Gemma Rees studied Art at Stourbridge College of Art and then went on to Birmingham University where she graduated with a first class honours degree in Visual Communication. Continuing her studies, she completed an MA in Design and Illustration at Brighton College of Art.
Gemma spent many years designing stationery products, including greetings cards and gift wrap, for companies including Art Group and Gallery Five. Having worked in 2D for a long time, she decided to try sculpture and immediately loved it. And she has never looked back!
Gemma loves dogs, especially hairy dogs, and it is no surprise that they became her favourite subject matter. Her own very hairy Bedlington Whippet called Arlo has been immortalised in much of her work. She gets inspiration while walking on the beach, near her West Sussex home, with her partner, their two boys, and Arlo.
Gemma's sculptures begin as a drawing. She then makes an armature using wire. This is then built up with clay and resin until the shape is formed. The hair is created using many materials including fibres, wire, resin and clay. Creating each dog is a very time intensive process.
Gemma's aim is to bring the character of the dog to life in an illustrative manner, rather than to create a realistic representation.
Although dogs are her first love, Gemma also creates magnificent foxes and hares.
Gemma's work sells internationally and she has exhibited in a number of galleries in the UK.