinating attraction of barbershops.
Travel has obviously been a big influence on your work – what is it about travel and these unique destinations that inspires you?
It’s the rich culture, the local people, the history the landscape the smell, the food …it’s the small things, it’s and how they live ….and it’s the colours … they ignite my senses, they make me drool and it’s a feast for the eyes… I am such a visual person so I am so stimulated by the rich colours of these places I paint… sometimes its just the colour of a building that blows my mind … the colour combinations of an everyday item… I look closely at everything.
You have a special relationship with Africa – can you tell us about this? When did you first visit, what were your first impressions and how have your experiences changed your perceptions of this diverse continent.
I first went to Africa when I was 15. I went to Kenya and Zimbabwe. I have always had this fascination with Africa. I used to spend all my money from my after school job on buying books artefacts and jewellery from a local store that sold really amazing pieces – that’s how I went to Africa as they ran a trip there. We camped in the Maasai Mara with the Maasai tribe and hung out with the Samburu. I was in awe and loved it immensely. It was incredible. There is much to take in … this big continent with its incredible beauty but immense poverty… it draws you in.
All I know is I love it and adore being there
What has travel taught you?
Travel is essential! It teaches us to grow, to share, to appreciate . it takes us outside our comfort zone. it makes us resilient. It opens our minds. it makes us open to possibilities to grow. it makes us explore. It challenges our insecurities. Its wonderful. We can learn from other cultures. We can make connections. . We can create memories. We can see wonders that inspire us. We can see landscapes that are not our own. We can teach others about far distant lands. We can appreciate other ways that are not our own and embrace them. We can experience amazing tastes. We realise the importance of a home and a place.
You have spent some time living in Egypt, can you tell us a little bit about that. What are some of the small intricacies of daily life there that outsiders wouldn’t know?
Cairo, Such an intense city! So old, so many gems hidden behind the dust. I loved living there, buying my fruit and veg from the streets from the donkey and cart . when you get in a taxi you MUST bargain a set price for the trip before you go anywhere ! if you don’t when you arrive at your destination you will have to pay a fortune!! Something I quickly got used to doing!!You have to bargain for EVERYTHING! Can be quite exhausting!!!! I loved the famous khan el khalili bazaar one of the oldest markets in Egypt – you are transported back in time to Medieval Cairo. The city definitely has a magical feel, also slightly mysterious feel which I just loved. You never quite know what you may find around the corner! And maybe it’s the organised chaos that these cities in Africa seem to have… I can relate to this!. II just recently chatted to someone living in Cairo and who was there back in the early nineties like I was. I sent her my images and she said it looks just the same – nothing has changed and it then dawned on me it that exactly about cities like Cairo, they don’t change they stay the same, steeped in time and history they remain iconic …in our fast pace ever changing world these places seem like relics where time has stood still while the world goes past.. I love this. It’s very special.
Are your artworks based on real people or more of an essence of locals?
In my artwork, I want to capture a feeling a scene of life, to feel like you are right there in that place. I want to capture the people, the colours the everyday life ..the small things.. . I want the viewer to travel there in the artwork. I want to feel that they have been there without actually going there.
What three 3 things you never travel without?
Sketchpad/notepad and pencils
Good comfortable walking shoes
And a hat
I often find that spending time in Developing Nations inevitably leads to philanthropy. You recently travelled to Ethiopia with Create Impact and you often donate the sales of your artwork to charities – can you talk to us about this and why this is important to you.
Once you visit these places on the ground you get a first hand knowledge of the need and how important these projects are to the local communities. Visiting the projects in Ethiopia was a fulfilling experience. Visiting the new classrooms, seeing the health posts, seeing the new water wells that deliver clean water to whole villages. We met the teachers and we saw all of the children. They welcomed us with such gratitude and warmth. This was priceless. This is what it’s all about. Seeing the smiles and the joy around you. That’s special. When you can experience this you feel a connection. I guess you get a sense of what really matters, of what you have of what they have and what you need… it changes your outlook. I am passionate about giving back, I also want to share awareness of the hardship and suffering that is out there. I feel grateful and if I can help others this means a great deal to me.
I listened to an interview you did on 2ser and there were so many great insights, but my ears perked when you mentioned a fascination with barbershops which Luke and I both share. I went to Rishikesh India in October 2018 and the open air, gaudy barber shops there were fabulous! Luke has had countless haircuts all over the world – a stand out was in Cuba, which was like stepping back in time. I wonder what it is that makes barbershops such great settings for art and photography?
Yes! The signage for the barbershops in West Africa have been a favourite of mine. I have collected many original hand-painted signs from Africa over the years. Their quirkiness and playfulness and I just love the words they use on the signs, for example, playboy cut, lazyboy, italian waves style, sporting waves etc. So fun!
What are your top 3-5 travel tips?
Walk as much as you can. You can see so much more on foot! Go off the beaten track … explore. Get on a local tour to see what happens in the town or village. See what the people make and eat the local delicacies.
Track down the local markets… even if its local food markets to see what is locally grown. See the local museum or cultural centre. Visit a local in their home if you are lucky!
Also, do your homework! Read up before you go about the culture and history. Respect the local customs and culture and if you can, visit a local charity or refuge.
When it is safe for the world travel again, where would you like to go next to inspire your work?
I want to be back in Africa, I want to join Create Impact again for another trip to Ethiopia, I want to go to West Africa also to visit another charity Mila for Africa in Senegal, I also would like to visit Uganda to see projects run by Love Mercy Foundation. Then there is South America and closer to home I hope to visit the Northern Territory……the list goes on and on!
