Meet a Maker: James Green

We've been partners with Folksy for a few years now, offering sellers an exclusive discount when they sign up for an account with us. To celebrate this partnership we are shining a spotlight on the wonderful makers who sell their creative wares on Folksy. First up this week is James Green who specialises in printmaking.

What materials do you work in?

I specialise in linocut and screen-printing. I've been working in print for about thirteen years now.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm inspired by lots of things; the landscapes I stumble across (especially those in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and North Wales), the wildlife in the UK, and donkeys. About a third of my work is based on donkeys. For some reason I'm rather drawn to their rather downbeat nature. I feel like it is my duty to represent them in the art world, and place them somewhere where they might enjoy themselves away from us humans. I'm also inspired by artists like Max Beckmann, Francisco Goya, Egon Schiele and Chris Ware, as well as a whole load of contemporary artists and craftspeople who I've got to know over the last few years. It might not be a linear inspiration in terms of style, but more in an approach, attitude or boldness.

Where do you make most of your work?

I make most of it in my studio which is at the bottom of my garden. I also use Sheffield Print Club to print my screen-prints. It is an open-access facility in the centre of Sheffield.

Tell us why you think Folksy is a great platform to sell your work on?

It is a really clear and simple platform. Listing items is easy and the display/interface is well designed. The people at Folksy are lovely people, and very supportive and helpful of good quality and innovative art and craft. They publish a lot of very interesting and helpful articles about the craft world on their website, and clearly have a lot of passion for it. The sales process on Folksy for me as a seller is very straightforward too. I'm easily confused, so that is just as well! Most of my online sales come from my Folksy shop. I opened it in 2010, with very little knowledge of how these things work, and in the last couple of years, have ended up as one of the top sellers there, so it has been an interesting journey!

What are you working on at the moment?

I've just finished a series of new donkey-themed screen-prints, and I'm about to begin a new Whitby landscape, as well as new cat and bird prints. I love having new projects in the pipeline.

Who are your favourite artists or makers?

Textiles artist Laura Slater, artist/musician Kid Acne, ceramicist Nigel Lambert, artist/screen-printer Leaf City Press, and a whole load more!

What exhibition or art event have you been to recently that you think is worth shouting about and why?

Saltaire Arts Trail in West Yorkshire; A fantastic 3-day event, full of really amazing quality art and craft, and the whole village gets involved, which is good to see, oh and Earth and Fire Ceramics Fair. I went there this year for the first time, and was blown away. I love ceramics, and saw so much amazing work there.

Do you have any tips for artists and makers who are starting out?

Be true to yourself and create something that you love, rather than something you think other people may like, or that may sell a lot. If you're doing the latter you'll get bored very quickly. Also, be patient and look out for good opportunities to sell your work, whether they be art/craft fairs, online or in shops. You might not sell a load to start off with, but once people get to know your name and recognise your work then things should grow.

Where can people see your work?

Various shops and galleries around the UK, and in my webshop at www.folksy.com/shops/jamesgreenprintworks and through my card publishers Green Pebble. If you are a maker and are interested in selling on Folksy, head here to find out about our exclusive discount.