The Riso Apprentice - a journey with Alice Prentice
Meet Alice
Hello! My name is Alice Prentice, and I am an Illustrator from the Highlands of Scotland. In June, I graduated from DJCAD in Dundee where I studied for my Honours Degree in Illustration. Over the years, my work has included animation, graphic design, printmaking, photography and, of course, illustration. I believe that this versatility is my greatest strength. However, at my very core, the thing I love most is RISO printing!
Riso = A true love affair
I was initially introduced to the wonderful world of RISO printing in my first year of illustration at DJCAD. We had a small, single drum, RISO printer in our seminar room that quickly became my new obsession! Since then, the print technique has had a lot of influence on my work, making prints and folded zines in an array of colours and forms.
I love that there are so many unique quirks to printing with RISO. Every print is a little different and that’s what makes it so special to me. Not only is it a great way to ethically print duplicated work but, I believe it is also a great educational tool for creative exploration.
Unfortunately, in the widespread Highland region, there are very few RISO printing studios open to the public. The closest accessible print studios are in the cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee which can be difficult to access with great travelling distances and costs.
One of my future goals is to bring Risograph printing further into the spotlight here in Highlands and Islands, with my very own printing studio. This is why I got in contact with Risopop.
At the beginning of October, I'm travelling over to Amsterdam to spend six weeks with Aafke. Working together, I will be gaining experience in hosting workshops, running a print studio and expanding my knowledge of the printing method. We are going to go, RISO daft* and I can’t wait!
*(Scottish word for crazy)
My Inspirations
My artwork is often influenced by Scottish landscapes and cultures. I especially like to explore emotions and the effects of an environment on a person. I’ve lived in the Highlands of Scotland all my life and I love to be outside.
I have travelled from the east to the west coast and even done a bit of island hopping via my dad's boat. I enjoy walking up hills and through forests, exploring the different paths to see where it takes me. I especially like to swim in the sea. When I get that cold shock from the Atlantic and the North Sea, it gives me clarity and cleanses my busy mind.
This being said, I often feel disconnected from fast-paced city living. After finishing university, I moved back to my family home in the village where I grew up. Since then, I have had no means of getting my RISO-fix and I miss that very much.
The global pandemic that we are all experiencing right now has had a great effect on our daily lives. In more ways than one, we have all had to make changes to our environments.
Being in the highlands I am surrounded by an abundance of nature that has often been untouched. I feel very lucky to be out of the cities and instead, in a calm environment where I can find the space I need to breathe.
So, What is the master plan?
One of the things I find most intriguing and also restrictive about Riso and other traditional printing methods is that your work always comes out two dimensional. In a world where 3D printing is becoming ever more popular; used in food production, manufacturing, reconstructive surgery and even in the building industry. How can traditional two-dimensional print keep up?
My project, RISO3D, aims to push the boundaries of print. Over the six weeks that I will be interning at RisoPop, I will be hosting regular workshops with, developing my own personal projects and setting up a special exhibition. The aim is to combine my love for exploring environments and emotions, with an investigation into how RISO printing can be made three dimensional.
So that’s a bit about me! I’m so excited to spend time at RisoPop. Keep your eyes on the RisoPop social media channels for more information coming soon. Plus, I’ll be letting you know how you can get involved.
Cheers!
Alice
