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Northampton

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What does your art mean to you?
To me, illustration as a field presents an infinite opportunity to keep learning and experimenting. It provides a focus and outlet for my curiosity and allows me to see the same world through an endlessly changing gaze. My work is also a means through which I can make a difference on a community-based level and engage with new people, a branch of my practice I am currently trying to evolve further through organising my first series of workshops with a local gallery.

Illustrator & Maker. Rosie May
Illustrator & Maker. Rosie May

How did you end up working as an illustrator?
I studied illustration at university; it wasn’t a path I ever intended to take as I had no arts training behind me at all beforehand – I didn’t really draw and I certainly never painted. But I was enamoured by the idea that I could tell stories through things I created, and not just via 2D printed ephemera but through ceramics, textiles, costume. I can appreciate digital media but I feel far more connected to working with the tangible; I like to see the human touch in my work, the remnants of my process, it all adds to another layer of narrative.

But I was enamoured by the idea that I could tell stories through things I created, and not just via 2D printed ephemera but through ceramics, textiles, costume.

How do you get inspired to produce a piece of work?
I wouldn’t say there is a linear process to how I make work; finding inspiration in everyday life means that I can really make work about anything that makes me feel something. It often comes from the simplest of sources, and a large proportion of these being from interactions with the natural world- I like that I can immortalise such liminal moments and turn my memories and emotions into something physical. I’m quite a nostalgic person and a bit of a hoarder, and that definitely bears a lot of weight in my personal practice.

What do you enjoy? How do you spend your free time?
I spend most of my free time reading- like painting I find it a totally immersive activity, another way of sinking into an imaginary world and escaping for a while. I’ve recently finished reading Ali Smith’s Seasonal Quartet which was incredible. They initially grabbed my attention because of the Hockney paintings on the covers; I adore his work, and now her’s too in equal measure. I guess it pays to judge a book by its cover sometimes. I also spend a lot of time outdoors, mostly walking at the moment seen as it’s one of the few ways we can still socialise here. I do a lot of my thinking when I’m walking too, it’s definitely as much a part of my creative process as it is a means of getting a change of scenery.

I also spend a lot of time outdoors, mostly walking at the moment seen as it’s one of the few ways we can still socialise here.

Illustrator & Maker. Rosie May

What’s life like in Northampton now?
Life in Northampton is, as you’d expect, not wildly different from life in most places right now. Luckily I live in the countryside so I have the luxury of being surrounded by green space that is free to explore. I never imagined living here after I graduated but I’ve definitely come to appreciate it over the past few months and recognise how beautiful it really is. There seems to be more of a creative momentum building within the town too which is really exciting and definitely long overdue- I’m looking forward to being part of it and seeing where it’ll head.

Where can I buy your work?
Prints of my works and other hand-painted goods are available via my online store. I’m also available to commission and am happy to sell my original pieces- just get in touch via my Instagram or email on helloruzamay@gmail.com.

Rosie May – www.instagram.com/ruza.may/