Emerging talent Sarah Milton has only recently graduated from Arts school and is already creating quite a stir with her collection of limted-edition graphic prints. We caught up with Sarah to talk textures, typography and printing…
How would you describe your work?
The basic concept behind my work was to abstract type into obscure geometrics and mix them with textures I’d collected whilst printing, so to playfully switch what was usually legible type, and what wasn’t, process. That’s pretty much just a fancy way of saying I like type and I like process art though!
What’s your artistic process like?
I usually start off with a single letter, number or character on a piece of paper and start to fold. It then grows quite rapidly with the use of photocopiers and collage into black and white graphic prints. These are then taken into the print room and given texture and colour through some sort of process; screen printing and gum arabic are my favourites. That’s the basic process for my flat prints. The 3D prints are the other way round. I go into the print room first to screen print colours and type onto paper, then fold these up to make the final art piece.
How long does it take to create a single piece?
To be honest, I never really know how long a single piece has taken because I’m always doing multiple prints at a time. My mind works on overdrive most of the time; I’ll get half way through one set of prints and already know what set of prints I’m going to make next. I wish I could keep up with it! The 3D prints take the longest to make, maybe a little too long but I don’t care; they’re so satisfying.
What elements of your work do you enjoy the most?
The physical act of paper folding and screen-printing are my favourite elements because they’ll take my mind off of anything. Both processes come really naturally to me and so I can completely zone out and go all day without having to think; it’s very therapeutic.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
“Don’t be afraid to be different.”
What are your plans for the future?More, more, more! Many more artist prints. I’m also currently finalising my wallpaper collection, which is the other big part of what I do. Artist prints and wallpaper are just my starting point though; the plan is to expand so walls and beautiful objects everywhere are covered in my prints.
You can purchase Sarah’s prints exclusively on CultureLabel.
