Coffee Shop Gallery
Gemma Ellen – Yma: A Field Guide to Here
13/11/26 – 23/12/26
Preview: Friday 13th November 7pm
Yma: A Field Guide to Here is a collection of intricate illustrations celebrating animals found across South Wales. Drawn in fine liner on translucent drafting paper, each image is layered with information about the species, while alcohol ink adds an element of chance to the final artwork. The drawings combine detailed linework and pointillism to create distinctive black-and-white portraits of each animal. Inspired by a curiosity about wildlife and a love of learning through illustration, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the animals living around them. An accompanying all-ages colouring book features species from the exhibition as line drawings that can be coloured or enjoyed as a collection of prints.
Gemma Ellen is an illustrator based in Swansea, working from a studio at Elysium Gallery. She studied Graphic Design at the University of Wales, Newport graduating in 2010, and has since worked across a wide range of creative projects including illustration, poster and book design, murals, logos and even stained glass. Her varied practice reflects her enjoyment of learning new skills and working in different ways, although her personal work is increasingly focused on illustration.
Working predominantly in ink, Gemma creates intricate, structured drawings that combine fine lines, pattern and pointillism. Her work has been exhibited widely across South Wales and beyond, Yma: A Field Guide to Here is her first solo exhibition.
Drawing has always been a huge part of Gemma Ellen’s life. She knew from an early age that she wanted to work creatively, and making things has remained important to her throughout her career. Her practice is driven by curiosity, particularly a love of learning about unfamiliar subjects and translating that knowledge into images.
Gemma’s work is clean and structured, often built from deceptively simple lines and dots that gradually form intricate and highly detailed images. She enjoys the repetitive process of drawing, finding it both relaxing and meditative, and likes creating work that reveals something new the longer it is looked at.
She primarily works in ink, attracted to its simplicity, portability and the immediacy of working by hand. Although her work is carefully controlled, imperfections remain visible on closer inspection. Animals, particularly birds, feature frequently in her personal practice, alongside references to Welsh culture and folklore. Ultimately, Gemma hopes her work encourages curiosity, invites closer looking and, above all, is enjoyable to spend time with.