Materials Specialist | Sculptor | Furniture Designer

Gemma Barr (born in Scotland in 1992) is an artist, designer, and material specialist whose journey began after graduating from Glasgow in 2014. In 2015, she relocated to Eindhoven, Netherlands, to work with Spanish artist Nacho Carbonell, where she transitioned from product design to artistic design and sculpture. With over a decade of experience working across diverse design and sculpture studios, Gemma has developed a deep expertise in material research and experimentation.

Her work is rooted in experimental creativity, with a keen focus on the exploration of materials such as metals, glass, ceramics, plastics, wood, recycled and experimental materials. Gemma is passionate about creating art and design that blurs the lines between the organic and the man-made, and she has built her practice around a strong foundation of material knowledge. She thrives on researching and experimenting with new materials, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both craft and design.

Gemma’s material expertise extends beyond her own studio work; she is open to consultancy roles where she can lend her knowledge to projects in product design, interior design, and architecture. Her ability to understand and manipulate materials allows her to provide invaluable insights on material selection, sustainability, and the integration of innovative materials in creative design processes.

Throughout her career, Gemma has exhibited across Europe, collaborated with galleries, and worked with interior designers and artists internationally. Her work is informed by her extensive research into geology, flora, fauna, and minerals, and she has completed residencies in locations such as Mexico City, where she researched local materials and plant life to inform her sculptural work. Her pieces bridge art, design, and science, evoking curiosity and sentimentality for nature in the context of our modern, man-made environments.

Exhibitions, Press, Residencies below.