Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosalind Wyatt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rosalind, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
I suppose this question made me stop and think because as my parents get older they get more precious. My Dad is 92 and my mum is 88 and they are still learning and growing and showing me how … Growing up they gave us a lot of space to be who we were. There was always a structured home space which was harmonious, clean and wholesome. My father was a freelance TV director in the early days of BBC TV when everything was live. He mixed in the company of The Beatles and The Stones but didn’t let this go to his head so there was not glitzy parties, just regular fun and mischief. My mum was the practical one – incredibly resourceful with the meagre income that came with freelance life. They included us in their life and steered us into good company; every year we were part of a arts festival in Oxford (UK) that celebrated the arts and artists. The idea was to watch artists making stuff… it was called Art in Action and continued for 30 years, run mainly by volunteers. This was a highlight of our year. From a young age, we would go and volunteer – making tea, making pancakes, clearing up litter – whatever was needed. Watching art being made inspired me to become an artist and so from a young age (10 and into my teens) I started being an ‘artist assistant’. There were lots of opportunities as some of their closest friends were professional artists. I would mix paint, carry clay, be a life model – generally make myself useful.
When it came to deciding what I wanted to do – I remember making a decision to be an artist around 16. I wrote it down and kind of pledged to myself that I would do what it takes to follow that path and keep developing throughout life. Thats been tested many times – mainly my own insecurities and doubts and life events but I owe that initial inner purpose and the strength that comes with it, to my parents.
Rosalind, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Rosalind Wyatt – a born and raised Londoner. I trained initially in Calligraphy and Bookbinding when there was actually a BA (hons) course; I always wanted to be an artist and loved making things, and loved books. Theatre, philosophy, music were part of my lanscape growing up so I knew what I was looking for, but had no idea where to find it. Learning Calligraphy, the history of letterform and the wider anthropological context really opened up a new vista. But somehow it felt limited to historical reptition and craft and I was hungry for more. I needed to develop my voice and so applied to the Royal College of Art to an MA in mixed media textiles in the school of fashion and textiles. The main question seemed to point back to that sense of self of what it was I wanted to say. I ‘found myself’ again, in the British Library, deep in the archives, looking for meaning in old documents, old letters, and artefacts from different cultures and traditions. During that time, I thought ‘I wonder if I can write with a needle’. I started stitching handwriting onto garments to tell the story of the person who wore them. I call this writing with a needle. The act of stitching handwriting means I can relate to another person – deeply – through their handwritten mark. I have stitched the handwriting of hundreds of people – from famous historical figures, to celebrities, to children, to ordinary folk. It comes back to the line. I am fascinated by the abstract line that makes up writing and what this says about us.
Calligraphy to me is art. Letters live through gesture and mark; and so I am a calligrapher who likes to paint in large abstract pieces. This allows a free flow of thought – a kind of inner following.
I sense that – right now – I am in a transition phase. Professionally, I still accept commissions and love working with my clients – but there’s something more I need to say and its working quietly under the surface.
Heritage brands need story and visuals to endorse and build brand, and this is where I bring value. looking into the archive, to find the people and stories that bring a brand alive – but through calligraphy and cloth. For Burberry UK, I told the story of gabardine on a trench coat – bringing to life the epic adventure of Ernest Shackleton; I read his diaries and worked with their archivist to bring out elements that celebrated their history.
Story telling is huge part of what I do – so speaking publicly about my work inspires younger artists to follow their own aspirations. Teaching has always been there – it seems to be about giving and receiving. The more you give the more your receive – its a two way street. The only thing we have to get over – is ourselves.
I think I bring a freshness to history; History is about people and art is about that creative vision that fuels our inspiration. The way we write (handwriting / longhand) reveals everything. The pressure, the slant, the rhythm, the line is utterly unique to each individual. Its beyond right and wrong and we still have everything to learn about it.
Conceptually, its this free thinking that allows for the best ideas and for the newest inventions. Being an artist is to solve youre problems on a page, in a sketch, in a poem. I read a lot of philosophy and poetry but the best thing is to hear it spoken live if possible. There is music in words, a sound which carries and lasts and sometimes you can sense the magic of this moment. This is what I am producing, whether in a piece of calligraphy, applied lettering, a collage painting, an embroidery – its a visual song!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I dont have a huge social media following but I do know that when I authentically have something to say, then it works! So be authentic, and people will hear your voice. Ask yourself before you post ‘What do I want to talk about today’ and take it from there…. Sometimes, a few things come together: you can hear a song and think – if I pair that with this image it will have more impact!
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Its hard ‘being’ an artist the whole time and a lot of creatives burn out because of this. Travelling is a wonderful remedy to this. I had just come out of long term relationship, moved and relocated and felt exhausted by the whole experience. I wanted to retrace my italian roots – so I booked a one way ticket to Sicily. I took it a week at the time, telling myself that I wasnt spending any more money than I would be a home – which was true! Luckily, I was able to continue some work from there and ended up meeing up with friends on another part of the island. I lived simply, and pursued my own interests – visiting collections, gardens, and researching the local areas. Then I got an enquiry from London, asking for a commission. I had the smallest selections of art materials with me but just followed events. I ended up painting 30 metres of italian linen for cleints baby shower! I found a group of ‘digital nomads’ who lived in Sicily and made contace. They were feisty, independent and creative womean. They helped me source the material, find a place to work and think on my feet! It was one of the most joyous, exhiliarating adventures Ive ever had. It paid for the trip and the client loved the work!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rosalindwyatt.com
- Instagram: artistrosalindwyatt
- Linkedin: Rosalind Wyatt
- Twitter: Rosalind Wyatt
- Youtube: Rosalind Wyatt