Olive Roberts uses the unique capabilities and limits of relief printmaking along with her love of ocean creatures to create detailed linocut prints, artist books, and mixed media works, exploring our relationship and similarities to the natural world and its inhabitants. Intrigued by the wonder, power, and mystery the ocean presents, her work is a continual journey of learning the ways of the sea and using that as a vessel for human connection and radical empathy. Roberts has displayed work in a variety of group exhibitions including most recently at The Bascom in Highlands, NC in their “Emergence” show alongside her professor. She is currently in her final semester pursuing a BFA in Printmaking and Book Arts at the University of Georgia, and is working on a body of large-scale print works to be displayed at the Georgia Aquarium and her BFA Exit Show in Spring of 2026.

It may be a surprise to learn that I did not grow up by the sea, nor spend much time at the beach, given my art explores that very setting. But what draws me to the ocean as a whole is its wonderful and elusive quality; there is so much unclear about the ocean and its many inhabitants. My art both follows the unique facts we do know and fills the gaps we don’t through a whimsical and surrealist lens, using the mark-making and graphic capabilities relief printmaking offers, and the delicate and vast possibilities of book arts. With my linocuts, I experiment with what the tools can do, what marks they can make, and how they can enhance and draw in my viewers towards appreciation and empathy for the natural world. My book arts work plays with the structure of the book itself, and uses narrative, poetry, and tactility to bring you into the world of beings whose stories may or may not be told. These two overlapping practices complement each other and give me the opportunity to zoom in on fine details and simple moments, and zoom out to explore bigger pictures. There is so much to learn from our marine counterparts, and my work is driven by that curiosity and gratitude for the guidance they offer me.

I'm currently based in Athens, Georgia, and I sell frequently at local art markets around town! You can find some of my work including some prints and stickers for sale currently at the K.A. Artist Shop in Downtown Athens. I also teach the occasional class or workshop in relief , and love any opportunity to share the experience of printmaking. I call printmaking "the second love of my life" (after my lovely partner, Jeff) as it's truly my calling in life and the most impactful and collaborative medium. I feel incredibly fortunate to be studying print in college and look forward to continuing to learn and expand my skills and knowledge.