Q: You live
and work in Bristol but where are you originally from?
I’m originally from Winchester, but I moved away when fairly
young, growing up in Weymouth on the South coast.
Q: You
trained as an illustrator, what made you move into fine art?
I wanted more freedom, and wasn’t very good at being told what to
do!
Q: What is
the inspiration for your work?
Nature, decay, the beautiful things that generally go unnoticed.
Q: You often
depict insects and birds in your artwork, what attracts you the most about this
subject matter?
I have always been excited and intrigued by insects from as early
as I can remember; in fact my first pet was a woodlouse! Beetles in particular
come in so many different forms and colours, and are simply fascinating. I am
also interested in their place in the world; recycling nature; creating life
from death. Birds to me represent freedom, and the fragility of life.
Q: How would
you describe your work?
Expressive yet delicate.
Q: What
methods and tools do you use the most in creating your artwork?
I use a lot of mixed media; old wallpapers, cracking layers of
paint, rubbing away, scratching into. I am interested in old walls and surfaces
that display the changes of time, and try to represent this.
Q: What
mediums do you work in and why?
I tend to paint mainly in acrylics, they are very versatile,
especially when mixed with other types of mediums. I feel I understand how they
work but can still discover new ways of producing interesting effects. I know
some people can be a bit snobby if a painting isn’t created using oils, as acrylics
haven’t yet done the test of time, but I quite like that, and you can get some
real quality stuff these days.
Q: Are there
any other mediums you would like to explore?
Always, but it’s having the time to explore them that is
difficult. When I feel I have learnt all I can from acrylics I’ll give myself
the oil or watercolour challenge.
Q: What made
you choose book covers as a canvas?
They suit my subject matter well; the story of existence; like the
life cycle of a beetle or a moth, natures continual loop; changing forms or
purpose. They also create a good surface for painting on!
Q: What are
you working on at the moment?
I’ve been experimenting with my backgrounds, working from photos I
took in Mexico last year of various walls; inspired by the textures, colours
and covering up of graffiti.
Q: Can you
tell us a bit about your working space?
I am based at Jamaica Street studios which is a real hub of
activity and full of some fun and inspiration people. My space is tucked away
up a ladder on a small mezzanine which is full of character but lacking space
when wanting to spread out and paint big!
Q: What or
who are your main influences in your work/life?
Subject-wise, everything around me is of influence. However, as an
artist, as cheesy as it may sound, I really wouldn’t be able to carry on
without the support of my friends and family.
Q: If not art
then what would you have done?
A science definitely, something anatomically based, most likely
Human or Animal Biology/ Zoology,or the study of insects, perhaps Entomology?
I’d love to learn more about all that, maybe one day I still will, I hope so.
Q: What does
a normal working day look like for you?
A sore back bent over a painting! Once in my studio space I tend
to get into a bit of a zone and before I know it, hours have passed. Sometimes
it is difficult to break out of (until I am forced to go to the loo, or I’m
offered a coffee break).
Q: What do
you do to relax?
I like to get out of the City; it’s not far to
the coast, countryside, hills or woodlands. Walking, mountain biking, or just
sitting and looking; It’s important for me to get some space and fresh air
every now and again.
Q: Are you a
sweet or savory person?
Sweet, without a doubt, I couldn’t survive without my regular
sugar intake!
Find out more about Rose on her website
We also have a print available of Rose's work and originals on our webiste.
More of Rose's fabulous work can be seen on this is collosal's website.
