Emma Howell
30 August, 2024
Since its inception in 2018, “The How Series” has been a deeply personal exploration of how I experience and interpret the world. Across 75 pieces, I’ve shared my journey of tuning into the sights, sounds, and sensations that shape my perception of life (initially catalysed by trying to navigate life after losing my Dad). These artworks have become a way for me to translate fleeting moments and complex emotions into something tangible, a reflection of how I see, hear, feel, and understand the world.
The Final Chapter: Completing the Collection
Today, I am thrilled to announce the expansion of The How Series with 25 new and final pieces, completing the collection at 100 works. This extension of the series is not just a continuation but a crescendo – these pieces will be carefully refined, enriched with fresh insights from recent inspirations, and are highly anticipated by past collectors, bringing to a close a journey that has evolved over six years.
A Dictionary of Marks: The Impact and Evolution of The How Series
The How Series began with a rather significant debut: the first 10 made their appearance at my first ever solo exhibition (see photos above). Their reception was beyond my expectations, with all pieces finding homes remarkably quickly.
The series as a whole has become an indispensable part of my practice, functioning as a visual dictionary of mark-making. It has not only influenced my ever-evolving style but also conceptualised new pieces, by dissecting an array of emotions and observations then translating them into a unique language of abstraction. This collection stands as a cornerstone of my art, representing a crucial phase in my creative development and influencing how I approach and interpret my work.
Throughout the collection’s evolution, various life events have influenced additional pieces, including a colourful trip to Ibiza (see photos above). Each new addition has expanded the series, reflecting the diverse experiences that have shaped my artistic journey thus far.
At its heart, The How Series has been instrumental in defining my artistic vocabulary, enriching my practice, and connecting with collectors and viewers around the world. Its impact extends far beyond the individual artworks, contributing significantly to the broader narrative of my artistic evolution.
Inspiration from Greece: A New Muse
The inspiration for these fresh works will be drawn from a variety of rich sources. My upcoming trip to Greece (September 3rd-13th) will be a primary muse, with its vibrant landscapes, textures, and colours influencing the direction of this final chapter. I’ll immerse myself in the sun-drenched hillsides, ancient ruins, and shimmering coastlines, documenting the experience in a journal that will later inform the textures, shapes, and emotions in the artwork.
Revisiting My Journals: A Reflection on the Past
But Greece is just one part of the story. I’ll also be revisiting my journals, art collections, photographs and diary entries from the past few years. My journal entries typically capture a wide range of experiences, from quiet, introspective moments to more dynamic and emotionally charged events. They’ve been the foundation for much of my previous work, and now they will contribute to these final, exclusive pieces.
The Final 25: Redefining The How Series and Concluding a Journey
As with all the works in The How Series, these new pieces won’t be literal representations of specific places or moments. Instead, they’ll be abstract interpretations – deconstructions of the sights, sounds, and feelings I’ve recorded over the years. These artworks will encapsulate how these experiences have shaped me and how I’ve come to see and understand the world.
This final set of 25 artworks will represent a 6-year time block that has been as much about personal growth as it has been about artistic expression and creative metamorphosis. As well as this, the work is sure to be influenced by our latest exciting news: we are expecting a baby girl next February following a challenging couple of years.
As the concluding chapter of a collection that has touched lives and captured imaginations across the world, these pieces are not just reflections of my life path but also contribute to a broader narrative that speaks to the universal human experience.
Gratitude and Anticipation
Thank you for following my journey and for your continued support. The final chapter of The How Series is about to be written, and I’m so excited to share these sentimental works with you. Here’s to the completion of a collection that has been years in the making – one that will live on with collectors all over the world, connecting us all through the shared language of art.
