Fodder School Muse-of-the-Month: Emma Hudson
What if you went into your art with the expectation that is doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful?
This body of work grew from showing up again and again—with curiosity instead of judgment.
Our Muse of the Month Emma Hudson is a beautiful reminder that growth doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it unfolds steadily and quietly by just showing up for yourself.
What part of the world do you currently live in?
I live in the UK, in a city called Chelmsford in the county of Essex. We are about 35 miles east of London.
When did your art or crafting journey begin?
I come from a really creative family, my dad is an artist and my mum is super creative, there was always art or craft project or two, three or four on the go in the house. We were always gifted felt tips, paint, and paper every birthday, Christmas, and even at Easter instead of a chocolate eggs! We were always encouraged to 'have a go', to explore, make a mess, and to try different mediums and techniques - I can't remember not doing art, it's always been a big part of my life. At school I was encouraged to take more academic subjects by my teachers so didn't take it at G.C.S.E levels. I will never forget the day the art teacher Mr Warwick Man, saw my sketchbook and said I could do A-Level art- I ran all the way home in excitement. I then did a foundation course in art at Hull polytechnic, where I loved the fashion and textile design lessons. So I then did degree in Fashion and Textiles at Winchester school of art. I worked in Textiles and fashion for few years and was doing well, but felt something was missing. I trained to be an art teacher which I loved. I worked with all ages but I especially loved working with youngsters who needed more support. This lead me to work in a special needs school in the East End of London. I was a class teacher and in charge of the art curriculum. I met the love of my life, got married had babies and became a stay at home mum to our two amazing girls.We did lots of art and I always had a creative project on the go - drawing, knitting, crochet, painting, making jewellery, embroidery etc. I went back to teaching once the girls were both at school, I worked in a Nursery as a Special Educational Needs co-ordinator, again we did a lot of arty activities. Due to ill health I had to stop working in 2022. I found this really difficult and friends suggested I started to create daily and post it online - more as a way to get in a creative routine. I joined Instagram and I have posted daily since the 1st of March 2022. I post to maintain my routine and to make myself show up, I post whether I am pleased with the outcome or not and this has been so freeing! It allows me to make without the pressures of prefection.Through Instagram I started seeing lots of amazing work and they all had something in common - Fodder School! I make art everyday and when I recently got paint on the settee, my lovely husband shrugged and said 'well we will have paint on things its an arty house'!!!
How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back each year?
I joined Fodder School in April 2022, and it's been life changing for me. There is always a new project, new techniques to try, different mediums to play with and I am really grateful and appreciate the whole community. Wendy, and all the team are fantastic!
How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey or daily art practice?
Fodder School has had a major impact on my daily art practice. I made a vow to myself to start creating with intention daily in March 2022, and joined Fodder School in April 2022. I have tried new mediums, techniques, styles and colours because of being a student of Fodder School. Often the lessons that didn't initially appeal to me have become ones I have learned the most from as they have pushed me to explore and try new things. Fodder School has prompted me to stay curious and given me inspiration to keep being creative. I am forever grateful.
What’s one project, technique, or lesson from FS that completely lit you up?
That is like asking me to choose a favourite child or biscuit! One that I return to often and always inspires me is Rebecca Chapman and her Polaroid Fodder Challenge 2024 lesson. I love her work, and collage is one of my favourite ways to create.
How would you describe the Fodder School community in three words?
Inspirational. Creative. Supportive.
One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student?
My advice to a newbie is: 'Just create'. Don't wait till you have all the same materials as the tutor, or until your space is perfect, you have 5 free hours, or when all your chores are complete because it's rare to have everything right at the same time. So just get creating and forget about perfection!
We’re endlessly inspired by our Fodder School superfans and the heart they bring to this community. Stay tuned for more spotlights!
