Inspiring Women Winter 2017

great deal of personal
interaction. It can be
very difficult for artists
to share their art, to
show their work,
because others may
not “see,” or
understand. Art is so
subjective and a
continuing journey of
discovery, both for the
viewer and the artist. I
enjoy the endless
variety of what artists
create—their unique
vision and passion for
what they do.
GETTING TO KNOW GEMA
If we looked in your purse, what would we
find? I nearly always carry a zippered canvas
briefcase that has room for my camera. I can
photograph and reference the work of
potential exhibitors or photograph the
inspiring scenery surrounding me as I travel. I
also always take and wear a hat for fun and
protection from the sun as well as carry and
wear a strong sunscreen.
Where is the most beautiful place in the world
you have been? Venice has now edged out
Paris as my favorite travel-to vacation spot.
While both cities have fabulous art museums,
I find the unique architecture of such a
historic city on stilts on water never ceases to
fascinate me.
If you were moving back to your home
country, what would you miss most about
your host country? Being from Illinois, a state
with extremely flat terrain, I have always
loved the mountains. While Colorado and
Alaska have wonderful mountains, the
amazing and reliable Swiss transportation
system makes the fabulous Swiss Alps easily
and conveniently available to every visitor
(with or without a car). And there is usually a
cozy restaurant very nearby from which you
can enjoy the incredible views.
What personal motto do you live by and how
does it affect what you do/don’t do? What I
do requires continual planning, often several
months or even a year ahead. I need to
remind myself not to miss out on today while
pushing on to the future. I want
to take some time each day to
be grateful for the day, for
friends and family, for life.
If you could meet one famous
or influential woman, alive or
dead, who would it be and
why? After moving to
Switzerland, I learned about
Sophie Taeuber-Arp, an
important Swiss artist, very
significant to the Dada
Movement. As a Dada(ist), she
wanted to change society and
stereotypes in aesthetics
through radical changes in fine
art design and production.
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