‘My Why’ The Story behind the Painting
The Artist
From clothing to coastlines, Gemma Lessinger is a storyteller in texture.
Gemma’s journey began in the world of fashion — a 20-year career as a retail buyer, immersed in fabrics, form, and visual storytelling. But it was her lifelong love of the ocean, and a desire to live more intuitively, that drew her to Cornwall and into a new chapter as a full-time artist.
Today, Gemma’s signature seascapes are known for their sculptural texture, depth, and soul. Each piece captures the rhythm and reflection of coastal life, combining the movement of waves with the movement of memory. Her work is grounded in sustainability — repurposing materials like surfboard fibreglass, ghost fishing nets, and now, fragments of clothing and vintage textiles — reimagining what might otherwise be discarded into something timeless and treasured.
This innovative use of materials is more than technique — it’s personal. From collecting beautiful cloth as a child to studying Fashion Design at university, Gemma’s instinct for texture has always been tactile and emotional. Her art now weaves this lifelong fascination with textiles into her compositions, allowing her to quite literally stitch stories into every piece — whether it’s a wave built from worn linen or the ripples on the waters surface portrayed by a silk scarf.
Gemma’s work has become deeply sought-after by collectors who share her reverence for the sea and its ability to stir the soul. Her commissions incorporate found materials and objects, often including materials from meaningful locations or personal items — a swatch of wedding dress, a piece of childhood clothing, or fishing net and rope salvaged from a favourite Cornish cove — transforming her art into modern heirlooms.
Gemma desires to bring the ocean to those who can’t be beside it every day. To offer a sense of calm, beauty, and belonging. And to show that creativity, like the tides, always finds a way to return to us.
Gemma’s art invites you to look closer. To trace each ridge of texture. To feel the story beneath the surface — and discover your own reflection in the waves.
At the heart of Gemma’s practice lies a desire to connect — not only to the sea, but to each other, and to ourselves.
Through her artwork, and through the creative experiences she leads, Gemma shares her belief in creativity as a powerful tool for wellbeing. Her workshops and retreats are a space for quiet reconnection — a chance to step out of daily life, reconnect with intuition, and feel the joy of making something with your hands.
Whether you’re collecting a painting or stepping into one of her sessions, Gemma’s work offers a sense of calm, beauty, and belonging. A reminder that creativity, like the tides, always finds a way to return to us.
Gemma is committed to try and become as sustainable as she can, helping to protect the ocean and the planet which she loves so dearly. As such, she supports various charities with her business, Surfers Against Sewage, The RNLI, Ecologi - who plant a tree for every pound that she donates and support in her mission to become a sustainable business.
To discuss any press features or a collaborative project please contact Gemma
You can also take a closer look at the collaborations Gemma has worked on via the Brand Collaboration section of the website.
