Emma O’Rourke Art

03/06/2026

I’m building something—read my latest newsletter below where i tell all about building my new studio space- from the ground up! 🪜🪚

https://emmaorourkeart.substack.com/p/im-building-something

big shout out and thanks to Hermetic Sign for the awesome handwritten sign, what a talent! and fellow Wimbledon UAL alumni 💯✨👏🏻

23/04/2026

THE ORIGINS OF THIS COLLAB!

Shortly after moving to kent last year, i started attending lily’s yoga classes - one year postpartum with my second baby - it was the place i found stillness and a connection back to my body.

my creativity had slowed down massively - too busy growing a baby lol - and then relocating over 100 miles as a family of 4 - my mind was cram-packed.

yoga was a way back in - slowly ideas began to form in empty pockets of time and i was drawing, making, and eventually painting again. slow and steady. everything played a part - our new home, THE SEA - but yoga was the start. the non negotiable i could fall back on. and still is - if you also have a busy mind you will understand how vital that stillness is.

lily is an incredible space holder and i have always found her sessions such a comfort - it really is yoga for every body - show up as you are, there is no pressure to look or move a certain way. i’m so excited to work alongside her and see your creativity unfold 🥰

stay tuned for more insights! - and in the meantime early bird tickets are available NOW until may 1st. link below. come and join us and make some time for yourself ⭐️

💫ART RETREAT 2026💫
Saturday 20 June
1.30-4.00pm
Secret Orchard, Broadstairs
(10 min walk from Broadstairs station)
🌅
Early bird ticket £45 (until May 1st)
Full price £55
All materials included and nourishing snacks
www.emmaorourke.com/artretreat

17/04/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️summer solstice retreat in broadstairs⭐️⭐️⭐️

lily cleo and i cannot wait to celebrate summer solstice with you all! there are just under 2 weeks left to grab your early bird ticket 😊(£10 off)

solstice signifies the official start of astronomical summer, when the sun reaches its highest - join us to mark this incredible transition in a secret orchard (!) in beautiful Broadstairs 💗

no yoga or artistic experience is necessary - we will guide you at your own pace 😊

our afternoon will be light-filled, expansive and uplifting - easing you into summer perfectly 💫🌞🌼

tickets are limited to keep the session relaxed and spacious.

check out my website for all the details>>

https://www.emmaorourke.com/art-retreat

any questions please just shout 💛

orchard tour coming soon.. !

14/04/2026

Something very exciting is coming to Broadstairs.. ! 🔑⭐️🔑⭐️🔑⭐️

watch this space 💫💫

follow>> https://www.instagram.com/emma_o_studio

03/03/2026

An open conversation on creativity and motherhood - the role of the artist mother now - and how we might move forward inside an infrastructure that really wasn’t built for us.

~the reality most of us are feeling as we try to squeeze in art making around the edges~

>>>
there is so much wisdom in the comments sections and more conversations brought to light since- please add your thoughts if this speaks to you!

IT DOESN’T WORK BECAUSE IT WASN’T BUILT FOR YOU

03/03/2026

A murmuration, 2026
Watercolour and gouache on canvas
42cm x 59cm

a new dawn of painting has officially begun 💞

26/01/2026

✨ OFF SEASON MARGATE MAKES THE NATIONAL IRISH PRESS ✨

i have questioned my place in the art world as of late. as someone who currently spends more time sat in a chair breastfeeding than in the studio, what exactly do I have to give? it would be far easier to close this chapter- i’m sure many a caregiver has had the same feeling.

but the work has to be made. i dream about it, literally. and i can see really clearly now that IS the point, just showing up, making the work, putting yourself ‘out there’. THIS is what breaks the generational trauma, repression and expectations put upon us.

the dialogue around artist mothers HAS changed since i first became a mother in 2018- largely thanks to Lucy Jones and Hettie Judah (+ others), but we still have a LONG WAY to go.

**caregiving is still largely invisible to society**

the work of artist mothers needs to exist loudly and imperfectly- taking up space. i stand with all women/mothers/caregivers/outsiders/those displaced and trying to find ‘home’.

this is why i’m still here. and moving with confidence - Year of the Horse is coming. 🇮🇪🐎🐎

THANK YOU to The Irish World for always being so supportive, and thank you Off Season Margate for making me feel so at home 🤍

~~if you are interested in learning more and supporting the Irish diaspora please check out London Irish artist Caroline Lovett and Declan Duffy who are both showing work in London at the moment. 😘🪄

22/01/2026

✨ You are warmly invited ✨

Studio 31A
31A Clifton Gardens
Margate CT9 2BL

23 - 25th January 2026

I am so pleased to be taking part in Off Season this weekend with four lovely studio mates.







Visit daily between 12-5pm, with all artists available for chats on Saturday afternoon. We’d love to see you.

Off Season is a brilliant initiative with over 150 exhibitions and events scheduled in Margate over one weekend. Come and support!

23/05/2024

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REPOST

Join us at our private view on 23rd May
6-9pm at Hackney Downs Studios!

Cicek Gallery is thrilled to announce ‘BLOSSOM’, a captivating exhibition in collaboration with honouring the remarkable contributions of women in art.

Curated to showcase the diverse narratives and voices of Cicek Gallery artists, ‘BLOSSOM’ invites visitors to explore themes of identity, empowerment, and resilience through a compelling collection of artworks.

We’ve also partnered with charity, where a proportion of the art sales will be donated to empower communities in need, local and nationwide.

Artist line-up:
Abi Joy Samuel, Alla Samarina, Anna Sudbina, Annam Butt, Berfin Cicek, Emma O’Rourke, Fia Yang, Lydia Cecil and Naila Hazell. 

RSVP link in bio 🤎
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21/05/2024

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Double announcement ❤️‍🔥

super thanks to .adie for capturing my painting in her beautiful home featured in this months magazine (on sale now!)

and most of you likely know by now, i had a baby! (which explains the silence and inability to keep up with messages) we are just out of the fourth trimester and doing great 🤍

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