Creative Spotlight - Rosalie Wood

The images for Playing With Purpose: The Power and Process of Creativity were created by digital artist, Rosalie Wood.

Alex O’Toole caught up with Rozz, to find out more about her creative practice and what drives her in her work.

Ten Minutes at a distance with Rosalie Wood.

How long have you been an artist/illustrator?

Four years.

What is your first memory of creativity / being creative?

Finger painting in Year 2.

Tell us about your creative journey. How did you get to where you are now?

I think it has been quite haphazard. The pinnacle moment was going to study in Manchester. To live there and be there - the people, place and school all shaped my practice in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Tell us about the concept and thinking behind the work you have created for the Playing With Purpose article in the Delivering Design At a Distance series.

It has been bounced around a bit, but primarily it’s a discussion about the analogue and digital worlds we are now existing in - the line isn’t as boldly drawn as it was before.

The initial wiggle on the images was an accident, but then it seemed to link to the idea that we are all trying to get a snapshot, get this new world into focus and grappling with these different dimensions seemed relevant.

Can we live in a digital landscape? Yes.

Can we reach the same goals with this new digital ball? Yes.

Can we still go belly to belly? Yes, of sorts.

It all comes down to focus and fluidity of that approach, to save your ‘ship’. It is meant to be a bit fun as well.

What has been the biggest influence on your work to date?

It’s hard to locate a specific influence, but reading books, trying new things and meeting new people has been beneficial.

Which artists / illustrators do you admire or inspire you the most?

Erik Kessels, for shining the spotlight on the magnificence of a ‘normcore’ existence - the magic and the humour in that. That when things come as they are, they are at their best.

How has your style evolved over time?

Reading ‘A Smile in the Mind’ three years ago made me realise serious work can be funny. Since then, it’s been trying to work out how to create that.

I think also being less hung up on always editing something, but to go with feeling and whether it feels fun has been liberating. This has gradually led to more experimental work.

What keeps you motivated to keep creating?

Primarily, the possibility to make somebody smile, or to think about something in a way they hadn’t before. But also creating is a great and necessary way to process the world.

What are your plans and goals for your future career as a digital artist?

To continue in the pursuit of play and be able to explore more of the visual landscape we are in. Audio too. There is much out there to learn and experience. Eventually it would be great to have my own studio, but that is a while away yet.

Where can people find out more you and your work?

Visit my website www.rosaliewood.com or find me on Instagram @ros.alie_wood