Photo Credit: Andrew Nicholas
Art Star: Did you go to art school? If so, where did you study?
Lauren Rossi: I went to a liberal arts college for my undergraduate degree and followed that up with art school for my graduate degree. I received my Bachelor of Arts from Scripps College in Claremont, California majoring in Studio Art. My Master of Fine Arts was earned from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan from the Fiber Department. After completing both academic programs I spent a year at The Fabric Workshop and Museum as an apprentice before beginning my own studio practice and business.
AS: What types of items will you be selling at the bazaar?
LR: I will be selling products for home: Tea Towels, Napkins, Pillows, Table Runners and Tablecloths and personal accessories: Envelope Clutches and Totes all made from my hand printed fabrics.
AS: What materials do you work with?
LR: I use a variety of materials to make work. To list a few: architecture pencil, water color, India ink, gauche, tracing, watercolor and drawing paper, paint brushes of all sizes, a scanner, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, mylar, emulsion, silk screens, duck tape, spray adhesive, nail polish, masking tape, linen, burlap, leather, cotton and hemp fabrics, digital camera, t-pins, squeegees, water color textile pigment and twine.
AS: How are your items made? Describe your process.
LR: I keep notebooks and lists everywhere that are a collection of print ideas to be. When I begin working on a new design this writing is translated to sketch and then original drawing. From paper I scan and then trace my drawing using a Wacom tablet, adjusting shapes, adding color layers, rearranging each component until the composition is complete. Each color layer is printed out onto mylar film and then the corresponding screens are “burned,” a process that exposes the light sensitive emulsion coating, transferring the image to the screen. I often proof colorways digitally before mixing ink, and then I print test squares of each color on fabric. There are many steps in the print process, including color tests, registration, scale and the translation to finished object. I love to experiment when I design and print, by considering the repeat to be more like an endless painting, pushing boundaries of the traditional and the process. I usually have an end use in mind before I begin the design and print process, but I have fun in the studio by keeping an open mind about what the fabric could turn into. The last step is to produce the finished products using the printed yardage. I use a number of local sources for sampling and production including sewing, upholstery and digital printing.
Photo Credit: Andrew Nicholas
AS: Are you able to make your work full-time? If not, what do you do for your day job?
LR: I get to print and design full time!! And I am so grateful for it. When I am not in the studio I love to spend time with my husband and great dane. I also love to cook (I was a line cook and pastry chef for a short time).
AS: Who are some of your favorite artists?
LR: To name a few off the top of my head: Marimekko, Lotta Jansdotter, Hable Construction, Hella Jongerius, Studio Droog, Issey Miyake, Louise Bourgeois, Jean Claude and Christo, Draga Obradovic, Joseph Beuys.
AS: What are you reading/listening to right now?
LR: I am slowly reading “The History of Love” by Nicole Krauss and hope to have my hands on Julia Child’s book, “My Life in France” immediately following. In the studio I am listening to a lot of Mumford and Sons, Ratatat, the Roots, Talking Heads and First Aid Kit Pandora mixes.
Photo Credit: Andrew Nicholas
AS: Where would you like to see yourself and your art/craft business in the next 5 years?
LR: I hope to expand my collaborations with other businesses, employ 2-4 people, begin doing Saturday workshops and have product available in a variety of locations and shops.
AS: Are there any bazaar participants that you are excited to check out this year?
LR: I look forward to meeting them all!
A list of a few of my favorite things: Huevos Rancheros, Peonies and Wisteria Vines, flip flops, vintage bangles, pink and orange combination, oysters, artichokes, avocado and mochi ice cream
Thank you Lauren for telling us a bit more about you & your incredible work. Check out this video portrait of Lauren by Andrew & Jenn Richey Nicholas. Be sure to bookmark her website + Visit her at our upcoming Art Star Craft Bazaar at Booth #20!