GEMMA REES

Born in Birmingham in 1978, Gemma studied Art at Stourbridge College of Art before going onto do a BA in visual communication at Birmingham university, graduating with a first-class honours in 2000. Continuing her studies she completed an MA in Design and illustration at the Brighton school of Art.

Gemma Rees spent many years designing stationary products including greeting cards and gift wrap for companies such as the Art group and Gallery Five.

Having worked in 2d for a longtime Gemma decided to experiment with sculpture and realised how much she enjoyed it. Having always loved dogs, they naturally became her first subject matter and have remained so ever since. Gemma is especially drawn to lurchers for their hairy and scruffy coats which suits her style perfectly.

Her sculptures start as a drawing then she makes an armature using wire. This is then built up with clay and resin until the shape is formed. Creating the hair of the dog is a very time intensive process taking many weeks to complete. Materials used are many and include fibres, resin, wire and clay.

Many of Gemma’s sculptures are inspired by her walks on the beach in West Sussex where she lives with her Partner, their two boys and a very hairy Bedlington Whippet Arlo who has been immortalised in much of her work. Her aim is to bring the character of the dog to her pieces in an illustrative way rather than a realistic representation. Although dogs are Gemma’s main subject matter, she also enjoys creating other animals such as Foxes and Hares.

Gemma’s work has sold internationally, and she has exhibited in many Galleries throughout the years.