Inside Gemma Lynch-Memory’s studio is a quiet reverence broken only by the sounds of the careful application of her creative process. Spanning almost two decade and over 25 solo exhibitions, it’s a process as introspective and individual as the artist herself. Her actions are purposeful and convey a sense of urgency as she seeks to capture the essence of ephemeral inspiration. There is a constant referencing to an open journal of sketched ideas and musings that form the seeds of creative conception. But it is only during the actual application of paint on canvas that her subconscious concepts emerge and bloom.
Several piece are worked on simultaneously so as to best manage the various stages of drying and curing paints. Warm luminous liquid varnishes are honey-poured over surfaces to create mirror-like finishes. The studio atmosphere is occasionally disturbed by the sounds of a powered sander or dremel drill as they are used to create fine abstract marks and details. As each work nears completion, they are moved to her studio gallery to “let rest” before any final fine-tuning is made and the painting can be considered complete. From initial canvas priming to the signing of the work, the entire process absorbs several months.
Her works are abstract landscape compositions that feature rich and vivid colours. The iconographic markings and segregated space entice an emotive response and long lonely horizons where “heaven meets earth” speak to our country yearnings. Organic debris made up of small sticks, soil, rocks and dried vegetation give the work a living quality and occasional hand-painted texts introduce further depth and meaning. Perhaps it is Gemma’s country childhood and the use of debris and soil pigments that give her work such an uncanny sense of place. From our oceans to our outback and our rivers to our deserts, Gemma Lynch-Memory’s paintings capture the spirit and character that live in the heart of every Australian.
In 2007, after finding a copy of a diary in a second-hand bookshop, Gemma became the first person to retrace the outback journey of Australia’s first female explorer, Emily Caroline Creaghe. Inspired by the diary, the expedition was research for her Emily: explorer national touring exhibition that celebrated the incredible achievements of this little-known Australian woman. The expedition was featured on the ABC 7:30 Report and Gemma was recognised by the International Society of Female Explorers based in New York. The touring exhibition received critical acclaim and was also featured in Australian Art Review magazine.
Gemma has a few distinct series within her oeuvre but all carry her trademark colour chords and expressive horizons and the works are always large, bold and confident. Her ‘RMB” Roadside Mail Box series are reminiscent of a drive-by snapshot of the quintessential country letter box. Painted with a pallet knife in thick impasto chunks, the letter boxes stand boldly within the stark landscape. Her “River” series of work has deep brooding rivers stretching along dense tree-lined river banks as they make their way to the coast. The “Muddy Waterholes” glisten with the offering of a cool oasis in harsh red brown lands and her “Waterlilies” and “Wildflower” works have proven irresistible to the buying public.
Gemma has already achieved much in her career. With a constant demand for work from collectors both in Australia and overseas, she has had little respite. Prices for her work have increased greatly in the past decade and this demand and a slower output of work will continue to drive prices higher. Those looking to invest and purchase significant artwork would do well to take note of any current exhibitions. To achieve 25 solo exhibitions for any artist is a true milestone and a testament to creative strength.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2020, Resonate, traffic jam galleries Sydney
2019, Maps of Meaning, traffic jam galleries Sydney
2014, The Road less Travelled, traffic jam galleries, Sydney
2013, Fleur, traffic jam galleries, Sydney
2011 40 Degrees South, The Artison Gallery Hobart
2010 Big Country, Gadfly Gallery, Perth
2009 Big Country, Cooper Gallery, Noosa
2009 Big Country, Chifley Tower Gallery, Sydney
2009 Big Country, Yarra Ranges Arts Centre, Yarra Vallery
2009 New Work, Cudgegong Regional Gallery, Gulgong
2008 emily:explorer, National Touring Exhibition, Melbourne
2008 emily:explorer, National Touring Exhibition, Brisbane
2008 emily:explorer, National Touring Exhibition, Perth
2007 New Landscapes, Libby Edwards Galleries, Melbourne
2007 emily:explorer, National Touring Exhibition, Sydney
2006 Off The Map, Paul Gullotti Galleries, Perth
2006 Incandescent, Libby Edwards Galleries, Brisbane
2006 Terra Firma, Libby Edwards Galleries, Sydney
2005 Landmarks, Libby Edwards Galleries, Melbourne
2005 Travelling Without Moving, Gullotti Galleries, Perth
2004 East to West, Gullotti Gallery, Perth
2004 Under a Sunlit Sky, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
2003 Daylight, Chifley Plaza, Sydney
2003 Brand New Day, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
2002 Urban Paddocks, Chifley Plaza, Sydney
2002 Earthworks, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
2001 Waiting for Rain, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
2000 Little Kingdom, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
1999 Duality, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
1998 Journey, Greenaway Gallery, Melbourne
1998 Search for Meaning, Trevor Victor Harvey Gallery, Sydney
1997 Postcards, Lyall Burton Gallery, Melbourne
1996 Testimony, ARDT Gallery, Sydney
SELECTED GROUP SHOWS
Numerous group shows and art fairs
EDUCATION AND TRAVEL
1995/96 Travelled to Africa, Egypt, UK, Europe and USA
1994 Master of Art Admin, University of New South Wales
1992 Bachelor of Visual Arts (Painting), University of New England
PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA
2011 Country Collections Magazine, Feature
2010 ABC Radio National, ‘She Who Explores’ Documentary
2010 Fearless Femmes, Outer Edge Magazine
2010 Big Country’ Collection Catalogue
2009 Luxury Home Design Magazine, ‘Big Country’ Exhibition Feature
2009 Melbourne Living Magazine, Artist Profile
2009 RM Williams ‘Outback’ Magazine, Artist Feature
2008 Australian Art Review, ’emily:explorer’ National Touring Exhibition
2008 West Australian Newspaper ‘Sunday Life’ Magazine, First Lady
2008 ABC Regional Radio VIC, Program ‘Books That Changed Your Life’
2008 ABC Regional Radio WA, Interview
2007 Wings WorldQuest, Recognised by International Women Explorers Foundation as Contemporary Australasian explorer: Arts/Humanities
2007 ABC NSW Regional ‘Sunday Mornings’, Artist Profile
2007 Mosman Daily/North Shore Times, ’emily:explorer’ Feature
2007 Australian Geographic Magazine Feature, ’emily:explorer’
2007 Sydney Morning Herald, ’emily:explorer’
2007 Adelaide Advertiser, ’emily:explorer’
2007 ABC Radio National Australia All Over Program, ’emily:explorer’
2007 ABC 7:30 Report, ’emily:explorer’ Feature with Murray McLaughlin
2007 Rural Press Association, Artist Profile
2007 ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph Program, ’emily:explorer’ Update (Live To Air)
2007 ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph Program, ’emily:explorer’
2007 Yarra Valley Leader, ’emily:explorer’ Feature
2007 Courier Mail, ’emily:explorer’ Feature
2007 Northern Territory Times, ’emily:explorer’ Feature
2007 Art in WA, Review
2006 Australian Country Style Magazine, Artist Profile
2006 9606: gemma lynch-memory ‘selected works from the last decade’ Publication
2006 Home and Garden, Review
2005 ‘Artist Profile II’ Contemporary Home Design Magazine
2004 Featured ‘Australian Women Weekly, Andrew Daddo Profile’ Publication
2003 Featured ‘Australia’s 50 Most Beautiful Homes’ Publication
2001 ‘Artist Profile’ Luxury Home Design Magazine
COLLECTIONS
Numerous public and private collections in Australia, Europe and the USA
41 Military Rd, Neutral Bay, Sydney NSW Australia 2089
Tue – Sat 10am – 5pm
Sun – Mon open by appointment
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