Exploring the Vibrant World of Silje Løvli: A Journey Through Risograph, Imaging, Graphic Design Photography, and Bookbinding

Art has an incredible ability to connect us, transcending borders, time, and even mediums. Silje Løvli, a talented artist hailing from Trondheim, Norway, exemplifies this in her unique approach to creative expression. Her work, which beautifully marries risograph imaging with photography, graphic design, and bookbinding, is a vibrant exploration of colour, texture, and form that resonates deeply with anyone who appreciates the power of visual storytelling.

The Art of Silje Løvli: A Colorful Tapestry

Silje Løvli’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of experimentation and the joy of combining different techniques to create something truly unique. Her use of risograph imaging, a printing process known for its rich, vibrant colours and slightly unpredictable results, sets the tone for much of her work. Risography, which originated in Japan in the 1980s, has a distinctive aesthetic that often features layered colours, visible textures, and an organic feel that digital prints sometimes lack. Løvli’s work captures these qualities, creating images that are both visually striking and deeply personal.

But Løvli doesn’t stop at risography. Her artistry extends to photography, graphic design, and bookbinding, creating a multifaceted body of work that is as varied as it is cohesive. Each piece tells a story, whether through the lens of her camera, the design of a book, or the layered textures of a risograph print. Her ability to move seamlessly between these mediums showcases her versatility as an artist and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her craft.

A Personal Connection: The Inspiration of Risography

For those who have had the opportunity to experiment with risograph printing, the appeal is undeniable. The process itself is tactile and engaging, requiring a hands-on approach that is both satisfying and creatively fulfilling. The unpredictable nature of risography—where each print can differ slightly from the last—adds an element of surprise and spontaneity that is hard to replicate with other printing methods.

This personal connection to risography is something I can relate to deeply. During my time at Manchester School of Art, where I pursued an MA in textiles, I had the chance to explore risography as part of my creative process. There was something truly magical about seeing my designs come to life through this medium—each print was a unique piece of art, with its own personality and quirks. Alongside risography, I also delved into bookbinding, another craft that requires patience, precision, and a deep appreciation for the tactile qualities of paper and print.

The Challenges of Continuing a Creative Practice

Unfortunately, access to a risograph machine isn’t always easy to come by. Like many artists who rely on specific tools or equipment, I find myself at a crossroads. Without regular access to a risograph machine, it’s been difficult to continue experimenting with this technique, leaving a creative void that I hope to fill in the future. The dream of returning to risography, to once again feel the thrill of creating vibrant, layered images, remains a powerful motivation for me.

Yet, this limitation also presents an opportunity. The desire to return to risography has fueled a deeper appreciation for the process and a determination to find new ways to incorporate its principles into my work. Whether through digital means, alternative printing methods, or simply exploring new forms of bookbinding and design, the spirit of risography—its emphasis on colour, texture, and the surprise factor—continues to influence my creative journey.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Risography and Bookbinding

As I look to the future, I’m hopeful that I will have the chance to work with risograph printing once more. There is still so much to explore, so many ideas to bring to life through this unique medium. In the meantime, artists like Silje Løvli serve as a constant source of inspiration. Her ability to blend risography with other art forms, creating works that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, reminds me of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Whether through photography, graphic design, or the art of bookbinding, the creative process is always evolving, and I am eager to see where it will take me next. Perhaps one day, I’ll be able to return to risography, to pick up where I left off, and to continue developing my skills in this vibrant and expressive art form. Until then, I’ll continue to draw inspiration from the work of artists like Løvli, whose dedication to her craft shines through in every piece she creates.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Artistic Exploration

Silje Løvli’s work is a celebration of artistic exploration, a testament to the beauty of combining different techniques and mediums to create something truly unique. Her use of risograph imaging, alongside photography, graphic design, and bookbinding, serves as an inspiration to anyone who values the creative process. As I reflect on my own experiences with risography and bookbinding, I am reminded of the joy that comes from experimentation, and I look forward to the day when I can once again dive into these wonderful techniques.

Until then, the journey continues—a journey fueled by inspiration, creativity, and the ever-present desire to explore the world through art.

About the Artist

About the Artist (taken from her website)

I am a graphic designer and illustrator turned ux-designer from Trondheim, who lives and works in Bergen. At the moment I am working on turning from graphic design towards ux-design. I recently worked as a risograph technician at the risograph workshop at KMD, UiB, where I taught design and art students how to print with the risograph, helped them experiment and assisted them in exploring the technique. 

In the spring of 2020 i finished my bachelor in visual communication from KMD. My bachelor project’s theme was visualizing the experience of living with dementia. I did an exchange semester at the Graphic Design department of ArtEZ in Arnhem, The Netherlands, on my second year. It was incredibly interesting to work with book design and typography there. After I got back I did an internship with Studio Boi here in Bergen, where I worked mainly with illustration and layout. 

Some of the things I love working with on my free time is drawing, bookbinding and photography, and I always have some personal projects related to these things. 

Examples of Silje Løvli’s work