Emma Bass: Blooming Through Adversity with the Power of Petals

Award-winning photographer Emma Bass shares her inspiring journey of artistic growth and healing through the beauty of flowers with us.

The Unlikely Pairing of Art and Medicine

Art and medicine may not seem like a traditional pairing, but for Emma Bass, they have always been intertwined. From her early days as a nurse to her current status as one of New Zealand’s most renowned photographic artists, Emma has always found joy in helping others. She believes that both careers, despite their apparent differences, share a common goal: bringing relief and happiness to people.

Comfort Through Art

“My work has always been about giving comfort,” says Emma, whose artworks adorn the walls of Auckland Hospital and are often donated to hospices and rest homes. “Whether through nursing or imagery, knowing that my work has lifted someone’s spirits during a personal setback or tragedy is profoundly encouraging.”

The Healing Power of Flowers

For nearly a decade, Emma has focused her creative endeavors on flowers. Immersing herself in the beauty of floral compositions has been incredibly cathartic. She expertly arranges native plants like pōhutukawa and kōwhai in decorative vases or protruding from rocks, creating vibrant and thought-provoking images.

“Flowers are incredibly soothing,” she explains. “They are a universal symbol of hope and love, scientifically proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing. This inspires me deeply.”

A Sanctuary of Creativity

Emma’s light-filled 1950s Auckland home, shared with her children Olive and George, is as colorful and eclectic as her artwork. Her beloved pet cockatiel Kōwhai chirps happily in the corner, and every wall and shelf is adorned with an array of objets d’art. Her extensive vase collection and artworks create a sanctuary where she finds solace and creative inspiration.

“This home is my sanctuary,” she says. “It’s where I welcome friends, watch my kids grow, and seek refuge from the busyness of life. It’s also the creative hub from which my floral works spring.”

From Nursing to Photography

Born in Liberia to English parents, Emma moved to New Zealand at the age of six. She showed artistic promise early on, often decorating the Coronary Care Unit at Auckland Hospital to bring cheer to patients. Despite her talent, Emma chose to study nursing, a decision she never regretted.

“It was incredibly rewarding and satisfying,” she says. “Knowing you’re making a difference in some small way is a wonderful feeling.”

Emma’s love for photography blossomed during a stint in London in her twenties. She joined The Camera Club in Leicester Square, learning darkroom techniques and participating in her first group exhibition. Upon returning to New Zealand, she started dabbling in commercial photography while still working as a nurse.

She quickly became one of the most in-demand photographers, capturing some of the country’s best-known faces. Her ability to put people at ease in front of the camera, a skill honed during her nursing career, set her apart.

Embracing Creative Freedom

In her mid-thirties, Emma gave up nursing to focus solely on her art and photography. This period was joyous, and her stunning images garnered awards and acclaim. Her interest in flora grew, a response to challenging life events, including a series of miscarriages and the end of her marriage.

“It was through this suffering that I realized we often have to endure,” she reflects. “But beauty can be staged and brought into people’s spaces, wherever they are.”

Emma’s journey is a testament to the healing power of art and the resilience of the human spirit. Through her floral compositions, she continues to bring comfort and beauty to others, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can bloom and thrive.