IllustrationMemberPrintmaking

Gemma Wilson

posted by POP Members January 21, 2019

Presenting German-based half dutch half english illustrator Gemma Wilson. Having moved to Germany to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Leipzig, Wilson recently graduated in graphic-design and book art. The academy of Leipzig has a long tradition of printmaking and Wilson spent a substantial amount of time in their old workshops learning the arts of bookbinding, lithography and hot metal typesetting. Towards the end of her time there, it was woodcut that really grabbed her attention, “woodcut taught me a lot on how to stylise, which led to my current preference for geometrical compositions.”.

Wilson works in a figurative and narrative manner. Some of her narratives are based on existing material, whereas others are illustrate fictional stories written by herself. “I am fascinated by biblical and mythical stories. I like to exaggerate the bizarre and balance the sometimes gruesome aspects out with humour.”

Wilson produced, amongst others, a series depicting the story of Samson and Delilah and a book inspired by the spiritual tradition of Cuba. For her graduation project she created a book that tells the mythological story of Izanami and Izanagi, the two deities which gave birth to the eight great islands of Japan, inspired by a 6 month travelling trip to Japan where she also studied Mokuhanga, the Japanese woodcut technique, in Kyoto.

Future plans for Wilson include another visit to Japan to continue her book series on the Kojiki mythology. Hoping to introduce Japanese mythology to a western audience as well as offering a Japanese audience a new (outsiders) view on their culture. Watch this space! 🙂

We’re happy to welcome Gemma as a new People of Print member. Want to know how to join? APPLY HERE.

gemmawilson-illu.com

POP Members
Latest posts by POP Members (see all)

You may also like