How would you describe what you do?
I am a collage artist and graphic designer with a love for storytelling, layout and all things paper!
How did you get started in art/design?
I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. I have memories of my mum saving the tin foil from Easter eggs in an old ice-cream tub for me to cut out and stick. We’d make birthday cards, Christmas cards, and just about any craft project you can imagine, so it felt natural that I’d end up in design. At first, I had my sights set on fashion, but one screen printing workshop at college changed everything. I fell head over heels for print, typography and layout. That led me to study Graphic Design at Norwich University of the Arts.
What makes your work and/or process unique?
Part of what makes my work unique is the collage materials I use. I could spend hours in junk shops picking out old postcards, stamps and forgotten photographs to make into a piece. These fragments once belonged to someone’s life - they carried stories, journeys and memories. I love giving them a second voice by weaving them into new narratives, layering the past with my own experiences. The result is always part-history, part-imagination - a collage that feels like a conversation between then and now.
What tips would you give to someone interested in starting what you do?
My advice is just to make something with no expectation. When you let go of worrying about the ‘outcome’ you give yourself permission to play. Have fun with it - start by collecting what you can, this can be wrapping paper, packaging, old photographs etc., and start to see the world around you as materials in which you can mix together and stick down with a glue stick.
What made you feel like, “yes this is something I want in my life?”
It has to be when I realised there’s so many endless possibilities with collage. It’s unpredictable. You never quite know what will happen when you start layering and arranging. That sense of surprise excites me.
If you have creative block where do you get inspiration?
I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes the best cure for creative block is simply to step away. Forcing it never works. Giving myself space and coming back with fresh eyes almost always does. Music is usually what pulls me back in. I’ll put on an album and find myself not only listening but studying the cover art, the mood and the colours. Before I know it, I’m reaching for my cutting mat and piecing something together.
Where do you see yourself in the future with this journey?
I’d love to keep growing with collage - taking on more commissions and, over time, shaping Corrina Collages into a small business of its own. For me, collage isn’t just a passing phase; it’s something I see as a lifelong practice. Whether it’s woven into my design work or simply something I turn to in my downtime, I know it will always be a part of my world.
Is there another artist/maker that you admire?
It has to be fellow Makerspace member Fiona Josephs. I was lucky enough to meet her at this year’s Summer Maker Market. She’s an absolute joy of a person, and her ceramics are just as warm and full of character as she is. I admire ceramicists in general: the patience, dedication and sheer craft that goes into shaping something from clay is incredible to me. There’s such a beautiful balance of fragility and strength in their work, and I find that really inspiring.
Any exciting events/projects/experiences soon?
I’m currently in the process of putting together a collage workshop, which I’m really excited about. My mission is to share the joy of collage with as many people as possible, to show how playful and freeing it can be. Fingers crossed, it will all come together soon and I can start creating that space for others to experiment and enjoy.
Why is Colchester Makerspace important to you/your work?
Colchester Makerspace is so important to my work as it gives me a space to bring some bits and bobs and experiment with collage. I have booked myself into the next Risograph workshop which I can’t wait to try out, as I feel it will bring a new dimension to my work.
What is your favourite thing about Colchester Makerspace?
It has to be the community. I have learnt so much from my fellow creatives about how to sell my collages and that experience has been invaluable. I feel it’s so important to have a creative community who you can chat and share ideas with. The Makerspace is such a friendly, inviting space to do that. I especially love seeing what other makers are working on when I visit.
Some of Corrina’s pieces will be on display and available to buy from Friday 5th September - next door to the Makerspace in the neighbouring restaurant Patch. Please ensure you are onsite when placing order. Items are collection only - no shipping. To see more of her work - take a look at the links below: