Focus On ... Gemma Barnett
This month we’re focusing on another local artist, Gemma Barnett, whose beautifully designed cards are always popular in Chirpy
Here’s a little interview we did with Gemma
CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself
Gemma: I’m 34 & I grew up in Harrogate & now live in Meanwood with my partner Ben & our German Shepherd pup Holly. I really enjoy gardening, walking, reading & spending time with family & friends. I launched Gemma Barnett Art officially in the early months of 2020. I make papercut art which I then apply to greetings cards, wrapping paper & prints using bold colours. I aim to make modern, block print style products that divert away from the "traditional," particularly with my greetings card range. Our yarden is bursting with greenery this year & our home has an ever growing number of houseplants! I get a lot of inspiration for my work when I'm outdoors walking & exploring, which in turn gives me a great sense of inner calm.
CH: How did you get into doing what you are doing?
Gemma: I've always loved making things, using my hands, & getting lost in my imagination. I wasn't my happiest at school for obvious reasons & never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I worked in the NHS for many years as a Care Support Worker without fully committing myself to Nursing, there was always something inside me that wouldn't allow me to settle. One day I applied for, & was accepted, onto a further education art & design course here in Leeds & went part time at my NHS job. I studied & worked for two years before applying to do a degree at Leeds College of Art (now Leeds Arts University). Although I felt like a small fish in a very large pond at university I finally felt like me, I finally felt like I was being true to myself.
After uni I fell back into NHS work because it felt safe & it paid my rent. I was disheartened for a while but again that inner niggle didn't stop beating to a different drum & one day I dared to dream about a different way of life for myself. That dream was to use the papercutting skills I had developed over the years, & so very much enjoyed, to bring my new design ideas to life. I began to produce both prints & greetings cards, & that was when Gemma Barnett Art was born!
CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?
Gemma: During the height of the covid pandemic I was lucky enough to be able to stay at home & focus on my business. For now though, I'm juggling a full time home working role for HMRC & finding any spare minute to work on my designs. I try to find time each day to let my imagination take over & snatch an hour here & there to get any new ideas down in my sketchbook. I love finding some quiet time to sit down with my scalpel & just simply cut out.
CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
Gemma: Making it through the hard times when I've struggled with depression & anxiety. Finding peace & joy with my partner Ben, & Holly too!
Working towards & actually seeing my cards & prints in bricks & mortar independent shops, wow what a feeling!
CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve designed?
Gemma: That's a difficult one! I really enjoy drawing & cutting out my papercut people, but I think my most favourite project has been my Garden Series papercuts. This series has to be the most detailed work I've produced so far & was an absolute labour of love as I made them in remembrance of my Dad who passed in 2017.
CH: What’s the best thing about running your own business?
Gemma: Only having myself to answer to (which can also be tricky at times)! Knowing you are working hard towards your own hopes & dreams is a wonderful feeling.
CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to turn their hobby into a business?
Gemma : If you don't put your work out into the world no one will know it exists. Try using social media as a free way to get your work out there & seen by a wider audience, though stay mindful that this way of interacting does not ultimately determine your work's worth or your own self worth. I've found so many other creatives on social media who are happy to chat & can be so inspiring & supportive.
Choose your materials wisely & be as earth kind as possible.
Go & talk to that indie shop owner about what you do, if your product doesn't fit their shop, their advice alone could be of great value.
Don't give up, even on the slow days/weeks/months. Rarely is a business successful overnight. Give yourself time to learn, grow, & develop some new skills that will aid you in your journey.
CH : Is there a craft you haven’t tried but would like to?
Gemma: Ceramics! Although I did dabble in it at college. Squishy clay, an array of exciting tools & endless glazes, one day I will find the time!
CH: Why should people shop / support local?
Gemma : Choosing to spend your hard earned money at independent shops & with independent artists/makers, ideally locally, creates a wonderful community for everyone. We not only boost our local economy but we show our local independents how much we value them & their beautiful presence on our high streets & side streets. Imagine places like Chapel Allerton & Meanwood in north Leeds without their colourful array of independent shops. Choosing to spend your money in this way is a vote for a way of life that is more sustainable, more mindful & can really bring about positive change in our communities.
You’ll find Gemma’s work in Chirpy and other local stores - why not give her a follow on
Thanks Gemma for your honesty and your great advice.