Ridge + Roots

Ridge + Roots’ founder, Gina, is primarily a linocut printmaker, but also dabbles in a variety of mediums including ceramics, painting, calligraphy, and sculpture. She is interested in the different ways print can be incorporated into a variety of projects, be that embossing or textile work.

Whilst studying for an Undergraduate degree in Art Education and Fine Arts, Gina immersed herself in many different mediums. “I felt like I was able to explore and experiment, which I still think is so important to my practice today” describes the printmaker. She has trained in woodcut and other relief techniques including intaglio and serigraphy, and first learnt about linocut printing at school. Gina taught elementary art education until she pursued her masters in Counselling and Art Therapy. She reconnected with print during her studio classes in graduate school, and has not stopped since. Currently, Gina works as a full-time counsellor and art therapist at a residential substance abuse facility, and works on Ridge + Roots as a part time gig, full time passion project. She states; “I’d like to think my posts add a little light to what sometimes feels like a dark, unkind social media feed“.

Gina’s artworks are informed by her career in therapy; bringing light to mental health, overall well being, and spreading kindness, as well as her love for the outdoors and adventuring. Her designs begin as drawings on her iPad in Procreate, which she then transfers to a lino block. She prints by hand from her home studio whilst listening to an audiobook.

“Carving is part of my self-care routine. I can create images of lessons I’ve learned, places I’ve travelled, or memories I’ve gathered along the way. Carving is also very cathartic and meditative; the tactile nature of uncovering and creating the image as I go, it’s a simple lesson in manifesting.”

When in doubt, Gina always looks to a quote by Andy Warhol: “don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide whether it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art”. She is ever-inspired by the support of the online print community, and revels in engaging with printmakers from around the world.

Gina hopes to carry on growing the printmaking community through outreach, advocacy, and teaching, and create a safe space to engage in conversations related to mental health and wellness.  She will continue to host #blockpartywithgina; a low key, 5 week, bi-annual printmaking challenge encouraging the community to come together and create.

www.ridgeandroots.com
@ridgeandroots

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