Experience with Groeispurt: Nel – Space to Experiment with Riso

Through Riso Riots, supported by Groeispurt, illustrator and graphic designer Nel was able to deepen her practice by thoroughly exploring her newly crowdfunded Riso printer. The project became an intensive artistic learning journey in which she experimented with paper, color, and printing techniques, and collaborated with other creators.

Learning and Creating Together

As an independent creator, Nel often works alone. That’s why it was such a relief to come together with other creatives during Riso Riots. They shared inspiration, doubts, and their curiosity about the possibilities of Riso. “The conversations about inspiration, doubts, and interest in Riso were really fun and inspiring.”

Nel had drawn up a strict curriculum in advance. In practice, however, the process unfolded differently than expected. Instead of following her own plan step by step, she learned to better align with the creators she was working with. “I learned a lot more about assessing where the other creative person stands and what they need to work with the Riso.”

From Printing Technology to Exhibition

The project also helped her grow artistically. Nel learned more about different types of paper, the use of color, and how to put together an exhibition in a short amount of time. She also discovered how to introduce others to the Riso printer and guide them through the printing process. The experiment left her wanting more: “I’m even more eager now to make Riso prints.”

“The difference was simply the money—and, with it, the freedom I had as an independent artist to really take a moment to reflect on this and delve deeper into this art form.”

A Sequel to Riso Riots

For now, the project isn’t on display at any exhibition or event, but Nel is exploring ways to expand it. For example, she and the other creators are considering a follow-up project as a print collective. She’s also exploring formats similar to an artist-in-residence program, in which creators can work with the Riso for a set period of time.

Based on these collaborations, Nel definitely expects to create new Riso work in the future. Riso Riots was therefore not only a learning experience, but possibly also the beginning of a lasting collective and new ways to share knowledge, equipment, and inspiration.