Meet the Maker - Gemma Hampton

We are looking forward to another fun filled weekend at Bristol 2015 Lab - we hope to see you there! We'll be looking at different ways to up-cycle furniture with lots of demonstrations plus free kids workshops all weekend. If you are seeking affordable and sustainable ways to give your home a fresh look for Spring come along to find out how to transform tired furniture with chalk paint (no sanding needed) with Angela from Harper & Harper.
Meanwhile over in Lab Shop we have had the joyful opportunity to once again work with Gemma Hampton (she is a Paper Scissors Stone veteran) who designs a unique range of stationary right here in Bristol. We caught up Gemma to find out more....
Firstly please can you introduce yourself…
Hello! I’m Gemma Hampton, an illustrator based in Bristol. I design a range of stationery as Gemimalou and offer a vibrant range of paper goods. All items are designed in my home studio and printed using environmentally responsible printers.
How would you describe your creative process?
My playful designs explore the use of colour and negative space. Illustrations are often created using multiple methods. I enjoy combining the traditional with the contemporary; drawing, experimenting in watercolour and working digitally.
Where do you find inspiration?
Spending time in nature, gardening and growing my own produce are hugely important to me and have a great influence on my artwork. In recent years I have begun foraging and learning more about wild food. Bristol is a a wonderfully inspiring city with an abundance of green space, a great place to discover all sorts of tasty treats
Apart from being a creative whizz what do you do?
Aside from drawing and painting I have ventured into the world of preserving, wine making and home brewing. I find it very satisfying turning foraged produce into jams, chutneys and wines. Although it doesn’t always turn out quite as planned!

Describe your studio or workspace?
I work from my home studio, which is a desk in the corner of my lounge next to a nice bright window. I tend to do most of my admin and designing here and will occasionally move to the larger dining table for packaging up stock and working on bigger pieces of design. I am fond of simplicity and like to keep the workspace fairly minimal with a few of my beloved house plants dotted around. 
What do you find challenging & rewarding about working from home?
Working from home gives me flexibility and freedom which is great. My partner also works from home so we keep each other company but have our own separate workspaces. It’s a good set up as we are able to occasionally work from cafes and go out for walks together. Sometimes I do find myself getting distracted by household chores but am getting used to managing my time better.
Which Bristol green space are you currently enjoying?
I particularly love taking a long stroll or cycle along the Bristol to Bath railway path, especially in the summer months when the hedgerows are heavily laden with fruits.
Which neighbourhood do you call home?
Easton is currently my home. It’s a really vibrant area with some fantastic independent shops, cafes and restaurants. I am lucky to live near two beautiful parks - St George and Eastville - which I regularly visit.
How do you try to make greener, sustainable choices in your work?
I use an environmentally responsible printing company and designs are printed onto FSC certified paper stocks.

You can find Gemma's work, in our new shop, Lab Shop, part of the Bristol 2015 Lab. You can find the European Green Capital Lab on Bristol's historic Harbourside. Enjoy!

Lab Shop

10 - 6 

Everyday in the school holidays 

Fri - Sun in term time