Sketchbook Tour: Kirsty Rose

Living in Dunstable, United Kingdom, Kirsty Rose centers her creative practice around deep observations of the human body. Her Volume 16 sketchbook, “Carnival & The Grotesque,” is an extension of her artistic fascination, wrestling with representations of the ‘grotesque’ body through illustrative layers of mixed media collage and self-portraiture. She cites literary critic Mikhail Bahktin as an influence for the sketchbook’s creation. Rose writes, “Carnival focuses on excess, specifically entering and leaving the body. Over indulgence in food, drink or sex. The grotesque focuses on realism in our forms regardless of the image we wish to present outwardly.” 

Along with creating and exhibiting her artwork across the country, Rose teaches art classes throughout Bedfordshire, helping adults of all skill levels master illustrative mediums such as pastels, watercolors, ink, and pencil. You can keep up with Kirsty’s latest projects on Instagram, explore her multi-faceted portfolio, and support her work through her Etsy shop.