Gem is based in Oxford, UK and uses photography, archival research and participatory practices to explore the intersection between art and science, with a focus on plants, botanic illustration and women in history.
During her master’s degree at Falmouth University Gem undertook practical research into the botanical archives of the Oxford University Herbaria in the department where she works. This project explored the hidden histories of the women botanists and artists whose work and research was often overlooked, and was presented as an artists book.
In 2020, Gem participated in two artists residencies with the London Alternative Photography Collective which focussed on developing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly darkroom practice.
At the beginning of lockdown, Gem initiated a collaborative, participatory project with two other practitioners entitled: Quarantine Herbarium. This project sought to alleviate symptoms of Plant Blindness through a hyperlocal focus on flora while salving the monotony of lockdown through engagement with the accessible historical photographic method of cyanotype prints. (Funded via FEAST Cornwall, Arts Council England and the Eden Project.)
Gem works at the University of Oxford and also teaches on the MA photography programme at Falmouth University. She is currently studying botany (online) via the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh and regularly gives talks about her practice, and leads workshops on historical, alternative and sustainable photography techniques and processes.
See/read more on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemblina
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