Hello, I'm Gimara

I

am

a

British-Australian

visual artist,

storyteller,

adult course leader,

and

researcher.

Inherently autobiographical, I create visual art that is observational (non-fictional) and escapist (fictional) through multiple disciplines; working mostly in drawing, painting and printmaking.

Latest

2 November - 11 December

Solo exhibition at CQ University (map) arrow_outward

Brisbane City & Online
Level 1, 160 Ann street
A short walk from Central Station towards Brisbane Town Hall

Spoilers arrow_outward

July

Print & Online

Art, AI and ownership published by 'Be' magazine arrow_outward

Other updates

Read my essays & stories on Lunatic Asylum White arrow_outward

My Practice

Studio location

My art practice spans the globe betwixt England and Australia, where I have exhibited and led workshops. Today my studio is based on a wee Queensland island. My works reflects the hues from my immediate environs from the muted colours of England to the vibrant chromas of the Capricorn Coast. More than wanderlust, my art is influenced by being child of a mosaic of diasporas.

Art Forms & Mediums

Through a multi-disciplinary visual arts practice and storytelling, my art moves between observation and imagination. My visual practice is rooted in drawing, which includes painting and printmaking. Notwithstanding the plethora of creative tools available to artists these days, my core practice gravitates towards tangible processes. For example, running inked plates through a printing press /or drawing at an easel. Occasionally, I employ digital techniques (inc. sketching with a stylus), especially, if the technique is safer than traditional approaches /or the work is for an online audience.

Intersection of Art & Science

I am an avid drawer of biological forms in part because I studied them so closely just as I was beginning to develop a serious interest in art. Undoubtedly, my work has been influenced by my scientific career within a variety of different fields, from anatomical (Kings College London), plant (including the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, University of Queensland, CSIRO) and food sciences (FSA UK).

Wellness and creativity

Healthy practices are incorporated into my creative process. Ritual observance often begins before I even pick up a tool, though I sometimes intentionally don't embrace it.

Beyond the studio

I'm also the founder of an online Art Book Club that brings creatives across the globe together to reflect, connect, and exchange ideas through conversation and shared reading (Art Book Club in the News). As an arts consultant, I have contributed to national museum programmes, supporting inclusive, innovative approaches to audience engagement and institutional change.

Whether I'm leading workshops, consulting, or creating new works; I value connection, exploration, and play. Enjoy exploring my website.

Selected Grants, Awards & Professional Development

▲

▼

2024 | Monotype-Monoprint Workshop (AUS)

Supporter: Regional Arts Development Fund (Queensland), Rockhampton City Council, Capricornia Printmakers Inc.
Outcome: Led a sold out workshop that was part series for beginners; each led by a different professional printmaker

2021–2022 | Metal Artist Programme (UK)

Supporter: Metal Artists' Network
Outcome: Professional practice funding with mentoring by K. Genever

2021 | Storytelling for Artists (UK)

Supporter: AxisArt
Outcome: After receiving specialized training in narrative techniques for a visual practice, I was commissioned to write a piece for the Social Art Library

2019 | Digital Skills for Museums (Erasmus+) (EU)

Supporter: Erasmus+ Programme (EU)& Mu.SA an EU-wide Network of museums, universities, training providers and cultural organizations
Outcome: Received digital literacy training designed for museum professionals

2018 | Arts Award Advisor Training (UK)

Supporter: The Royal Opera House Bridge & Hertfordshire Music Service
Outcome: Certified Advisor for 'Discover and Explore' & 'Bronze and Silver' levels; Arts Awards

2012 | Sculpture Techniques&Exhibition (UK)

Supporter: The Sand House, Art's Council England Lottery, Invest in Doncaster, Success in Doncaster
Outcome: Technical training culminating in a public exhibition in South Yorkshire

2008–2010 | Professional Art Development (UK)

Supporter: CIDA (Creativity and Innovation Company)
Outcome: Intensive instruction in drawing and painting with P. Stanyer, (MA, RCA; The Artworks) and marketing with M. Cameron

Endorsement: "...Gimara is very versatile when it comes to using materials. She has a very open, deliberate, and methodical approach to her work, which allows her to explore, and reflect upon her ideas with inventiveness"... - PW Stanyer MA (Royal College of Art) - 2010

Spotlight

Art writing: Opinion piece published by 'Be' magazine

A life between the UK & Australia

Researching skulls at Kings College London (UK) connected me to artists as we often use similar tools for (micro)photography, image editing and drawing; albeit with different intentions. Like catnip to a cat, I developed a taste. As my art practice evolved, the Creative Industries Development Agency (CIDA, UK) supported me through a bespoke visual arts programme of drawing and painting at Artworks under Stan, Peter Stanyer MA (RCA). This would lead to a creative career that also involved training others through local councils, museums and colleges, including as a drawing and painting lecturer for N. Herts College (UK).

Working across mediums, I began to more explore more art forms. I received instruction in clay and stone sculpture at City Lit, London. I secured an opportunity to train and exhibit in sand sculpture techniques funded by The Sand House, Arts Council England Lottery, Invest in Doncaster and Success Doncaster. I view my work with textiles as another sculptural form . To that end, I pursued draping and patternmaking at University Arts London (UAL): Central St Martins (Granary Square, London, UK).

The Covid lockdowns (UK) pushed me to rediscover printmaking. I trained in etching at the Royal Drawing School, wood engraving at the Slade, University Arts London (UAL) and Japanese woodcut printmaking at Morley College (UK). I've followed this training up with workshops in Osaka & Tokyo (JPN). Before my move to Australia, I was a member of the Digswell Arts Trust (UK) printmaking collective.

Using the written word to complement my visual arts practice, I earned an undergraduate certificate in Creative Non-Fiction Writing from Cambridge University (UK). As my writing practice grew, Axis Arts sponsored me through their 'Storytelling for Artists' programme. My writing has been published in both Australia and UK. To read some of my works, head over to Lunatic Asylum White.

Professional Affiliations & Networks

Australia

Capricornia Printmakers Inc. – Member of a regional printmaking collective based in Rockhampton, Capricornia Region, QLD. Contributions include: participating in exhibitions, serving on exhibition committees, digital outreach & facilitator of peer group meetings.
Art Matters – Member (past) of an artists' collective based in Gladstone, Queensland. Involved in gallery activities.

United Kingdom

a-n (The Artists Information Company) – Member (past) of a UK professional body for artists.
International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) – Member (past) of UNESCO-affiliated global network.
The Museum Association – Member (past) of the UK's professional body for museum practitioners.
Digswell Arts Trust – Print Group – Member (past) a specialist collective dedicated to artist development.
Arts and Health Hub – Co-facilitator (former) of artists' peer group meetings.

Got an idea?

Work with me