The island chief was honoured to meet with the world renowned artist, Ms. Emma Hacks on her recent visit to Huvafen Fushi where she was showcasing her amazing talents live to guests and visitors. As we dwelled deep into conversation we asked her some questions regarding here career, technique and inspirations to which she answered with the same grace and flair from which she produces her art.

Tell us a little bit about how you got inspired you to become an artist?

To me its funny because people always ask me when did you become an artist, because for me I think you are always an artist. Every child is an artist. You know, as a child we always sit, play and create things. I think there is a point where people sometimes stop being an artist. But luckily I just kept on going. I have always been an artist and I have always strived to be one.

I kind of started body painting when there was no one in Australia doing it and there was no internet. It was 28 years ago. So for me I had to come up with this new idea and this new way of creating. Maybe more on the skin then on the canvas. And people used to think I was crazy. But now its good, people love it.  And I found out later, that there were people doing the same thing around that time but they weren't aware of me and I wasn't aware of them. So its very interesting.

What sort of career would you have pursued if you didn't become an artist?

I would have been a fashion designer because I always loved design or maybe a florist because I love flowers. But I think being a florist may not work for me because I don't like to stay in the same place all the time, I get bored very easily. So I always like to travel and this inspires me more. Even after a trip like this to Maldives, I will be like oh, so many more ideas.

When you are body painting, what sort of messages do you try to convey out of it?

My work is very much about nature, the environment and looking after it as it is very important to me. I live in the country of Adelaide in south Australia. So in the country I am always surrounded by birds and animals. We have koalas in our trees. I have a big kangaroo that comes up in to our backyard all the time. It is very much about looking after the nature and not taking it over. 

What kind of themes are you going to apply to your future paintings?

I dont know. Sometimes I have many ideas but I wait for the right time and movement to do things. I create an art form not simply as a decoration but with a meaning so there will always be a theme for my paintings and there is always an idea of what I want to say.

What sorts of day to day challenges do you face in your career?

If I have a good model, then it's okay but sometimes I feel like maybe they don't look after themselves or they don't eat enough and then they faint *chuckles* Well thats not very good. But I haven't had this happen to me for many years now so thats been a relief. 

A normal artist would usually draw for over a few hours and then they can stop and then they can paint a bit more the next day or the following day. It might take 3 months for them to create a painting or even up to a year, but the hardest thing for me is that I have to create it all in one sitting. Meaning I have to create within 15 hours and thats the amount of time I usually spend on an outlet. So its never really completely finished in my mind.

Tell us little bit about the art collection that you have recently launched?

The most recent one that I have launched is called the Flight of Fancy. Flight of fancy is a saying where the unbelievable is true. I like camouflaging the model that I paint on to the background so you cannot see them while holding the natural birds. And the backgrounds are also all made from natural foliage, we have the flowers and the Palms and then the model painted.

What were your expectations of the guests on how they will be reacting to your art here in Huvafen Fushi?

I have done live body art all around the world and all the time people are so amazed, they love to interact with me when I am creating and ask a lot of questions about you know how it feels like and about what else I can paint and things like that. I expect the guests to be quite open and coming over to me to talk and hopefully even participate with me. I have been watching people you know, watching their personalities and there is a couple here who would probably jump at the chance.

How do you feel about this experience, showcasing your talents here in one of the most iconic resorts in the Maldives?

I think this place is amazing. As you know I love nature so to amaze audiences in this beautiful place is very relaxing, doesn't feel like I am working. For me it is such a pleasure to work here and I thank Huvafen Fushi for having me. Its very inspiring to be here and hopefully I will get to come back again.

Emma hack is an Adelaide-based artist working in the unique medium of body paint installation and photography. Exhibiting extensively throughout Australia since 1999, Emmas astounding artworks have since captured the attention of collectors and art lovers worldwide.

Best known for her Wallpaper series (2005-2010)-in which she painstakingly camouflaged the human form by hand painting her models into the remarkable designs of the late Florence Broadhurst. Emma Hacks diverse artwork collections draw inspiration from the unique Australian flora and fauna, as well as Oriental influences.

Emma has received great acclaim for her refined body paint camouflage technique; through a combination of painting on canvas, body painting and studio-based photography, her work evokes a rich array of visual narrative and magical realism.

Huvafen Fushi is a luxurious resort located in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives. It features lavish overwater and beach bungalows with private pools, 6 dining outlets, a spa, an infinity pool and a yoga  pavilion for  guests seeking ultimate relaxation.

Huvafen Fushi is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. An alternative seaplane journey takes 15 minutes.