Rosanna Morris' linocut and woodcut illustrations are traditional yet contemporary, delicately floral and yet full of the power and strength of revolution. She studied illustration in London and works from her studio in the southwest of England. When not drawing or creating prints you can find her working her allotment or tending to her three wild children. The illustrations below were created for the Landworker’s Alliance On Common Ground Calendar 2023.

Describe the nature around you at the moment.

Right now, I’m sat at my desk in my bedroom on the third floor of my house, looking out the window as a thick wild rainstorm rages against the windows outside.

Where do you feel most at ease?

In the forest near my home, walking my dog in the early hours of the morning as the light breaks through the trees and before the rest of the city has woken up.

How does nature influence your practice?

In every way - from the wild forest to the calm organised consistency of my allotment where I grow vegetables. Growing up in a city, surrounded by the density of urban living, nature has given me solace and peace since I was a small child playing on the scrubland near our council estate flats.

What lessons have you learned from nature?

I’ve learnt to let go and to trust in nature and its continuous roll. To be humble in the face of it and be gentle with myself as no matter what plans I have for growing on my small plot, nature always has her own plans.

What inspires you every day?

I’m inspired everyday by the trees in my local forest, and the miracle that is growing food.

Which rituals do you practice to keep you grounded?

My daily walks as I mentioned before. But also digging deep in the soil and breathing in its rich scent helps me when I’m particularly wobbly.

Which song, book or poem nurtured your relationship with nature?

Most recently Prodigal Summer by my favourite writer Barbara Kingslower has really influenced my connection with nature and its carnivorous side. A beautiful song is Bloom by Deya Dova. I recommend listening to it alone near a body of water in dappled light. And not a poem, but a couple of words that go round and round in my head - 'seeds grow in the darkness'.

What question would you like to ask to the next person on TNK ?

What is it that you do when doubt seeps in? how do you rid yourself of the worry.

And could you suggest someone else or other organisations you admire that we could approach for #TheNatureKind

Amazing artists i'd suggest are Anne Schwalbe and Kerri ní Dochartaigh.

Find out more about Rosanna Morriss through her website.