Say hello to our Gelli Gem Printer of the Month: Emily Sharp!
Explore some of her work and get to know the artist behind the brayer in our Q&A below!
Where do you create from, and how long have you been gel printing?
I am living in Copenhagen at the moment, but I spent many years in NYC, where I was training and working as an Art Therapist. I studied printmaking as part of my studio art degree in college, so I tried some similar techniques then, but I really got into gel printing with Gelli Arts over the last couple of years.
Your favorite Gelli Arts® product or plate right now?
I love working with the smaller sized gelli plates – they can be such a fun addition to a travel journal and accessible for anyone, no matter your work space size.
How do your travels inspire your gel printing?
We love sharing Gelli Arts with our guests at our Creative Retreats! We get to experience travel and creativity in these stunning locations all over the world, and make prints with elements of nature all around us. It’s the most incredible way to tell a personal travel narrative through art and really capture the essence of a place.
As a creative arts therapist, how does gel printing support emotional exploration or healing in your sessions?
Gel printing can sometimes be out of control, in the best way. It can help us focus on the process, rather than only the product, and learn to be adaptable with our creative experiences. I think it challenges perfectionism and allows people the space to play through art.
What do you notice happens—mentally or emotionally—when someone engages with gel printing for the first time?
Every time a print gets revealed, it’s a bit of a surprise, and I think we could all have room in our lives to be surprised more often. If we are open to outcome, in both art and life, we can learn to manage expectations and reactions. We can learn to approach situations and our art with more curiosity – that’s where creativity can really unfold.
What’s a message or feeling you hope people take away from your prints or workshops?
I want people to feel engaged in the process of artmaking with less concern for the product itself. To just have fun with it and experiment! I deeply care about creating a sense of community with those around me through art workshops – whether it’s international folks living in Copenhagen looking for friendship and connection or people who attend our Creative Retreats who are looking for a creative getaway – I think art is a fantastic way to bring people together.
What’s something exciting you’re working on in 2026 that we should keep an eye out for?
We are heading back to the most special island in Greece in May for our next Creative Retreat (we still have space for this one, if anyone is interested in joining!), and then Tuscany for our retreat in September (sold out). I also just finished a book project that will be published likely in the Fall, and I have a couple of other Art Therapy / Creativity resources releasing this year.
Rapid-fire: What’s your go-to studio vibe or color you’re embodying in 2026?
I’m all about the bright colors this year – give me neons and bold patterns! Also my themes for 2026 (I don’t like resolutions haha) are intentionality and awe. Let’s all find some things to feel amazed by this year!
Follow @awaytherapy for more inspiring content!
