Member Stories
Maria Treseder

What’s your name and what do you do at Pixel?

Hello! I’m Maria Treseder, a printmaker, predominantly working with lino and occasionally getting a little experimental with layering and colours. I mostly create landscapes with windy skies.  My designs feature on a range of homewares, which I print here at Pixel.

What inspired you to start lino printing?

Well at the time I was running a clothing brand, mostly baby clothes with fabric I had designed.  I was under a lot of pressure as I was about to take part in a large show, so obviously it seemed like a good time to start a new hobby!  It then took over my life!

What is it that you like about lino printing?

I love the slow pace of lino. I love the different marks that can be made and the way colours mirror the coast around me.

What is it about Cornwall that inspires your work?

I grew up here, in Penzance, I went away for University, briefly moved to Norwich, had my heart broken and moved back to Penzance. When back my best friend took me to watch the sunset over Godrevy.  At that moment I realised I had never fully appreciated the beauty of Cornwall. From then on I had a new appreciation for everything around me. I can’t help but be inspired, I have a particular fondness for buildings, especially ones that are quirky, old, isolated, unusual or have a story with them.

How do you choose what subjects to turn into prints?

This can take time, or can be in an instant. There are places that have been easy: Godrevy, St Michael’s Mount etc. But when it comes to somewhere like Newquay, it can be hard. I have spent a lot of time in Newquay over the past year as my partner lives there.  Whilst there is plenty of quirky architecture, it took me a long time to find something that I wanted to create a design of.  Until we did a Christmas walk on Porth beach and I could fully take in ‘The Island’.  The shiny perfect building that sits proudly on top of the island, then just across the bridge a poor dilapidated building with half a roof. I loved the contrast and I had finally found my image.

Can you tell us a little about your creative process?

Once I find a location I take lots of photos: close ups, different angles, ideally different weather conditions. I sketch the lines of the landscape on my ipad, transfer to lino, then think about the textures that make up that landscape. Each texture has a different mark, not too dissimilar to a map key.  Finally my swirly skies get added last.

Is there a piece you’ve made that’s particularly special to you?

I would always have said St Michael’s Mount, but this has changed. Now it’s Gunwalloe. I lost my Dad nearly three years ago and he was the best.  He was very Cornish and went fishing lots.  He told me a ghost story once when he went night fishing.  He said he saw a man in a hood walking on a church wall and when he looked back he was gone. When visiting Gunwalloe last year, I knew it was the same church and I felt such a connection to my Dad, I had to create it in lino.  It’s now my favourite.

What’s it like turning your artwork into a business?

Umm, I don’t know, I think my imposter syndrome runs deep. I maybe don’t fully appreciate this yet.

Has having a studio at Pixel changed the way you work?

I used to work in half of my kitchen, around my three children, which came with many challenges and unhealthy working hours. Having a studio here means I work reasonable hours, can enjoy my house again and I actually have time off at home now.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Pixel community?

I haven’t had time to fully immerse myself in the community yet.  But it’s nice to have conversations with other creatives in the communal spaces. I enjoy planning to go to the regular events, maybe one day I’ll actually be brave enough to turn up!

What’s inspiring you at the moment?

Halloween! I am a little gothic and I create a couple of images with a witchy theme (which I think sit well alongside my coastal pieces at events, ravens, cats, snakes…)

If you could only recommend one place in Cornwall to visit, where would it be and why?

The walk from Gunlwalloe to Poldhu (epic hot chocolates).  Although it’s a very short walk, that part of the coast path is spectacular and definitely worth exploring more.