Emily Cussins

Emily grew up in the English countryside (Sussex) surrounded by ancient woodland, always connected to the more-than-human world. After the birth of her daughter, she began in 2024 to return to the work she started as a child; painting with soil.

Today, she collaborates with nature; the soil, sea, sun, rocks and plants … with which she creates abstract works that are an ode to our planet and micro universes of their own. Both ancient and of the future they explore our connection to time and the natural world - its past and possible future.

These natural entities (often found locally) become her paints and natural objects or her hands, replace a brush. Guiding rather than directing… mixing, tipping, pouring and layering them. Excavating or eroding the surfaces over time in ways that mirror natural processes. She experiments with each of the materials’ unique properties, encouraging reactions, rivulets and unique forms to emerge. The materials are in charge here, and the border between human and nature’s marks are consciously blurred.

Reclaimed, antique surfaces are her canvas of choice, each embedded with their own memories, energies and histories.

These works are her way to give more-than-human entities, an equal hand, respect and importance. To truly collaborate with them, in order to reconnect. To their ancient wisdom and unique magic. To the childlike playfulness and awe they bring up in us. And to the joy and urgency of working with, learning from and protecting them.

Emily is now based in Haarlem, NL, working in the woodland, dunes and beaches near her home (as well as further afield), and from her studio in a 17th century building in Haarlem centre. This site is her studio’s digital home.

Education

University of the Arts, London (LCC), MA Documentary Photography

Goldsmiths College, London, BA Fine Art/ Art History

Selected Group Exhibitions (2026 onwards)

2026

Refusés: A Place to Stay, Italy

Odyssey, Hastings Contemporary, Hastings

Auto Amor Vol. 5, Out House Gallery, London

Memento Amoris,  Lido Stores, Margate

Residencies

2025

The Arctic Hideaway, Norway (Funded)

Awards

2026

CREA Open, Jury Award Special Mention