Meet Ruth Green: Printmaker Rooted in Nature

Ruth Green’s creative journey began in the world of print design, but her heart always pulled her back to hands-on printmaking. After experimenting with screenprints at home and showing her work in a local gallery, a 2003 Arts Council grant gave her the boost she needed to build a portfolio and take part in her first art fair. From there, she gradually shifted away from design work to focus fully on print.

From Printed Textiles to Printmaking

With a degree and a master’s in printed textiles, Ruth’s background is rich in colour, pattern and process. But it’s the tactile, handmade quality of screenprinting that truly resonates. “Screenprinting is the backbone of my practice,” she says. “It’s often the starting point for new directions.”

She also loves working with collage, especially when exploring new ideas or mixing things up.

Inspired by Nature - Especially Trees

Much of Ruth’s inspiration comes from her surroundings—gardening, observing plants, and noticing birds and animals in the landscape. “It has to be trees!” she says when asked about her favourite subject. Her work often reflects the calm, layered beauty of nature, seen through a thoughtful and playful lens.

Studio Life in North Wales

Ruth currently works from a temporary studio in a barn beside her house in North Wales. A move from Birmingham has brought her closer to the land—and that shift shows in her work. Once renovations are complete, she hopes to move into a permanent studio space.

Her working day is simple and steady: 9 to 5, with coffee at 11. “If it’s raining, I’m in the studio. If it’s fine, I’m in the garden.”

Highs, Lows, and Dream Projects

One of Ruth’s career highlights was working with Tate from 2011 to 2014, designing a series of children’s books and related products. The opportunity came after a chance meeting at an art fair—and it’s a project she still looks back on with pride.

Like many artists, she faced tough times during the pandemic. “The week of lockdown, my house was full of framed work ready for a big event. Everything was cancelled. It was incredibly difficult not knowing what would come next.”

A Quiet Creative Rhythm

Ruth’s ideal day? “A long walk with a sketchbook and a selection of art materials. One day I’ll actually get to do it!” Until then, it’s Radio 4, coffee (or Earl Grey), and a snack - anything with almonds - as she brings her designs to life.

Ruth’s work speaks softly but with confidence, rooted in nature, shaped by hand, and full of thoughtful detail. Whether you’re drawn to trees, texture, or the quiet joy of screenprinting, there’s something grounding in her prints that invites you to pause and look closer.

You can see Ruth’s work in person throughout July 2025 at The Artists Gallery, where her nature-inspired prints sit beautifully alongside work by our other resident makers. To explore more of her designs, visit ruthgreendesign.com, or find her on Instagram and Facebook at @redrutho. We hope you’ll enjoy discovering her work as much as we have.