Rosalind Lawless studio visit
Rosalind Lawless | b 1978 UK, based in Glasgow
2004 Masters of Art Printmaking, Royal College of Art, London
2002 BA Fine Art Printmaking, Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen
Rosalind Lawless grew up in Clydebank, Glasgow and is the youngest of 3 children. She completed her BA at Grays School of Art followed by a MA in Fine Art Printmaking at the Royal College of Art. She has enjoyed a successful International art career and attributes her family to keeping her grounded in a career that has gifted her the opportunity to work in London, Scotland, France and Austria. Nowadays Rosalind is based in Glasgow and works as a full-time artist and lectures at Anniesland College in Glasgow.
How did you get into art?
My parents encouraged me to follow my ambition to attend art school. Although they were not artistic themselves, they took me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery at weekends. My parents did not have any pre-conceived ideas of the art world and I think it allowed me to foster my own approach.
My family helps me to keep it real. I grew up in Clydebank and remembering where I come from has reassured and motivated me through various times of my art career.
Studying at Gray's School of Art was very hands on and much more of a technical learning experience. I had excellent tutors who were so passionate and dedicated about their subjects. It is easy to learn from people who care so much about their subject. Yet, I also knew that I wanted to expand on my theory and so I applied to study at the Royal College of Art in London.
Flat Mountain, relief collaged with postcard, 12 x 15 cm
In the studio with Rosalind…
Being in my studio is the most liberating thing. My studio is in Glasgow, one of the WASPS studios. I was lucky to be offered it when I came back to Scotland; it’s a cool place to work.
Getting back to the studio after lockdown was a strange experience. Going from working at your dining table for 3 months dressed in pyjamas to going back to the studio everyday. I slightly forced myself back as I was hesitant after lockdown about what I was making. However, once there, switching on the radio, draw, dance – it’s business as usual.
Flat Mountain #1, screen print with acrylic and acetate, 12 x 15 cm
How do you describe your artistic style?
My style is influenced by architecture and my immediate surroundings.
I like to use commonplace imagery to organise the pictorial space.
I also like to bring architecture into my work in a 2D form using layering, repetition, cut-outs and washout to transform my unique perception of a place. I incorporate history into my work and places that inspire me. My consistent fresh approach to work allows me to adapt and approach with a new fresh ways of working.
As a printmaker, becoming increasingly aware of the amount of paper that I was using. I use heavy weight paper (400g) Thinking about this made me a little guilty and that naturally progressed into a consistent recycling of older works and works that didn’t quite make it. Nowadays I constantly think about reusing as a starter for a new piece of work and this feeds into the next piece which feels part of the process now, which in turn hopefully acknowledges the role artists, can play in concerns for the environment.
Outline #1, screen print collaged with acetate & spray paint, 12 x 15 cm
What does being part of the ArtThou and Maggie's NoBorders’ Initiative mean to you?
The ArtThou NoBorders’ initiative makes a brave and clear statement at a time when all we hear on the news is Brexit, the pandemic and closing borders. I recently lost a friend to cancer and have a personal connection to Maggie's Centre so it means a lot to support an exhibition that helps a good cause.
It is a cool initiative to be involved in and I really like what ArtThou has done by bringing the NoBorders’ initiative with a serious message to support the Maggie's Centre. This is a great project and I’m extremely pleased to support charities and good causes in our work.
Interested to learn more about the work of Rosalind Lawless. Click here to view Rosalind´s Work in the ArtThou No Borders Initiative here