Sophie Layton | In Bloom

'I very rarely make work depicting people because I don’t believe that mono-printing lends itself very well to capturing and expressing the human figure. However, with these new works, by introducing Roman vessels decorated with expressive figures, I have found a playful way of depicting people amongst my floral displays. I love this new element to my work; particularly the relationship between the characters and the flowers - I have enjoyed placing the figures so that they are gesturing and looking towards the lilies. 

I love all the contrasts in these new prints and drawings: the expressive figures on these ancient (Roman) pots in monochrome contrasted against the brightly coloured (Japanese Ikebana) flowers and plants which are essentially still-lifes yet full of expressive life in full bloom.'

Sophie Layton, 2023