Art has the power to transform lives - something that artist, mother, and mental health advocate Ema Lou knows all too well. With her vibrant watercolour creations and passionate approach to creativity, Ema has built a community where art serves not just as a form of expression, but as a path to healing.
We sat down with Ema to talk about her creative journey, how Micador has played a role in her artistic practice, and the important work she does supporting those healing from trauma and navigating neurodiversity.
Finding Joy in Colour
Your Instagram is filled with such vibrant, joyful art. What first drew you to creating with such bold colours?
We are so in love with colours and the rainbow. From when we started introducing art supplies to the kids as toddlers, we would set up supplies in rainbow order and understand how they blend together. It really helped the kids learn about colour theory and avoid muddy tones; it was instant gratification, wanting to keep creating. We would even organise the home in rainbow order, which was fun for the kids. Colour just became our everyday norm. Visually, it looks so pretty too.
We even named our cute puppy Joy, so we use that word because everyone needs a loving reminder to create more joy in their lives.
We feel happier using bright bold colours.
How did your journey with art begin? Was there a defining moment when you realized it was more than just a hobby?
I grew up creating, crafting, beading and the good old-fashioned craft lesson decorating tissue boxes & art classes drawing fruit bowls back in the 80s, it was my quiet time, so it was a no-brainer to have supplies and a creative home environment for my kids. We started blogging and posting on Instagram to inspire more parents to take time out during the busy day-to-day. Setting up the kitchen bench while cooking dinner was a win-win for everyone. Art-making didn't have to be expensive or elaborate, just connection and interest.
The kids had their friends' parents asking for classes or workshops after play dates because we had the space and supplies available. We didn't mind the mess, and we also allowed glitter, hehe. I know a lot of parents who don't like it, so naturally, kids were excited to use glitter in our home, get sensory, make potions, choose and pour their own paint colours, and most of all, parents didn't have to worry about the clean up. That brought me tremendous amounts of joy, so from that we did a few workshops and classes and it just evolved and grew from there.
We built an outdoor art space so we can use it all year round, and generally that's where we would run classes and workshops.
You're a mum of three living a "rainbow life" – what does that phrase mean to you in practice?
We aren't afraid of a bit of colour, haha! The kids wear bright colours every day, we play, experiment, explore, and try a range of supplies that include the rainbow spectrum. Instead of choosing one bottle of paint, we would buy magenta, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue and purple.
Displaying all the crazy colour-filled masterpieces the kids made for us to see was super important. This built confidence to keep creating for the love of it, that everything you make is wonderful and important, and your creations are an expression of who you are.
I am over the moon when children feel loved and supported in our home. Creating that legacy of"Auntie Em gave us a space to express ourselves." is very humbling.
The Creative Process
We've noticed you often reach for Micador Stylist Watercolours in your work. What is it about these particular watercolours that speaks to you?
We absolutely love them, the fluorescent colours are magic, they all blend so easily and I apply them to so many crafty activities. We find them super easy for the kids to use.
We would often take a smaller art journal and the watercolours to the park, cafe, soccer games and appointments. In such a high-tech world, it's nice to just be in the moment.
How do you balance being a mum of three with making time for your creative practice?
It's forever changing as my children grow up, but I feel like not creating after having my first contributed to my postnatal depression. I didn't fill my creative bucket, so art-making was slowly introduced - even 15 minutes with a cup of tea was better than nothing. No expectations or pressure.
I noticed the kids would watch me, so I included them from toddlerhood. I'd set up an easel for them next to mine. Sometimes they'd only paint for 5 minutes, but we learned to respect each other's art-making. As they grew, it became their norm. When I used clay, they got some too - this prevented them feeling left out while teaching them to respect their tools.
I do have art supplies that are just mine, and that's perfectly okay. Healthy boundaries and self-care aren't things mums typically prioritise, so I give anyone permission to create a mum-only art stash without guilt!
My kids understand that creative time is essential for my mental health, just like sport is for their dad's wellbeing. They know my studio is a private space I can use anytime. I'm much happier when I can create.
Art as Healing
Can you tell us about your Art Therapy page and what motivated you to create this space?
A kind, creative mum who survived domestic violence herself recommended art therapy after finding it a gentler way to support her children. Everything about it was child-led, not formal or clinical.
This grew organically - we already had creative spaces set up, so it wasn't unusual to have neighbourhood kids, schoolmates and cousins over. With friends telling friends, it sometimes felt like a youth drop-in centre!
It was a privilege to welcome children who needed a listening ear, a supportive space, or simply somewhere they weren't in trouble. It became clear that many who gravitated to our home were experiencing some form of domestic violence.
Because I let children be silly, explore materials freely, paint their hands, use glitter, spill paint without getting upset (and colour outside the lines!), art-making wasn't confronting. Without pressure to talk, children would eventually open up in their own time.
We had an unexpected opportunity for emergency foster care through a women's shelter - one of the hardest but most memorable experiences of my life. We embraced it all: tears, laughter, hugs, and lots of art journaling, slime-making, and messy play. Having art supplies on hand was truly a privilege many children don't have.
All this led me to get qualifications so I could properly support and empower children and mothers through the most challenging times in their lives, equipped with current policies and practices.
How have you seen art help people who are healing from domestic abuse or managing mental health challenges?
Art is so healing for any age!
As someone diagnosed with ADHD at 44, I've struggled with anxiety my whole life. I've found comfort in seeing other neurodivergent people loving creativity and colour, often for dopamine. So many artists talk about creativity supporting their mental health journey, which is amazing. These conversations are so important.
Art-making is vital for healing and gaining back confidence. Watching children and women who weren't allowed to do anything for themselves slowly choosing when, where and what they want to make is a huge step.
Supporting children and women with a strength-based approach focuses on promoting healing. Resilience, empowerment and shifting the focus from problem to possibility help individuals identify and recognise their strengths. It encourages clients to view themselves as survivors rather than victims.
Quick Creativity Round
What art supply would you bring to a desert island?
That's a hard one, because I'd take art supplies over clothes. Art journal would be a priority.
Early morning or late night art sessions?
Definitely late night.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who says "I'm not creative" or "I can't do art," what would it be?
To create for yourself, not for others, make your own art heart happy first.
Ema Lou reminds us why we do what we do at Micador. Art isn't just about creating something pretty – it's about connection, expression, and sometimes, healing. It's about finding joy in the process rather than worrying about the end result.
Want to see more of Ema Lou's vibrant creations and advocacy work? Follow her on Instagram @emaloukidsartcraft and check out her Art Therapy page @emalouarttherapy
