Emma Witter's intricate sculptural pieces are truly captivating, weaving together stunning themes of nature, myth, and artistry. Each creation is not only exquisite and ethereally beautiful but also showcases remarkable attention to detail. The extraordinary skill and dedication poured into their creation shine through, leaving viewers in a state of mesmerized wonder. These artworks invite us to explore the enchanting connections between the natural world and human imagination, discovers Anji Connell

“Bone,” Emma Witter says, “has always been my starting point, it's the core material that has led me to everything else. Finding bones rather beautiful, I began by collecting them from restaurant waste, cleaning and assembling them like tiny architectural forms. From there, I started adding other found objects—pearls, shells, and beads—and eventually, copper became a means to unify and elevate those elements, as both a contrast and a connector. It gilds the fragile and encases the ephemeral. There's a dialogue between the organic and the refined that I find endlessly compelling.”

For her latest exhibition, Witter took inspiration from "The Moon's Daughter is a Pearl," a poignant poem by Anna Souter. From which she has taken the celestial figure Venus and ancient symbolism to create a dreamlike realm where remnants of nature are transformed into delicate works of art. Witter reimagined discarded oyster shells are salvaged from market waste. “I truly believe that beauty surrounds us, especially in the overlooked and ordinary aspects of life. I think of my artistic practice as a form of alchemy, transforming the undervalued into something sacred. Venus, as a symbol, has always been rich territory. She embodies beauty, fertility, desire - but also mystery and power. In ancient times, Venus was the morning star, the evening star—a celestial body constantly transforming, appearing and disappearing. I love the idea that she has this duality: soft and fierce, sensual and divine. That energy, that mythic femininity, is something I tried to bring into “The Moon's Daughter is a Pearl.” There's a sense of ritual, of reverence, of otherworldliness."

“In today's disconnected digital age, tactility is essential - I strive for my pieces to provide a grounding and soothing experience on various sensory levels. I envision small copper objects as talismans, meant to be touched and cherished, inviting connection and intention in a tactile, heartfelt way.” 

Both copper and salvaged materials such as bones and oyster shells possess a sensual quality, evoking themes of transformation and memory. Shells signify remnants of life - fragile yet resilient - while copper, with its warm conductivity and skin-like oxidation, evolves over time. When paired together, they reflect the duality of love - beautiful yet painful, enduring yet fleeting. There is a longing inherent in these materials, and I aim to let that essence emerge.

To showcase her latest body of work Witter has chosen the smaller downstairs area at Gallery FUMI which she says, ‘Has always been my favorite. It feels like a treasure box and a calm oasis in the heart of the busy city. It has a subterranean, womb-like energy - quiet and sacred. I leant into that and treated it almost like a shrine or altar. I wanted a contrast in atmosphere from the warm maximalism of the group show upstairs, creating the sensation of entering a contemporary grotto. My goal was for people to step away from their hectic days for a few moments and experience something a little spellbinding.”

Witter’s practice grew out of an interest in storytelling and world-building, she initially studied performance design, focusing on scenography, and believes that theatricality still influences the way she approaches sculpture and space. “I use objects as props to narrate stories, evoke moods, and serve as prompts that invite viewers to engage their imagination and speculate on deeper meanings, creating an interplay between the physical and the narrative that enriches the experience of my work and fosters a more dynamic dialogue with the audience."

Witter’s work is a collaborative process, “Collaboration,” she says, “is essential to my practice. Whether I'm working with a welder friend, visiting antique dealers who keep an eye out for specific items, or relying on a butcher who saves particular bones for my projects, I feel enriched by these exchanges. The final sculptures embody traces of those relationships. There's a quiet joy in creating something together—in shared creation. It makes the work feel alive and deeply rooted in the larger community.”

Through her unique approach to materials, collaborative spirit, and immersive environments, Witter creates a captivating body of work that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. Her art invites engagement and reflection, encouraging us to rediscover the magic hidden within our world. In an ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression, Witter's journey serves as a compelling reminder of the beauty found in connection, transformation, and the power of storytelling.

Gallery FUMI
2-3 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London W1J 6AS
*The exhibition opens in tandem with the galleries summer group show 'Casa al Mare'