Hello, I'm Emma Rooke

My work is inspired by the details and wonder found in nature. I work mainly in black and white as I love the contrast and the variety of tones that help bring a subject to life. 

Before becoming an artist, I studied art and design at the Adelaide Central School of Art and then completed an Asssociate Diploma in Graphic Design. While working in a busy advertising agency I would unwind in the evenings with my visual diary sketching and doodling. I eventually plucked up the courage to hold my first art exhibition, it was a total success! My medium of choice became scraperboard, I fell in love with it while studying art and have not stopped. I have since held 7 solo exhibitions, each one featuring wildlife, botanic forms and sea creatures.

In 2019 I was fortunate enough to relocate to Hawaii which was the inspiration for many of the ocean themed pieces you will find here. Now back in Australia, I'm enjoying reconnecting with the Australian bush and my focus is now on Australias unique wildlife and Australian native plants and flowers.

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What is Scraperboard? Scraperboard is heavy illustration board which has been coated with china clay and then a layer of black India ink. The effect is achieved by scratching away the black layer revealing the white beneath using a fine print cutting tool. Yes, it is very time consuming but worth every scratch!

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Scroll down for exhibition list