Who is Gemma Paintin?
She’s an artist. She works hard, she likes to travel. She goes to the pub with her friends. She likes to do gardening and grows tulips in her tiny back garden.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Hmmm, not much actually. I’d do more reading – I get out of the habit when I’m busy working.
Who inspires you and why?
Other artists who I’ve been working alongside for the past decade. I’m part of an artists collective called Residence. We share space and resources, generally support each other. It’s good to have a long term connection to your peers.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think we all make a difference every day to the lives of the people we love. Being a good friend, taking time to really listen to your partner- these are small things that make a big difference. Obviously if I could reverse climate change that’d be a pretty big deal too.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with a beach. I’m happy anywhere with sand and sea if it’s warm.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well I’m a visitor in town so I’m hoping someone can show me the sights! I’m easily pleased so anything will do. Doing really, really touristy things is a guilty pleasure of mine.
What are you currently reading?
Marina Abramovic’s autobiography. But because it takes me ages to read anything, I’m only about a quarter of the way through after 5 months.
What are you currently listening to?
I listen to podcasts. BBC radio 4’s Womans Hour, Dear Sugar which is an agony aunt type thing, This American Life, The Reith Lectures. I’m always on the lookout for a new podcast.
Happiness is?
A bbq with friends or family after a day on the beach. I grew up on a tiny island called Jersey in the Channel Islands. It’s a real beach culture. Now I live in Bristol on the UK mainland and there’s no beach. I miss it.
What does the future hold for you?
Good things I hope.
One half of Bristol-based performance mavericks Action Hero, Gemma will be presenting three works: Hoke’s Bluff; Slap Talk; and Wrecking Ball at Arts House: 24 May – 3 June 2017.For more information, visit: www.artshouse.com.au for details.
Image: Gemma Paintin