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GEMMA LESSINGER

NEWQUAY, CORNWALL

Cornwall-based artist Gemma Lessinger is mesmerized by the sea and her textural artworks are an ode to the wild, powerful and healing properties of time spent by the ocean. 
Her paintings are infused with the elements – 
literally in terms of the sea salt and sand she collects and mixes into her pigments, but also more poetically in terms of how she connects so deeply to specific places – instinctively capturing the feeling of a beach, tidal pool, breaking wave or hidden cove. 
When she’s not painting, Gemma can usually be found exploring the coastline with her dog, through the seasons and in all conditions. Her adventures along the undulating coast paths and iconic beaches of Cornwall inform her practice, and the salty sea air enriches each painting with an irresistible freshness and vibrancy. 
Through Gemma’s characteristic portrayal of the ocean’s watery depths, the viewer is taken on a journey - soaring on a cool breeze above the bay at Fistral, or hovering over the dunes at Crantock. These evocative paintings remind us of specific places, becoming treasured mementos of our experiences. 
 
Protecting the Ocean
 
“The destruction and pollution of the waters that surround us in Cornwall (and further afield) is a huge and ongoing problem. I donate a percentage from each sale to the environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage to help their important work. By capturing the beauty of the ocean, I hope I can raise awareness and remind people of how important it is to protect this vital resource.” 
Gemma exhibits in galleries around the UK and internationally and her work is featured in private  collections around the world. 
To discuss commission ideas, press or exhibition opportunities please contact 
Gemma gemmalessingerart@gmail.com

Cathy Davies is a true inspiration, demonstrating that when life presents you with challenges, that we should see them as the opportunities to learn from and grow rather than barriers.

Her journey towards becoming a successful artist wasn’t the easiest and she will be the first to say it is still full of hurdles. As a child she struggled with undiagnosed learning disabilities which led to a lack of education and those around her not believing in her ability to succeed – regardless of her obvious talent as an artist. “Relying on myself from a very young age became second nature in order to get through life. After taking care of two poorly parents for a very long time finances were a struggle and despite yearning to paint, I could not even afford a canvas. It wasn’t until some years later when I was given one as a present along with some paints that my world changed. I couldn’t believe it when I sold my first painting. It was like someone had erased all my self-doubt. Using the money from my first sale I was able to buy more canvases and my journey begun. Being on the spectrum has definitely made me who I am. What some would say is a disability, I call my super-power. It is now how I intend to live my life day by day and I encourage anyone who thinks they are different to embrace it. Why blend in when you’re born to stand out?”

Cathy Davies emerges herself and her audience in beautiful landscapes, that explore and occasionally intertwine abstract imagery and realism within her mixed medium paintings. Cathy paints within acrylic and oil, whilst also using gold leaf and mixed media to enhance and contextualise her work. Cathy’s practice is truly explorative and ungrounded, allowing her to express passions authentically.

Throughout Cathy’s practice, she demonstrates a boldness to create both beautiful and charismatic works, with emotive and reflective narratives, installing her work with personality, bringing a contemporary twist to classic and beloved locations.”

Cornwall-based artist Gemma Lessinger is mesmerized by the sea and her textural artworks are an ode to the wild, powerful and healing properties of time spent by the ocean. 
Her paintings are infused with the elements – 
literally in terms of the sea salt and sand she collects and mixes into her pigments, but also more poetically in terms of how she connects so deeply to specific places – instinctively capturing the feeling of a beach, tidal pool, breaking wave or hidden cove. 
When she’s not painting, Gemma can usually be found exploring the coastline with her dog, through the seasons and in all conditions. Her adventures along the undulating coast paths and iconic beaches of Cornwall inform her practice, and the salty sea air enriches each painting with an irresistible freshness and vibrancy. 
Through Gemma’s characteristic portrayal of the ocean’s watery depths, the viewer is taken on a journey - soaring on a cool breeze above the bay at Fistral, or hovering over the dunes at Crantock. These evocative paintings remind us of specific places, becoming treasured mementos of our experiences. 
 
Protecting the Ocean
 
“The destruction and pollution of the waters that surround us in Cornwall (and further afield) is a huge and ongoing problem. I donate a percentage from each sale to the environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage to help their important work. By capturing the beauty of the ocean, I hope I can raise awareness and remind people of how important it is to protect this vital resource.” 
Gemma exhibits in galleries around the UK and internationally and her work is featured in private  collections around the world. 
To discuss commission ideas, press or exhibition opportunities please contact 
Gemma gemmalessingerart@gmail.com

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