Brighton Journal’s artist of the week is Liz Toole, a local painter and printmaker based at Phoenix Studios, Brighton. Birds are Liz’s main artistic inspiration, and her recent work includes working alongside the RSPB, the BTO and various other artists on a book about endangered birds. We discussed Liz’s current projects, what she loves about the medium she works in, as well as what she would like others to notice about her work.
What are you doing today?
Today I was in the print studio working on my latest print that is part of a series of four screenprints. It’s called the Knight of Feathers. I had a very successful day. It’s an 8 colour screenprint printed in an edition of 60 prints, and a few extra for the usual mistakes. Today I printed three colours of this print.
Describe where you do most of your creative work.
That’s a tricky one as I work between two studios (I know I’m very lucky). One is at Phoenix Brighton, this is my clean space where I pack my prints, paint and design my prints. My other studio which I share with 6 other artists is a screenprinting studio, this is where I make my prints. I’d say it has to be split evenly 50/50 between the two. Both are my main creative places.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve worked on?
Well, earlier this year I was honoured to be asked to produce a painting/print of a Ruff (a type of bird) for the RSPB and BTO (British Trust for Ornithology). The Ruff is currently on the Red List, a list consisting of birds that are becoming seriously endangered. These two organisations have approached 45 artists and given each one a bird on the list to reproduce as a painting or print. The artists’ work will be published in a book, and all proceeds of the book will be donated to help the endangered birds. I’m very excited to see the book, it should be available very soon.
What made you decide to become an artist?
At school I loved it, I was very lucky as my parents were happy for me to choose something I loved. It was between art and drama, art won. Neither of my parents were into art in anyway, it was just part of me.
What are you currently working on?
As mentioned before I’m finishing a series of hand printed screenprints. They are for my Winter shows/exhibitions and a big gallery delivery I have planned “oop North” for next month. I’m especially pleased with them as they are completely different from anything I’ve previously printed – lots of white paper and also printing to the edge of the paper.
What are the key themes in your work?
BIRDS!… and nature.
What would you like people to notice about your work?
That each piece has a story, a positive affirmation or a feeling. Mainly positivity. My work can be quite decorative but if you look deeper there is a story. Colour is also hugely important to me and a massive part of my work. It’s so important that my colours fit next to each other perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle.
What attracts you to the medium you work in?
That I am always learning. Printmaking feels like I’m at art college but it’s my job. I’m very lucky.
What equipment could you not do without?
Pencil, stanley knife, layout pad, rubber. The list is honestly endless…
Who or what inspires you?
Nature. Life. My family and friends.
How is your work affected by living in this area?
I have a dog so we are outdoors a lot, being out in the elements. Nature is an incredible metaphor for life so I am constantly inspired out on my dog walks. I also paint onto pieces of found driftwood so living by the sea is very important, the pieces of wood I find after a storm inspire my paintings.
What’s your favourite thing to do locally?
Walking at Cuckmere Haven and across the road in Friston Forest, they are literally 10 minutes from my printing studio so we get to walk here a lot.
What’s your favourite gallery (or place to see/experience art)?
That’s a tough one, I have lots of favourites. My most recent would be The Mostyn gallery in Llandudno, Wales. It’s such a beautiful space, amazing exhibitions and the shop showcases the best craft I have seen.
If you could collaborate with one artist, from any time, who would it be and why?
William Morris, the most inspiring timeless designer ever. I have constantly referred to his beautiful designs and colour combinations. It would be a match made in heaven.
What’s your favourite colour?
That’s the easiest answer – Turquoise!
To find out more about Liz and her work, take a look at her website, Instagram and Facebook.
