Artist conversations // Olivia Lucy Bush
Olivia Bush is a printmaker and book designer with a talent for translating the natural world.
Originally from Bedfordshire, Olivia studied in Norwich and spent several months travelling Scotland in a campervan before moving to Cornwall in 2o21.
I was fortunate to come across Olivia’s work while she was still studying and her work resonated with me instantly; it’s a joy to chat with her now as her practice goes from strength to strength.
Can you tell me a bit about your practice? What does it look like at the moment?
My practice is currently split into two; I continue to work on my print practice in between time spent at my desk as a book designer. I sometimes hesitate to call myself a printmaker as I think of master printmakers who have been doing it for years with all the right tools – which isn’t me yet! But the foundations are there.
My degree was in Design for Publishing, and I now work with publishing companies to design the internal spreads and covers of lifestyle-led books, which I still can’t believe is real. I feel very lucky to have the balance of the two – both I love as much as the other, and this layering of tasks is what makes my day interesting!
You live in a (gorgeous-looking) renovated van – can you tell me a bit about how that lifestyle intersects with your practice, and any joys or challenges it might bring?
That’s kind thank you! The winter condensation and mould is not so gorgeous, but we’re coming into Spring so soon it will all be forgotten! Having a creative practice and lifestyle that is so interwoven with nature and the outdoors - it all embeds into each other.
During 2020 we travelled Scotland for six months where the weather change was dramatic and really affected everything. It also directly informed my work which I am very grateful to have had the opportunity for.
How does the process of designing and making interact with your daily life?
As a creative I think you see the world in a slightly more intuitive way - in so many small ways throughout the day. Without sounding cliche, I think you have a certain awareness that picks up on things others might miss. Maybe it’s the hand-painted lettering of a shop front, design of a food menu or the way your hand cradles your favourite mug.
As a freelancer, how do you structure your day/week?
I am very lucky to have a desk space in a friend’s barn studio, so this helps a lot! I used to work in the van, which was great at the time, but very hard to distinguish between work and home. Now I am able to wander down the hill in the morning, to the studio for roughly 8:30am, and begin my day.
I usually start by trying to light a fire - and failing - and then begin working my way through the day’s to-do list, which varies depending on project deadlines. As the van is only up the hill, I always walk back up for lunch and breathe in the beautiful surroundings to give myself a mental break.
In what ways does the place you live influence your work, or your way of living?
As I am quite new to Cornwall still, I still have a lot to learn! But you don’t have to be here for long for the creativity to hit you in the face at every corner you walk around. Falmouth is an art student town and it’s ok here to be self-employed or a maker, an artist or something other than the traditional 9-5 office job.
It isn’t really like that where I come from, which is probably why so many people migrate down here. It seems lifestyle over work is most important. I’m totally here for that!
Do you have any creative rituals or routines that you live by?
Seeking inspiration from constantly being outside, and using beautiful everyday objects where I can, is probably most important for me.
How do you reconnect with yourself or your practice when life gets too full or overwhelming?
I love going to sit by the sea, or taking out my bike this time of year. It’s much harder here in Cornwall than when I lived in Norwich (thanking those flat roads now!) and I am definitely not a keen cyclist! But I do love cycling to the post office through the back roads surrounding the farm I am on.
When the sun is shining and the light is dappled through the trees – I honestly think it’s the most beautiful part of Cornwall. There’s also something quite playful and child-like about playing out on your bike!
Are there any books, places, other makers that are inspiring you at the moment?
I feel drawn to painters at the minute and artists who delve deep into the process. I love Lucy Runge’s work and also Sally Newton’s residency sketches who I have had the pleasure of creating print matter for before. From a more design perspective, Margot Lévêque creates beautiful typography and Evi O Studio based in Sydney are a constant inspiration.
To see more of Olivia’s work, check out her website and Instagram.