RISOTTO is a risograph print studio, directed by designer Gabriella Marcella. The studio is the primary riso specialist in Scotland, working across print promotion, publications and artists editions. Clients include Scotland’s leading arts institutions, including the Modern Institute, Tramway as well as music labels and bands such as NMBRS and Franz Ferdinand. Gabriella is a graphic artist who adorns objects and surfaces with colour and playful pattern. She has exhibited internationally and has most notably designed for brands such us Urban Outfitters, Stussy, Dr Martens & Bloomberg.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I’m a graphic artist based in Glasgow, Scotland, and my main job is to decorate objects and surfaces with colour and playful pattern.
What are some recent, upcoming or current projects you are working on? I’m just back from a project in India, working with block printers to create patterns and fabrics for a new apparel project launching later this year. Working with new materials and processes is always what I’m drawn to with new projects. Up next is an exhibition in Tramway — one of Europe’s largest art spaces, so I’ll be adorning the room with all sorts of materials to create a set for the National Gallery’s new folk art collection.
How has living in Glasgow affected your design practice? The city has a very active and supportive creative community with the added benefit of affordable studios/spaces! This meant it was one of the best spots to work on my own design projects and set up the print studio. RISOTTO keeps things local, while the design work isn’t bound by location at all, thanks to the internet!
What products or companies are you interested in right now? Glass and Ceramics! Saskia Pomeroy is brilliant designer and her new vases are a must. Nathalie Du Pasquier is and always has been what I’m into – she covers everything I love. Clay Hickson runs one of my fave riso press’s of all, and his artwork blows my mind, every time.
What materials do you use in your work and what is your process like? Risograph printing has been my weapon of choice for a while now, hence the studio! I found the speed and unpredictability of the printer fascinating. It would never behave quite how I would expect, and these happy accidents accompanied by my developing colour experimentations are what really shaped my practice.
Tell us a joke. When were pigs invented..? The Sauce-Age. Is that awful?
What was the last show you saw that stuck out to you?
Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs
What is your snack/beverage of choice when working in your studio? Probably my local corner-shop’s special chicken wraps…along with copious mugs of tea!
What are you really excited about right now? Planning a trip to Milan, and working on some new RISOTTO projects!
What are you listening to right now?
Awesome Tapes from Africa all day.
