Artist in conversation: Gemma winter rose
“ I want to make people feel things.”
Gemma Winter Rose is a self-taught expressionist painter born in Houston, Texas, whose vibrant and emotive works reflect her rich personal journey and diverse influences. Drawing deeply from her half-Indian heritage, Gemma infuses her paintings with bold, mesmerizing color combinations, creating a visual dialogue that oscillates between the vivid allure of nature, abstract forms, and evocative figures.
Her artistic path began as a form of therapy to navigate the profound loss of her daughter, evolving into a powerful means of self-expression and social commentary. Each piece is imbued with both realistic and fantastical elements, mirroring the complex layers of human emotion and societal reflection.
Gemma’s work is inspired by a diverse array of literary sources, from the modern-day Salome reflecting Wilde’s themes of luxury and greed to the philosophical depths of Dante’s Inferno and Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment. Her debut collection, influenced by Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, delves into themes of human perception and the nature of reality.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I have loved to paint since I was a child, but I only seriously delved into the craft during the covid pandemic, when I had the time to be creative and indulge in my passion projects. Those passion projects have now become my full-time job, and I couldn’t be happier about that!
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Oh definitely. I need time alone in order to get in the right headspace for the creative process.
How has your personal life and experiences influenced the themes and emotions in your artwork?
My personal life has heavily influenced my art, but so has literature. Usually, the two intertwine with inspiration for me and that’s how I create my art.
What challenges have you faced in your career as a self-taught artist, and how have you overcome them?
There are many times when I’m working on something and want to get a certain look or effect and have no idea how to do it, so I take the time to watch videos and see what other artists do. I practice so much before working on my actual canvas to make sure I have the technique just right. But the learning process is just as fun for me as the final work!
Can you discuss a particular piece of your artwork that holds significant personal meaning to you? What is its backstory, and how did you translate that into your painting?
“Modern-Day Salomé” is a very meaningful piece for me. It’s a colorful commentary on how humanity tends to focus our attention on all these ring things, missing out on what is better for us as we search for what is bad for us. The character Salomé in Oscar Wilde’s play ultimately meets her demise because of this intense obsession with what is not good for her. In modern times, people are obsessed with labels: the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the neighborhood you live in, etc. Instead, we as a society need to focus on the real things that matter in life that are already all around us: nature, community, love.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Feedback is not always useful. Art is so subjective, so I take into account where this feedback is coming from. Is it from someone well-versed in this type of art? And does it come from a place of truly wanting to help, or is it just a mean comment meant to tear me down? From the right people, however, constructive criticism can be very inspiring for creating new work.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When feelings of a creative block emerge, I allow myself time away from my art. I don’t ever force the work; for me, it’s important that it comes naturally.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am thrilled to have shown my work in London and I’m very much looking forward to the Paris showing in September! I have met some incredible artists and collectors along the way and truly enjoy the process.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I want to make people feel things. I want to show my full collections and explain the stories behind them so that others can feel what I feel, or maybe they even see the pieces differently and offer entirely new perspectives, which is also amazing. Making art for me is really about sharing it with others.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
My pieces are filled with emotion. It’s the only way I can create. I don’t particularly plan my pieces; I just let them happen and evolve as my life and emotions evolve as well. I don’t really aim / prepare to evoke certain feelings in people, but the emotion I put into the canvas is felt by those who see it. I have had so much feedback from people who say they can feel the sadness or anger or sensuality in certain pieces, and that’s the best compliment for me.
