Things I must not say or do

The Artworks of Jemma Gowland

Jemma Gowland: Things I Must Not Say or Do (Gin)

"From the moment we are born, gender can dictate our future. Individual figures show the young child dressed for display, as a plaything for adults, an entertainment and ornament. Looks and behaviour are already prescribed. Stand up straight, smile nicely, say please."

Jemma Gowland.

When we first encounter Jemma Gowland's artworks, we are drawn to their delicate and beautiful appearance. These small to medium-scaled sculptures echo the figurines adorning the shelves of your grandmother's house—inviting and collectable figures that cheer any home. On closer inspection, though, these sculptures speak of loss, introspection and fragility.

Jemma uses porcelain to produce her works. It naturally depicts purity and vulnerability and a preciousness worth protecting and holding.

Her pieces carry symbolic messages on the theme of the loss of childhood and social pressure. Jemma is interested in how the internet, technology, and social media shape society and our children. Some of her pieces show children interacting with tech gadgets such iPads, mobile phones, and USB sticks.

Why do many of her characters wear a mask with a missing eye? Here she is saying that to play the part of a good girl, you must hide your intrinsic nature. One eye open and the other closed represents the contradiction of outward comparisons of appearances while simultaneously looking inwards to be self-critical. 

Jemma's sculptures are highly collectable and can be viewed here. 

British artist Jemma Gowland originally studied for a BSc in Engineering Product Design and worked in industrial design and architectural model-making before becoming a teacher of Design and Technology. With experience using an extensive range of materials for various purposes, ceramics became her abiding interest.  

Jemma Gowland: Mohican I and II