1. So, tell us a little about you.

My name is Ros and I currently work part time at MYO whilst also working as an Occupational Therapist. I am enjoying working in both fields at the moment and it’s nice to be helping people to get more creative at MYO.

2. What’s your story? Tell us a little about your background and what you do.

I studied Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University, moved back home to Bristol where I worked as a play worker for a few years, doing all sorts of creative and outdoor workshops with kids as well as being a designer maker, making my own artwork to sell in a shop/studio that I was part of. I then moved to London to study Occupational Therapy and am now working as an Occupational Therapist 4 days a week. I have many passions – working with people from all walks of life, getting creative myself through doing my own artwork and textiles projects as well as helping others to be creative, which lead me to work at MYO.

3. What artist or artwork inspired you the most growing up?

I think one of my main inspirations while I was growing up would be my mum as she is very creative and used to encourage us to have a go at all sorts of different art and craft activities. She comes from a very creative family with a family textile business which is probably where I got my love of textiles from. I have always been inspired by artists who worked with bold colour and have always drawn inspiration from my own travels, particularly in India.

4. What artist are most inspires you now?

I have recently been to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the V&A which I found really inspiring. I recently did a workshop with Karolina Merska who makes the most beautiful straw and tissue paper chandeliers which made me want to explore this art form more. I have also got lots of inspiration from artists who use found objects in their work, such as Joseph Cornell and feel inspired by artists who work in bold colour such as Camille Walala.

5. What do you create mostly for work and what do you create mostly for fun?

It all merges into one – my art work is both work and fun. I make art pieces using found objects and am also working in patchwork at the moment, having made patchwork cushions and quilts. I find the process very therapeutic and relaxing and would like to start running some patchwork workshops at MYO.

6. What piece of work are you most proud of? Why? [Include picture if possible]

During my degree I started creating work using some of my Granny’s objects and old photos and started making memory boxes. I enjoy working with composition and selecting images and objects which work well together and it creates a good way to record someone’s life, an event or a particular memory.

7. Do you think people are just born creative or is it something everyone has, but many don’t explore?

I think everyone has some sort of creativity in them, whether it’s being visual, musical or being good with words. I think that it needs to be nurtured in order for your creativity to develop.

8. What’s your favourite colour? Why?

I am always drawn to turquoise, of every shade! One of my ancestors invented the colour fast version of the chemical dye for Jade green so I think it’s in my blood!

9. What’s your favourite album to listen to whilst you create and why?

I like listening to radio 6 music while I work or playlists of my favourite music which has some

familiarity to me.

10. If you were stuck on a desert island and had to bring 3 items with you to create with, what would you bring!?

Some fabric, a needle and thread so that I could experiment with patchwork and sewing

whatever materials I found on the island!

11. If you could give advice to yourself growing up, with the benefit of hindsight, what would it be?

To just be creative, play and don’t worry about the end result. Trust the process and it’ll all work out.

12. What / who made you decide to become a professional creative, rather than doing it as a hobby?

I think coming from a creative family and having always done a lot of creative stuff while growing up has meant that creativity is a big part of me therefore it feels natural to have a creative outlet as it is a part of my identity.

13. What makes you most happy?

Lots of colour, friends, family, going to festivals and travelling in my camper van!

14. What’s next for you? What you would like to be doing in 12 months?

I would like to return to doing more of my own artwork and selling my work as I have taken a bit of a break whilst studying and working as an Occupational Therapist.

15. Is there anything exciting coming up that you would like to let people know about?

I am planning to set up a service where I make customised bunting and hire out bunting for events, so watch this space.

16. Where can people find out more about what you are up to?

The best way to follow me is on Instagram: @RebelBunting and you can find me teaching classes at M.Y.O on some Fridays and Saturdays!