Hi Rosie. Could you tell us a bit about your practice?

I’m a sculptor. I love being hands-on with materials that are in movement, such as plaster. My artworks draw on irregular and organic forms that can be found in nature. In place of traditional sculpture my work embodies a spirit of change and transformation. I am inspired by capturing movement, fluidity, and growth. At the moment in my studio, I feel as though I am in a science lab creating unusual alien-like forms. My practice is process-based and driven by an ongoing investigation into materials such as plaster, clay, slip, and wax. I am interested in matter, a physical shift between material states that are subject to change. These include pouring, peeling, revealing, and relinquishing my control over the outcomes of the processes.

Has your practice been influenced by your time at BAS, and if so, how?

I've learned a lot and grown stronger as an artist, feeling more independent in the skills I know and not relying on technicians or tutors. It's nice to feel part of an artistic community where I can ask for advice from other artists. My practice has also been much more experimental, and I am creating works that are much larger in scale, trying to fill my studio with as many artworks as I can.

What have been your biggest learnings since graduating?

One of my biggest learnings is to experiment with different techniques, mediums, and themes. This has been significant in helping me find my voice and style as an artist. Also, an important lesson is accepting that failure is a part of the creative process. Learning to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback is a valuable lesson. Time management is also important - finding the balance for creating and making money can be difficult, but it’s a good stepping stone into the real world.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a residency?

Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your practice and keep the excitement going by doing lots of work. Don’t let the passion and excitement die. Think of graduating as the freedom to explore who you are as an artist.