Emma Archard

Many moons ago I did an O level in art and then put down my paintbrush until April 2024. Having moved to Devon and finding my forever home, I was also surprised to find an old passion: renewing my love for painting and drawing. Not hard when I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, Torbay. That, along with my travels far and wide, has inspired my initial determination to reproduce the light of the sun on local landscapes and bring elephants to Torbay. It also inspired the building of an art studio in the garden! Art has opened my eyes to the beauty and colours around me and has helped me to grow and develop in ways I never thought possible. Getting messy with paint and charcoal, my two preferred mediums, has given me joy and I have found the peace, space and grounding needed to manage my menopause and my sanity.

For over 25 years, I was a teacher of languages and leader within education (and still tutor) and have recently set up my own business, Embrace the Menopause, after retraining. I am passionate about making a positive difference in women’s lives. My mission? To bring art and menopause together. I want women to embrace life to the fullest through their own creativity, as I do. Through the development of my photography and artistic skills I have started to explore the pain, anguish and confusion of midlife as well as how we should celebrate the beauty, confidence and wisdom of the older woman. 

My mantra moving forward is- Don't dream it. Be it.  

A selection of 9 photographs showing the cognitive pain, anxiety and confusion suffered during perimenopause

Photography

53x73cm

Framed under glass