Meet the Maker Bex Shelford, Printmaker

Posted 28.09.22

Bex Shelford is an artist, illustrator and print maker based in County Dublin. She creates fine art archival prints, cards and handcrafted screen prints. Bex is based near the sea and the influence of these natural surroundings are apparent in her work. She is also the author and illustrator of the children’s book Be An Irish Explorer which was published in 2019.

Bex is one of the many makers who has already registered for Showcase this year. To find out more about Bex visit https://bexshelford.com/

What's a typical day in the studio like for you?

I don't seem to have a typical day ...I can describe my favourite though... having a clear day and arriving into the print studio really early in the morning when there's no one there and having this stretch of time ahead of me to work. I like to think of Louise Bourgeois' Hours of the Day 2006 No.19 of 24 (I have it on my wall) Emptiness in time and in space I need emptiness The garden is beautiful and empty My future, my days are all clear and empty I have time

What do you like most about your work?

Obviously the creative part but also meeting customers and buyers, suppliers and other makers - ultimately getting to produce my work for a living.

What do you like least about your work?  

Some get a kick out of a spreadsheet, I struggle.

What's your favourite craft item in your home?

I am very partial to jugs... I don't like to say I collect them. I do

What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?

Bert from The Designer of Things - for his inclusivity and openness

What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career? 

Absolutely do it... there's a lot less making than you'd hope but there's a lot more than if you were doing something else.

What's your favourite time of the day?

first coffee of the day

How do you switch off?

In the hammock in the garden with book

How do you start your day?

Thinking about my dreams, I remember at least one every morning but I know other people's dreams are boring so I won't tell you about them...

What's the first thing you do when you leave the studio?

On your marks, get set, go....

Favourite book?

Couldn't pick one... I love fiction anything that takes me away somewhere completely different, recent favourites Shuggie Bain, Lincoln Highway, Water for Elephants

Favourite film?

Paddington - the first one.

Best concert you have ever been to?

It's more about the experience than the band for me...

Favourite meal?

Baked potato with beans and cheese

Music when you're working?

No

What do you listen to?

radio, podcasts when I remember my earphones