Drawings Inspired by Anatomy
Visual Literacy : Seeing the Skin
Using the historical dermatology and anatomical collections, this innovative project explores how we can view the skin creatively, and how this can enhance how dermatology clinicians work with and create innovation for medical developments . It encourages participants to make their own discoveries about the skin, using a variety of drawing skills, materials and tools. From it's initial pilot project working with dermatology students, consultants and registrars from Derby University, Nottingham University and UHDB Hospitals, the project has grown to work with Trusts nationally and gain recognition within the Dermatology sector.
In November 2023, Emma was invited by the British Association of Dermatologists to develop and run training for Dermatology professionals from across England. The project has been presented at a number of prestigious events including the International Health & Humanities Conference and Derby Medical Society's annual meeting. The project is currently developing its next phase with training being delivered across the UK, working with other trusts and medical organisations including Skin of Colour Training UK.
Aspects of the project are being exhibited at the annual British Association of Dermatologists Conference at Manchester Central Convention Centre, July 2nd - July 4th 2024. In 2025, three large-scale figures inspired by the project will be the contemporary element of the flagship exhibition at Derby Museum and Art Gallery; Joseph Wright, A Life on Paper, on public display from May to September.
Earthbound
Museum of Making
June 2025 to January 2026
A project in partnership with The Natural History Museum, featuring a collaboration of 6 Artists exploring what it means to be connected to the earth. Emma was commissioned to create two large scale Earthbound beings, adult and juvenile. The beings are inspired by photographers Kate Bellis's portraits of people linked to Derbyshire landscapes and Alex Hyde's macro work of Derbyshire nature. The beings represent a fusion of earth, nature and humanity into surreal anatomy. For more information go to: earthboundproject.co.uk
Astronauts of Light:
A Contemporary aspect of Joseph Wright: A life on paper.
Derby Museum & Art Gallery
14th March to 17th May, extended to 7 Sept 2025, due to popular demand!
Astronauts of light is the outcome of the Air Arts Visual Literacy: Seeing the skin project which encourages Dermatologists to observe the skin in a more creative approach by responding to skin illustrations through experimental drawings. The Astronauts of light are comprised of an unusual surreal portrait of Joseph Wright flanked by two other beings, a blend of Wright's drawing subject matter. Look closer and you can see intricate layers of a fusion of skin cells from skin conditions held together by forms inspired by the Royal College of Physician's Museum London's anatomical tables. The Astronaut's skins are cut to allow them to be flooded with light, a nod to both Wright's work and the concept of clinicians being pioneers, like Astronauts in space. The project was supported by Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity and worked with the following organisations: Royal College of Physicians Museum London, Derby Museum & Art Gallery, The Dowling Club, The Willan Library and The British Association of Dermatologists.
Watch this space, more news about the Astronauts of light next journey coming soon…
Kaleidoscopic Anatomy
Kaleidoscopic are a series of anatomical drawings, inspired by models in the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton Medical Museum and the collection from The Royal College of Physicians Museum. They can be moved to take you on a kaleidoscopic journey…. The drawings are the basis for two surreal anatomical sculptures, created by Sculptor Simon Watson. Both drawings and sculptures will feature in a forthcoming exhibition and be used in the Visual Literacy: Seeing the skin project in 2024.
Beautiful sculptures by sculptor Simon Watson, inspired by the 'Kaleodoscpic anatomy' 3D drawings which took reference from welcome collection books and anatomical models. These finished works will be used in E J Lance's anatomical drawing and visual literacy workshops.
Threads - Leonardo, a Life in Drawing
2019 was the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci. Derby Museum & Art Gallery was the Museum chosen to represent the East Midlands for The Royal Collection's national 'Leonardo Da Vinci: A Life in Drawing' exhibition. E J Lance was selected to be the contemporary Artist responding to Leonardo's anatomical drawings as part of this internationally significant exhibition. She created five huge surreal anatomical 'beings' that were drawn directly on to the wall, live. The beings have evolved to use many faceted limbs to express their emotions and to communicate, the beings are alien, yet human. One of the original drawings is on permanent display in The Joseph Wright Study Center. Images of the works were displayed at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Anatomical Illusions
A series of experimental drawings which use mirrors to explore anatomical models. Exhibited as part of Air Arts temporary exhibition: Three were selected by the Library & Information Service to go on permanent display. One is used on the cover of the Exhibition programme: Autumn Winter 2018/2019.
Go With the Flo
Commissioned by Fleet Arts to celebrate the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale's birth, 3 paper-cut, sculptural drawings exploring light, water and air which were the three aspects Florence believed underpinned good health. The designs of the works were inspired by three workshops with NHS staff, the finished works were exhibited at Royal Derby Hospital and one of the works is on permanent display at Fleet Arts.
Humble Giants
Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, Air Arts exhibition.
Pre-amble drawings to Still Spirits inspired by the Blashka models in the Woollaton Hall Natural History Museum's collection.
