Gemma Bailey
In this interview, artist Gemma Bailey discusses her evolution from fashion designer to creating art in the Hudson Valley, New York. She shares her fluid creative process, drawing inspiration from nature and her studies in botany and folk art. Gemma highlights the role of color in her work and how she blends nature with geometric forms. She tells us about the importance of celebrating the healing power of plants while seeking balance in her creative and personal life.
Hello Gemma, how are you today? Could you introduce yourself?
I’m doing good thank you! Yes, I’m an artist and designer. I was formerly working in the fashion industry. I’m from London but now live in the Hudson valley, New York. It’s a beautiful place but getting very cold here now and I’m trying to get everything planned out for the New Year.
Can you elaborate on your creative process? How do you transition from initial inspiration to the final piece?
My process is somewhat fluid. I’m always gathering inspiration. Photos of plants and things that trigger something in my mind to maybe eventually form a component or color combination for a painting. Sometimes I just get a quick random flash in my head of a composition then I roughly draw it in a sketchbook then use that as a rough guide when I sit down to paint. Sometimes I wish I was more process driven, I would probably waste a lot less time but then I also have some happy accidents so like being adaptable to it! When I actually make the final piece I just start, instinctively keep adding until I think it’s done. I don’t do lots of preparatory drawings or even plan the colors really…..sometimes it works,sometimes it doesn’t! The more I lower the stakes and just experiment and not get too in my head I think the better it turns out.
How has your style evolved over the years, from your early work to your current pieces?
I think when I first started painting, my work was quite simplistic and graphic. Then over time I’ve added more detail and immersed myself in the painting process. but the themes are mostly still the same…
I had to get over a lot of self doubt at the beginning but the satisfaction and joy I get from making the work overtook all else…I’m never entirely satisfied, I just want to keep evolving and improving.
How did living and working in New York City influence your artistic style and perspective?
I loved my time in New York City, working in fashion. I’m still able to commute in very easily from my home for projects. I also grew up and went to university in London, so I lived in both cities during very formative years. I was always comfortable in that fast paced lifestyle and assumed this was the life for me. It was only the last few years that I realized how much I had been bypassing my need to slow down and feel a sense of space. Physically and mentally.
Obviously, New York has an array of inspiration that I love in terms of culture. Currently, I’m not seeking that same level of stimulation as much in my work or personal life. I have found once I withdrew a little and cultivated a deeper inner world with less distractions I was able to be more focused on where to put my energy creatively. My daughter was only two at that point of lifestyle change, I’m eternally grateful I was able to take that short pause to be in a better mindset.
When I worked as a designer I travelled a lot either for inspiration or to work on collections. I think Japan and India had very big influences on my artistic style and color sense.
What draws you to ancient folk art and botanical paintings? How do you incorporate these influences into your contemporary work?
I love the tradition of folk art and that it is often something that is passed down through generations, whether a story, or an everyday object like a quilt or ceramic piece. I like to draw from many different decorative arts and crafts movements throughout history. My interest in botanical paintings began when I started studying a lot about flower remedies and alternative medicines such as homeopathy and herbalism. The Material medica is filled with ancient knowledge of therapeutic properties of plants and beautiful drawings of flowers and herbs. I wanted to celebrate the power of plants….This then led me to the energy and frequency of plants. I love the idea of creating these magical, imaginary flowers and plants that have new, evolved healing powers.
How do you choose the materials and techniques for your paintings?
I really love working on paper, I use a heavy weight mixed media paper that is either a tan toned or black. I liked the idea of the contrast of night and day, dark and light and that the plants and flowers are just as active in the light and dark. Now, I’m starting to paint much larger scale, I am working more on canvas and wooden boards but I will always do a certain amount on paper I think, my ideas just flow on paper, maybe because its less intimidating.... I predominantly use acrylic and vinyl paint, pencil. I also love oil and pigments.
What inspires your vibrant color palette and how do you use color to evoke emotion?
Color Is everything to me. It can be a source of healing when it all flows together and makes me feel really happy. or it can actually drive me insane! Often when I’m struggling with a painting i know it’s because the colors are off and I don’t know how to fix it. I try to bring color together to feel joyful and I do use vibrant color but I don’t like it to ever feel jarring or too intense. There is always a balance I hope !
How has your playful approach to combining nature and geometry evolved over time? Have you found that the balance between these two elements has shifted in your work?
I was playing around with painting flowers and these colored grids. At first I was mixing my love of American quilts and the geometric patterns of those. Then they became more like little bars or edges, almost like color key codes.
I like how the two play against eachother. It’s like a tone or if you could somehow paint sound or frequency.
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you're excited about?
There are a few things in the pipeline I’m hoping will come together. 2024 was a year of ups and downs but I learnt so much.
I’m excited to have my work on display in a new restaurant opening in Chelsea in Manhattan called Kid. It’s been such a fun collaboration and the space is beautiful.
I really love the idea of creating spaces and my art, blurring the lines between interior design, which is why I love painting murals so much. I’m hoping to do more of those kinds of projects and also get back into the ceramic studio.
Also really taking care of myself and others. Carving out the time to really do my health and spiritual practices to stay strong physically and mentally. finding balance amongst the chaos.
All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today. X
Gemma Bailey - @studio.bailey
www.studiobailey.works