Meet the Maker: Rose Agar
Rose Agar is a printmaker inspired by nature. From the flora and fauna she sketches and translates into linocut designs, to the tone of her ink, her fabric choices and the berries, twigs and leaves she uses in her photography, every part of Rose’s collection feels strongly connected to the earth. In this Meet the Maker interview, Rose talks to fellow designer Folksy seller Ruth Thorp about her work, studio and inspiration…
Use code ‘March15’ to get 15% off all purchases from Rose Agar until 13th April 2019 – https://folksy.com/shops/RoseAgarDesigns
Hi Rose! Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Rose Agar, and I’m a printmaker based in York. I make and print zip pouches, cards, prints and gifts inspired my nature. Nature comes into every aspect of my work, from designing to the way I photograph my products.
My craft and work means everything to me. It brings me focus and joy and makes me forget about my worries.
Can you can you tell us a little about how you got into printing and making?
I come from a creative family so I’ve grown up sewing and making. My love of print started in college where I studied art and design. I liked the idea of printing my own fabric so signed up for an evening print class to learn the basics. I experimented with lino for a few years and then opened my Folksy shop.
It’s often my little doodles that become my finished designs.
Can you describe your process when creating new work?
I like to start by sketching in my sketchbooks. Sometimes I have an idea in mind, but it’s often my little doodles that become my finished designs. When I’m happy with a design I transfer it to the lino to carve and do test prints. I then print my fabric and get sewing.
Nature influences every aspect of my work, from sketching to my photography.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I get my ideas from nature, especially woodland nature. It comes into every aspect of my work from sketching to photography.
I love how your designs work on both paper and fabric. Is there a material that you prefer to work with?
I love to work with linen and cotton fabrics – they are strong and versatile. I like the different textures and the way prints look on them. They are also great fabrics to sew with.
I enjoy the thought of people using my bags and purses.
What’s your favourite product to make?
I love to print and sew make-up bags and coin purses. They seem to be a strong favourite at the moment.
Click here to see Rose’s collection of make-up bags and purse on Folksy >
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My craft and work means everything to me. It brings me focus and joy and makes me forget about my worries. I love it when someone buys from me – I enjoy the thought of people using my bags and purses. But I think I love the printing, sewing and seeing the finished result the best.
Other than printing, what other interests do you have?
I love craft in general but I also have an interest in history. Going round a museum or castle is the perfect day out for me. I live in York so I’m lucky to be surrounded by history and interesting places. I also love reading and have a big collection of books.
I live in York so I’m lucky to be surrounded by history and interesting places. I also love reading and have a big collection of books.
Do you have any exciting plans for new work this year?
I hope to expand my range a bit more and maybe make some larger items. I’m happy with how my shops are going at the moment. I feel I have a nice balance.
It’s good to practise, develop your style and ideas over time and not rush anything.
Do you have any words of wisdom for any aspiring printmakers or artists?
I think one of the most important things is to enjoy it. If you have a passion for something, you should follow it. I think it’s also good to practise, develop your style and ideas over time and not rush anything.
Use code ‘March15’ to get 15% off all purchases from Rose Agar until 13th April 2019. Shop Rose Agar on Folksy – https://folksy.com/shops/RoseAgarDesigns
Meet the interviewer
The maker asking this questions this time is Ruth Thorp. Shop Ruth Thorp on Folksy here – https://folksy.com/shops/RuthThorpStudio/
Read our interview with Ruth here – https://blog.folksy.com/2019/03/04/ruth-thorp-illustration
