"I feel very lucky that I can answer this question by saying that I'm an Artist, and that my business is making Art! In the past, I've always had practical roles in workplaces where I get to make things, or develop practical skills, but for the last 3 years I've been self employed as a sole trader for my own business, making artworks and running workshops for the public. I love creating public artworks than engage audiences through play or curiosity, and when I'm facilitating workshop sessions, the focus is always to use play to explore creativity! My main focus is to create large scale sculptures and art installations that allow visitors to feel immersed in a story, whether this is with my own stories or through collaborations with others, there is always an element of discovery, magic or wonder."

"Wakefield is where I grew up, and although I am no longer based there, Yorkshire will always be my priority place of work. The Yorkshire Sculpture park was a favourite place of mine as a kid, and I was fortunate enough to work there for many years in a variety of positions. I met some real good 'uns, and I think that that's reflective of the fact that Wakefield has bloomin' great folk. Yer should be proud of yer sen Wakey!"

"A favourite and proud moment of mine after going freelance was exhibiting a work on the hoarding of the new WX building at the old Market. Not only was this project an opportunity to display my work, but it also gave me complete creative freedom to showcase the storied behind my artworks -  a sci-fi/fantasy-esque world which I am continuously developing that inspires all of the works and projects that I do! I even had a little cry when I went to visit it, as I used to walk past that area every week going to Friday Night Gaming near Trinity Walk or Air Cadets."

"What's Next? Well! This August I'll be completing my MA in Fine Art, and the next steps feel really exciting! I'm looking forward to continue my research into Play and its positive qualities in relation to Arts Engagement, along with developing my practice with interactive technology. I'm also looking at ways to benefit communities, using skills within the arts to develop other peoples creative passions or employability potential within the creative industries - so if anyone has an advice or knowledge in these areas please do get in touch and let me know so I can pick your brain and we can change the world! (and I can buy you a coffee at the Hepworth so I have an excuse to have a lovely day out!)"

If you'd like to find out more about Emma and her work, please visit her website here: Emma Denby – Artist | Fabricator | Workshop Facilitator