An interview with Liz Freedman, winner of the Rococo Garden Plein Air Pegasus Art Prize

‘Capturing the Essence’ ~ this years category for the Pegasus Art Prize

We are thrilled to award Liz Freedman the Pegasus Art Prize at this years Rococo Garden Plein Air event organised by the WTS Collective. We were impressed that she attempted a plein air linocut print ~ her approach was ambitious and inspiring! The result was a fresh looking print which absolutely captured the essence of the garden.

Let’s hear more about Liz and her printmaking journey….

Do You like entering art competitions, do you think it’s valuable?

Yes I do, but it never becomes easier. Every single time I enter a printmaking or Open call competition I always have imposter syndrome. However, it is so valuable for my creative practice to put myself out there into the current art world.

Whenever I get through or win anything it confirms that I’m not totally barking up the wrong tree! Working alongside artists, like at the Painswick Rococo en plein air competition is always such a wonderful experience. Artists, in my experience, are really generous people and I love talking to members of the public about my process.

If you are not careful being an artist can be a rather insular experience and I firmly believe that seeing art first hand and meeting artists is really important in the growing digital age.

What inspired your winning print? Tell us about the process and
materials too please

I often visit the Rococo Gardens with my family and I am always struck by the beautiful setting the gardens are in. I love the intricacy of the gardens, but, for me, the way that they sit in such a beautiful landscape makes them extra special.

I chose to capture the view as you enter the gardens which combines the order of the vegetable garden in the foreground with the rolling hills behind. I was initially concerned about all the green, but on reflection I really like this aspect of the final print.

My process begins with sketches that become design drawings. This takes around an hour or so, going backwards and forwards between ideas. Drawing is an integral part of the process and I could never skip it. Once I’ve decided on a design I transfer the drawing line by line to the surface of the lino block. I then go through the reduction printmaking process, carving and printing one colour layer at a time remembering to almost work in reverse carving away areas that you want to remain the colour I have just printed.

I often go through a stage 2 or 3 layers in where it feels as if it isn’t coming together. I have to trust the process and push through this stage to the latter colours which often pull it altogether.

Are you a full-time artist or do you balance your printmaking with other jobs?

Up until September 2024 I had been a secondary school teacher for my whole career. Teaching is something I loved but with the growing pressure of having 3 small children and a niggling feeling that I wanted to return to printmaking, I decided to take the plunge and become a full time artist.

My working work fits around the school runs and then I sometimes work in the evening as well depending on what needs to be completed – sadly sometimes the laundry has to come first!

I love the balance I have now and I am so grateful to be able to have a job that allows me time to pursue my creative interests as well as be a mum.

Were you formally trained or self -taught and do you think this
matters?

Personally I was formally trained. I studied printmaking at Manchester Metropolitan university; a course that I loved. It was the first time I had done any printmaking and I loved learning all the different disciplines of print.

Process led work really suits me, so printmaking is a perfect fit for me. I don’t think it is essential to go to university to become successful in print, but I do think learning generally is really important to progress and develop.

I still take courses now and read a lot of books to gain knowledge from more experienced artists than myself. My advice degree or no degree would be to get involved in print in your local area. There
are so many fantastic workshops around for all ability types.

Do you print every day and what keeps you going?

My day to day life as an artist is a mixture of creative and admin. I love both sides of being a printmaker. I do try to do something creative everyday, but it isn’t always printmaking and I don’t give myself a hard
time about that. My sketchbook is with me at all times and a few reliable pens so wherever I am I can draw and generate ideas.

To find out more about Liz Freedman, visit her website here.

Liz will be exhibiting as part of Cheltenham Open Studios 2025 7th – 15th June.

With thanks to Liz and huge congratulations from the team at Pegasus Art. Have fun spending your voucher on our Printmaking Supplies.