Gemma is how her art is signed.

Gemma Gariel is a native of Poland and citizen of France working in America. Her childhood was filled with joy, art and music. Her father is a retired concert organist. Her mother was a classically trained pianist and a gifted painter. Gemma's mother designed and created dresses for Gemma's concerts and recitals. The piano was her instrument at five and the violin became her passion at seven. At an early age Gemma announced to her mother that she would go to America. Later in life Gemma understood how her mother's painting abilities were nurtured in her and her brother, Alexander. Her brother's artistic ability developed at the age of four and she admired his talent and humor in his cartoons. Her American dream would be realized.



Gemma's passion for art started with classical music and motion. She was painting in oil at the age of fourteen and created her self-portrait. As a teenager she understood hard work and discipline required for excellence in art and music. She traveled extensively in Europe, Asia and South America playing concerts as a solo violinist. Her exposure to Brazilian music, jazz, contemporary American music and French Chanson impacted the international flavor in her art. She is fluent in four languages. She holds a masters degree from the Academy of Music in Warsaw. Awarded first prize in Virtuosite from Geneva where she studied with world famous violinist Henryk Szeryng.

In 1982 Gemma came to America via New York City with an invitation from legendary professor, Ivan Galamian from Julliard School of Music. Gemma found the city exceptionally fascinating and open minded. The city vibrated with artistic energy. She felt welcome in the artist community because of New York's international flavor. Here she discovered her visual art could never be separated from music, dance, comedy, drama, theatre design, and costumes.



Following an attack in Central Park she was left with severe nerve damage in her left arm. She was physically unable to play her violin for two years. Gemma withdrew from America and returned to Paris. The return to Paris was to heal and search for a way to express her creativity. She expressed herself as a singer and created the one-woman show for the Paris theatre. She slowly developed the strength in her arm and returned as violinist to play chamber music concerts. The Central Park attack made her work harder, focusing on being stronger and more creative. Her paintings continue to develop as a simple way for her to release her imagination. Her creativity turned to jazz and pop music. After one of her performance as a singer Gemma met in Paris, Oscar Peterson the greatest Jazz Pianist in the world. He was impressed with her natural vocal improvisation. He encouraged her to return to America and purse her career in jazz. She continues to record with other great jazz musicians in New York City.

Today Gemma is engaged part time in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in the first violin section. This leaves time in the summer for her to compose her music, make recordings and develop her visual art through painting. She excels at colorful collages and paints expressively with energy. Drawing is her passion. Her art is inspired by the spiritual and intellectual energy of every creative being. She observes the incredible designs and decor on the state of the Metropolitan Opera. Numerous productions inspire her paintings. The artists who influenced her artwork are Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Frank Benson, and many others.



Gemma was introduced to many art associations with the encouragement of Lynn Owens a gallery curator. Owens encouraged Gemma to exhibit her art. The exhibition of her art was September 2003 in the Art Society of Old Greenwich Connecticut. She was awarded second prize in mixed media

Gemma writes stories for children. She illustrated some with her artwork. The newest projects are a multi-dimensional work for children with companion CDs of music she has composed. Gemma is collaborating with Alexander, her brother an award winning filmmaker and cartoonist published under the name of "Olo". He is illustrating the majority of this project. This is an exciting and a wonderful opportunity for her share in the creative process with him.



Gemma's art is inspired by music. The creative energy flows through her on to the canvas. Producing brilliant colorful images of her enchanted world. A beautiful world full of fantasy, wonder and dreams.