Emily Lamb: A paint artist with a difference

HARRIET JAMES talks to EMILY LAMB, a granddaughter to acclaimed late wildlife painter David Shepherd. Early this year, as Angama Mara’s inaugural ‘Artist in Residence’ she embarked on a campaign to commit 30 minutes daily to produce an artwork of an endangered species, with all the proceeds going to conservation projects

Kindly tell us about yourself

I am from the UK and 33 years old. I have been travelling around Africa since I was a little girl because of my family connections.

I schooled in the UK and attended a traditional atelier portrait school in London on part-time.

When I was 21, I did my first artist in residence at Londolozi in South Africa and my focus and love to paint nature grew from there. 

Apart from your grandfather, are there other artists in the family? 

My aunt Mandy Shepherd also paints. My grandfather had four daughters and my mother ran his wildlife charity, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) for 28 years and is still its chairperson.

My sister doesn’t paint, but is now head of programmes and policy for DSWF and keeps the legacy alive. 

What inspired you to start painting and how did you develop your ability?

I am David Shepherd’s eldest grandchild and was particularly close to him. He taught me how to look at nature, and first and foremost, to care deeply about it.

The painting came from simply being curious about the visual world around me and trying to translate it the best way I knew how.

I have travelled extensively (not just in Africa) and have always been nomadic.

This, coupled with being open to my surroundings and my wish to always keep learning, is the greatest source of inspiration and development of my practice. 

What types of painting techniques do you use and why? 

I paint because it’s what I have practised the most, but I already lean into music, dance and collaborations with other artists.

My focus is on translating the energy of wild spaces and there are infinite ways of doing this. Freedom and a brave attitude in life were taught to me, and they can get one far.

Where are your artworks sold?

I have always sold wherever I can; privately or through galleries. Now I use the Internet – mainly Instagram (emilylamb_art and art_4_earthlings). Exhibitions are my favourite spaces, where I can do the biggest works. 

How do you share your knowledge of art? 

I have mentored young African artists. In my book, art is for the masses and sharing is the ultimate gift from one human to another. 

How much have your efforts raised in term of money so far? 

I have raised around £220,000 (Sh28 million). I am part of a group of art ambassadors for DSWF, but also support through donated works, a variety of causes. 

What inspired your love for Africa and Kenya in particular? 

I have always felt Africa was more my home than anywhere else. I want to be close to the animals I love. I am still searching for a place to set down my roots, and this keeps me learning and moving across the continent.

This is why I came to Kenya. Being at Angama Mara has given me a beautiful stepping-stone into Kenya and I have been able to see the wild and also paint in peace. 

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a painter? 

Challenges are an everyday occurrence. Finding my own voice within a legacy so bold and great was the first challenge. Now, I find challenge in the urgency of art and environmental issues as a whole and how they can alchemise to create positive change and growth. 

How is art received in Africa compared to other parts of the world? 

I think art is received well in Africa. People respond either in two ways; they connect or they don’t.

I paint because I can and I have a purpose. I think African art is the most glorious of all. Energy and passion exude and the raw originality blows my mind. 

Has art played its conservation role in Africa? 

Artists have always dreamt boldly and questioned the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ of spaces and places, and we continue to do so. I think there is a really powerful global connectivity between the arts that will not stop at breaking all the rules for conservation in all areas.