Finding her niche in 'pack a punch' art

Strong female forms and florescent hues mark the walls of Raumati Beach's Café Rosetta this month, thanks to the work of newly-based Kapiti Coast artist Gemma McDivitt.

Blended with themes of empowerment, contemporary culture and growth, the powerfully-lit series offers 'pack a punch' visual statements and is unlike anything previously displayed at the cafe.

"As a youngster my 'currency' was doing drawings for kids in my class at school in exchange for marbles," said Gemma, whose works convey strong social concepts and takes viewers through a visual journey of the 21st century woman.

"But I struggled with the mainstream curriculum for art in high school because I felt restricted.

"I was keen to be doing messy big faces and went through a phase of drawing African people because my mother had a whole bunch of sponsor children at the time.

"I was really inspired by their photographs, which influenced a lot of my earlier work."

Having left college at 16, she studied to become a hairdresser, and eventually refueled her love for edgy, free-flowing compositions.

Combining her interest in fashion with the daring hand of contemporary street art, Gemma established her 'rough, loose graffiti-inspired style' now known as Strut & Swagger - Art Statements.

"I spent hours exploring my style as a drawer, captivated by themes of human empowerment.

"The Strut & Swagger name came a few years ago as I was learning more about myself as a person and going through various struggles - as we all do."

Having described her style as 'dry with a little bit of spray paint', Gemma also produces more neutral and earthy-toned works.

"I've used a range of imagery for inspiration in my works, including photographs and stuff I've found online.

"I also went through a time of using the woman from old sewing pattern books, as well as magazines including National Geographic.

"My art definitely has a strong women influence at the moment."

Hoping to set up an exhibition space in her garage, which has become her "haven for wine and painting", the ex-Aucklander juggles her passion for art with a Wellington-based marketing job in financial services.

"It's quite a contrast to painting, but I enjoy it, and I love seeing the amazing street art on my train ride home every day."

With two of her pieces having sold since the exhibition began on Sunday, February 7, Gemma's lively works will remain on display at Café Rosetta until Sunday, March 6.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how the Kapiti community responds to my style.

"Art is all about finding your niche."

¦For more information visit strutandswagger.com.