GHOSTS OF DOVER, 2024

I spend much of my time in the ocean. I am a keen diver and surfer, and I draw my inspiration from the natural patterns and changes I see when exploring. I like the different types of seaweed and grasses and the quiet wonderland in the water. This work came about after I was shocked to hear about the disappearance of the giant kelp forests in Southern Tasmania, where I own some land… The 60-metre tall forests, once prolific all over the east and southern coasts, all but disappeared during the marine heatwave and spiky sea urchin invasion in recent years. I am hopeful that they can regenerate, we just have to find a species that can withstand a few degrees warmer water. My work is what I see, just abstracted into what I imagine to be the bones of shells, and what is lost, the ghosts of the ocean.

Emma Bahama is a professional contemporary artist working in painting, sculpture, and jewellery. Her work is currently inspired by the incredible natural sculptures around the coast and beneath the water. She creates land and sea scapes in textural layers through her intuitive painting process, in a primarily neutral palette.

Emma is presently based between Daylesford Victoria, and Southern Tasmania, which for her holds a strong and frequent connection to the ocean, and the inspiration it provides.

Emma’s work has been featured in many publications throughout Australia.