About Emma
Emma Evangeline Gustafson is an artist based on the Coromandel Peninsula best known for her intricate paintings of the natural world.
Emma's detailed works reflect the beauty and interconnectedness of the landscapes that surround her. She aims to create pieces that feel therapeutic and healing to her viewers, who similarly share a deep love of nature.
Her painting and illustration work can be found in 20,000+ homes across New Zealand.
Emma's Story
From the age of 7 years old, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I was born in 1997 and grew up on Auckland's North Shore. I acquired my painting abilities from my grandmother Evangeline, who enjoyed painting oil landscapes. Although she passed away in my early years, I still feel her soul's presence with me on this creative journey.
Growing up I was told by teachers and those around me that making a living as an artist wasn't a viable or achievable option. I was convinced that it was too difficult a pathway, so opted to study graphic design. After I graduated design school, covid hit and while searching for work as a designer over the lockdowns, I found myself painting everyday.
I began building up my portfolio and selling my paintings online, at markets and exhibitions. I illustrated children's books including The Story of Swoop which hit #1 on New Zealand's Children's bestseller list.
In late 2021 I moved to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula and have been based here ever since as a full-time artist. I feel honored to share this very special place through my work. The Peninsula has a very supportive, creative community, which I feel very lucky to be a part of.
Growing up I was told by teachers and those around me that making a living as an artist wasn't a viable or achievable option. I was convinced that it was too difficult a pathway, so opted to study graphic design. After I graduated design school, covid hit and while searching for work as a designer over the lockdowns, I found myself painting everyday.
I began building up my portfolio and selling my paintings online, at markets and exhibitions. I illustrated children's books including The Story of Swoop which hit #1 on New Zealand's Children's bestseller list.
In late 2021 I moved to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula and have been based here ever since as a full-time artist. I feel honored to share this very special place through my work. The Peninsula has a very supportive, creative community, which I feel very lucky to be a part of.
Emma works from her Whitianga based studio.
To visit get in touch via email - emmaevangelineart@gmail.com or phone 02102740138
To visit get in touch via email - emmaevangelineart@gmail.com or phone 02102740138
Emma's advice for other aspiring artists?
My advice is to explore the art that inspires you and think about why you are drawn to those pieces. I feel that it's always worth thinking about what you want your art to do for the world and the feelings you wish to impart on your viewers. Every creative human has something unique and valuable to contribute to the creative collective world, whether you're creating for yourself or professionally.
I always want to remind people that you do not need a degree to be an exceptional fine artist. Although I have a degree in Graphic design, I am a completely self-taught artist and my process is very much intuitive.
Emma's artist heroes?
Brian Froud, Alex Grey, Shirley Barber, Miles Johnston, David Choe, Ivan Shishkin, Carol Evans, Moki
