Max Ososki

“While each piece begins with an idea, sensation or emotion in mind, the materials themselves sometimes take me in a different direction and I’m always looking for balance and that moment where each element clicks into place,” says British-French artist Max Ososki about her creative process.

Max has specialised in the collage technique, and for several years she has collected old papers, letters, book pages and vintage textiles found mostly at brocantes in France, which she then incorporates with acrylics and layered assemblage. “I simply love the texture and feel of old paper, the muted tones and hints of typography.”

In general, colours are central to Max’s creative process: “Colour is absolutely the foundation of my work. I can often spend hours making subtle adjustments to get exactly the right hue – it’s an obsessive relationship!”

For the love of food and wine

Max has among other things been involved in the wine and food industry for several years, which has been a constant source of inspiration for her work. Often, she is commissioned to design wine labels for local farms and vineyards. Most recently, she has been working on various label designs for wine, shrubs and olive oil. “And I’ve also been exploring more abstract pieces, working with cut-outs and assemblage. My abstract pieces are often inspired by memories I’ve collected of spaces and interiors.”

As is evident, Max’s work as an artist is heavily inspired by her love of eating and drinking, and by the rustic landscape surrounding Auvergne in France, a place she hopes to one day settle down in. “I have good connections with the winemakers of the region, and my imagery often incorporates a table setting, plates and wine bottles,” she says. “Auvergne is where I feel most at home and inspired.”