How would you describe your work?

My prints are all original, one of a kind screen monoprints. Each of my prints are made with multiple layers. I used a combination of halftone photographic images, my own drawings, flat geometric shapes and larger brush marks to create my work. More recently I've been exploring collage and incorporating oil pastel mark making in my pieces. I yoyo between bright vibrant colours and more considered calming palettes. 

What is the main subject of your inspiration?

I’m an avid collector of ephemera, including pen tester pages, old scrap books and notes from the street. I’m interested in the marks and traces of what we leave behind. Carefully curated scrapbooks from second hand shops or paint spills in B&Q, physical and photographic collected imagery translate into my prints. I’m also inspired by all things botanical, especially vintage botanical imagery. Flowers have become a repeated motif in my prints.

Are there conversations you hope your work initiates?

My work is very much about the process. When I have led screen printing workshops or taught screen printing in school I've tried to focus on how printmaking allows room for problem solving, for example re-printing over something if it went “wrong”. There’s an acute sense of fear of failure in lots of creative education. So when teaching this process it's brilliant to focus on the least successful prints made by students and allow space for them to consider how they can change, edit and alter it through the printmaking process.

Why is printmaking important to you?  

It’s an opportunity to play and explore! I love making commissions for friends, considering them whilst I’m making work is special. Mainly, printmaking allows me a space to get in a flow of creating away from screens, emails, admin. It's a joy!

How does the process of making images interact with your daily life?

I love gardening and I suppose growing and creating have overlapping similarities. My garden and it’s colours often play into and inspire my printmaking. 

Do you have any creative rituals or routines that you live by?

I try not to rush when print making and spend a lot of time mixing colours before beginning a print. I also try to re-use/ cut up / crop into old prints to find new compositions.

Are there any activities outside of your practice that help you to relax or re-energise?

Walking my dog Noodle with my husband Harry, walking in general. I live near Nunhead Cemetery which is beautifully overgrown and wild. I feel really lucky to walk there so often.

Artist inspiration

Corita Kent; Kudzanai-Violet Hwami; Deiter Roth; Julie Mehretu; Kieth Tyson; Atelier Bingo; Jonathan Lawes.

To see more of Roz’s work, check out her website and Instagram.