"Takaya's Imprint" by Gemma Hopkins
Artist Statement
“When I first discovered Takaya I was impressed by his story and unique spirit that I felt compelled to do a painting in his honour. An aspect I find particularly fascinating was the solitary existence he led on an island that was not suited to the typical prey he would hunt. He demonstrated grit and resourcefulness by adapting to hunt seals in a remarkable way, turning this hardship into a benefit to all the endangered birdlife surrounding the islands. When I think of Takaya I think of a non-conformist, a mould breaker who left his mark on the world and changed it for the better. I tried to convey this through his lonesome, misty howls emerging into camas flowers which he could be found lying amongst in the sun.”
Artist Bio
Gemma is an artist and teacher who currently works at a high school in Glasgow. She has received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Glasgow School of Art and a postgraduate diploma in education. She works with a range of different mediums but recently began exploring oil paints. She loves the versatility and luscious quality of colours that can be achieved by using oil paints. Gemma paints for pleasure and the subject matter varies depending on whatever inspires her that day.
Artist Statement
“When I first discovered Takaya I was impressed by his story and unique spirit that I felt compelled to do a painting in his honour. An aspect I find particularly fascinating was the solitary existence he led on an island that was not suited to the typical prey he would hunt. He demonstrated grit and resourcefulness by adapting to hunt seals in a remarkable way, turning this hardship into a benefit to all the endangered birdlife surrounding the islands. When I think of Takaya I think of a non-conformist, a mould breaker who left his mark on the world and changed it for the better. I tried to convey this through his lonesome, misty howls emerging into camas flowers which he could be found lying amongst in the sun.”
Artist Bio
Gemma is an artist and teacher who currently works at a high school in Glasgow. She has received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Glasgow School of Art and a postgraduate diploma in education. She works with a range of different mediums but recently began exploring oil paints. She loves the versatility and luscious quality of colours that can be achieved by using oil paints. Gemma paints for pleasure and the subject matter varies depending on whatever inspires her that day.
Artist Statement
“When I first discovered Takaya I was impressed by his story and unique spirit that I felt compelled to do a painting in his honour. An aspect I find particularly fascinating was the solitary existence he led on an island that was not suited to the typical prey he would hunt. He demonstrated grit and resourcefulness by adapting to hunt seals in a remarkable way, turning this hardship into a benefit to all the endangered birdlife surrounding the islands. When I think of Takaya I think of a non-conformist, a mould breaker who left his mark on the world and changed it for the better. I tried to convey this through his lonesome, misty howls emerging into camas flowers which he could be found lying amongst in the sun.”
Artist Bio
Gemma is an artist and teacher who currently works at a high school in Glasgow. She has received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Glasgow School of Art and a postgraduate diploma in education. She works with a range of different mediums but recently began exploring oil paints. She loves the versatility and luscious quality of colours that can be achieved by using oil paints. Gemma paints for pleasure and the subject matter varies depending on whatever inspires her that day.