John Emanuel (1930-2024) | Cornish Figurative Artist

John Emanuel painted glorious, strong figurative art from his St Ives Porthmeor Studio

John Emanuel, a celebrated Cornish artist, was born in 1930 in Bury, Lancashire. His journey into the art world is a testament to passion and perseverance, as he had no formal art training. Instead, his artistic foundation was built on his early career as a decorator and signwriter, which honed his understanding of form, color, and composition.

Emanuel's artistic awakening began in the 1960s when he moved to Cornwall, a region renowned for its vibrant art scene and breathtaking landscapes. The Cornish coastline, with its unique light and rugged beauty, became a profound source of inspiration for him. He settled in St Ives, a hub for artists, where he worked from the historic Porthmeor Studios, previously used by notable sculptors.

Emanuel's work is deeply rooted in the interplay between the human figure and the landscape. His art often explores the relationship between the contours of the body and the natural forms of the environment. This thematic focus is evident in his use of classical forms and simplicity of line, which lend his work a timeless quality. His preferred mediums include oils, charcoal, gouache, and mixed media, often applied to hand-made papers and archival boards.

The artist's influences are as diverse as his techniques. He drew inspiration from the works of his contemporaries in St Ives, including Denis Mitchell, John Wells, and Alexander Mackenzie. These connections enriched his artistic vision and helped him refine his unique style. Emanuel's art also reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world, particularly the Cornish landscape, which he often depicted as a harmonious extension of the human form.

Emanuel's contributions to the art world extend beyond his creations. He was an active member of the Penwith Society of Arts and a founder of the Porthmeor Printmakers. His work has been exhibited widely, from the Wills Lane Gallery in St Ives to prestigious venues in London and New York. Notably, he was commissioned by Tate St Ives to create an etching for the gallery's opening, cementing his legacy within the Cornish art community.

Throughout his career, Emanuel remained committed to exploring the themes of identity, nature, and the passage of time. His art invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, offering a meditative experience that resonates deeply with audiences.

John Emanuel's life and work exemplify the transformative power of art. From his humble beginnings to his status as a revered figure in the Cornish art scene, his journey is a testament to the enduring allure of creativity and the profound impact of place on artistic expression. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate, ensuring his place in the annals of modern British art.

John Emanuel was a painter and etcher, born in Bury, Lancashire. He attended his local technical college in Barrow-in-Furness and apprenticed as a painter and decorator. His painting career started in 1962, and although he was mainly self-taught, he was helped by Alexander Mackenzie, Denis Mitchell and John Wells. He became a full-time artist by the mid-70’s.

He had several solo exhibitions between 1975-2005 which include five shows at the Wills Lane Gallery, St. Ives, Montpelier Studio, London. His group shows from 1976 include Basel Art Fair 1978, Cleveland International Drawing Biennale, 1979, Oldham Art Gallery 1982-83, Beaux Arts Bath 1989, A Century of Art in Cornwall, Truro 1989, and Contemporary Art Fair, London 1992. He has also exhibited at the RWA and a retrospective exhibition of his work was held at the Penwith Gallery in 2005.

An example of his work is in the collection of Penlee House Museum, Cornwall.

Source: various web sources including www.artbiogs.co.uk