Young Adult Q&A: Gemma Darr

Tell me about yourself: 
I am 22 years old, born in Wisconsin, but I moved to Marquette in the 7th grade and will always consider the U.P. my home. I attended Michigan State University where I studied Creative Advertising and Professional Writing. I have so many hobbies! If there’s anything creative that you can do with your hands, I’m all in. I love to draw, embroider, work with clay, and write. In the winter months, I’m always finding myself picking up knitting again.

You’re a photographer and illustrator, and run your own business, Gemma Darr Creative Co. Tell me about that:
I started photography when I was 15 years old. My brother is a year older than me, and I took his and his friends’ senior photos. Things kind of caught on from there. I used to have to be picked up for sessions and weddings because I could not drive yet - that’s trust!! Now I’m in my seventh year of business and things have grown a bit since then. I’ve since started an Etsy store, which has grown into its own online store called Flora + Fox. (floraplusfox.com) I also regularly take on illustration commissions and work as a freelance graphic designer. It still blows my mind that I get to make beautiful things every single day for a living!

How does your faith influence your work and your art?
My faith influences every single bit of my work. A huge part of my job is to capture the beauty He created, especially in the people I’m photographing and their wonderful uniqueness. I’ve always been interested in capturing people; no two people are the same, which makes every single project exciting. 
In terms of the art I make personally and sell in my store, I try to celebrate the little things He does for us. There is so much beauty in the everyday - a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, an interaction with someone at work, the way we are all blooming into who He planned for us to be. I love to find ways to illustrate those moments.

Are there any saints who inspire you?
Since I first heard her story, I’ve been in awe of St. Maria Goretti. She’s my patron saint! I couldn’t believe she held such bravery at just 12 years old. After all the wrong that was done to her, she still handled herself with grace and compassion.

What is an issue that the Catholic Church supports that you are passionate about, and why that issue in particular?
I admire and am passionate about the Catholic church’s stance on the morality involving loving all people, especially the most vulnerable. In particular, the value of every single human life, including those who are differently abled. I grew up next door to my grandma who was wheelchair bound since she was 16 years old. One of my very best friends has Down syndrome, and she holds so much value in this world. Every human life is equal, sacred, and worthy of dignity.

What is your favorite devotion and why?
The St. Therese of Lisieux Novena is so interesting to me. While I do not have a personal encounter with receiving a rose from her, I’ve heard so many interesting stories about it. Plus, a novena is just a do-able devotion that works.

Any advice for Catholics young and old?
This year has been so tough in many ways. It’s important to remember we are all fighting our own battles and showing some extra grace to others when you don’t feel like it goes a long way.