Hull based artist Josh Williams reflects on his time at Convention House during his recent Risograph Residency
Josh is a graphic artist based in Hull. His practice investigates themes of identity and mental health through typography and a playful approach. He’s drawn to experimenting with analogue processes such as screen-printing, Letraset typography, and collaging and photocopying found material.
Finding joy within these processes is the immediacy with which he can create work and make duplicates, each with its unique imperfections. These imperfections make each finished print individual and a reflection of its fast creation.
How would you describe your practice, and what have you been working on in the Riso room?
My practice is a form of therapy; I often find myself fixated on thoughts and moments. Re-visiting these words or phrases over and over. The printing is two things; one a way to close that loop, two giving that word or image a new lease of life. During my time at the Residency I spent it encouraging play and layering up colours. I found the buliding’s markings and textures incredible as a way to give the print a stamp from it’s place of creation. I only planned maybe 3 designs out of 25, the rest were happy accidents.
Describe Riso Printing in three words.
Quick, Fast, Fun.
Which part of the creative process in Riso printing inspires you the most?
I loved the layering of colours, which is something I’d love to revisit. Creating new shades from what’s represented and how they interact.
If you could only use two colours, what would they be and why?
When using the riso I work mostly with two colours per print and bright and dark tones to really give a contrast. This is a really tough question, so I’ll have to go with Teal and Red. It was my favourite happy accident during the residency.
Has your time in the risograph room changed how you work or think?
For the longest time, I wanted my work to be perfect and be a certain way. Getting to use the risograph room has encouraged me not to be precious. Make a mess, play in the moment. Not everything needs to be made on screen. I’ll never be some amazing digital artist or designer, that’s just not how my brain works. What I can do is use my hands and tear up paper to make something beautifully personal to me.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who wants to start using Riso?
Embrace the mistakes, the splashes of ink, the sheets the machine eats. It’s all part of the process. Maybe plan one or two, but honestly, play with the colours, papers and settings.
Want to see more of Josh’s work?
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