We are an artist and musician with a collaborative practice, based in Orkney, Scotland. We take a playful, improvisatory approach to exploring audio-visual material together. We have been making work together since 2013. We are both neuro-divergent creatives and we're proud to be part of the Neuk Collective
Emma Ainsley is an artist working with sound, video and performance with a particular interest in working with others to explore the possibilities of creating connections and communication beyond chat. Her work is influenced by many years working in front-line care roles and has a darkly humourous and playful edge, embracing a love of vulnerable, intimate connection with strangers.
John Phillips is a musician and composer. Whilst always being interested in jazz and improvisation John was trained in classical music and composition at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, while serving for five years in the Coldstream Guards Band. After being a professional trumpet player for fifteen years he changed his career to care work after volunteering to help at a music therapy session, and seeing how music reached and lifted people with a variety of support needs. Alongside the twenty years of care work John continued to develop his practice as a musician-composer and has always sought opportunities to bring music into his care practice.
Find out more about our collaborative practice at: ainsleyphillips.com