Living Wild presents a new series of lino-cut works that reimagine people experiencing homelessness as dignified, symbolic animal–human figures, challenging stigma and reflecting on resilience, displacement and the urgent realities shaping their lives.
Words from the Artist
I was pleased to be given this commission as part of Our Turn as it has enabled me to begin a new body of work, titled 'Living Wild'.
During the summer I noticed a homeless encampment in my local area. Sheltered by the trees it looked like a very organised camp, firewood stacked up, washing on a line, plants in pots, 3 small tents. Since then the police have moved them on. A few days later I overheard 2 people talking about homeless people, using the phrase, 'they live like animals'. I thought about these words and about how resourceful and dignified animals are. Homelessness can happen to anyone throughout their life, leaving care, mental health issues, domestic violence, divorce, losing your job, leaving the army, leaving prison. A significant number of asylum seekers and refugees end up living homeless on the streets, particularly those who have just been granted refugee status. This is due to the policy of making refugees leave Home Office accommodation and stop receiving financial support just 28 days after their claim is successful, giving them an extremely short timeframe to find housing and a job.
I am using the medium of lino cut to create my idea. Lino cutting is labour intensive and the work I produce for the exhibition is work in progress. I am going to continue to develop the idea further in 2026.
I am in the process of making 5 animals with human bodies, a deer, a bear, a fox, a badger and a Palestinian mountain gazelle which all will represent a person who has been made homeless. Throughout history, since the days of cave art to the present, humans have identified through the symbolism and spirit of animals to demonstrate characteristics that will empower themselves or improve their situation.
About The Artist
Ruth Fettis is a Bradford-based printmaker working with recycled lino and woodcut to tell personal and political stories. Her bold, narrative style is grounded in drawing and the tactile craft of carving, often working on a large scale and in book form. Ruth’s practice centres community, place, and collaboration and she frequently works with other makers across disciplines.
Since completing her MA in Printmaking at Bradford College as a mature student and single parent, Ruth has exhibited widely, including solo shows at Cartwright Hall and Shipley Art Gallery Gateshead and a group exhibition at Salford Art Gallery. Her work often explores the untold stories of everyday lives, especially women’s histories, with past projects supported by Arts Council England including Of The People and Invisibility Is A Superpower. Ruth’s art is both accessible and radical. Grounded in care, protest and the belief that making and sharing stories is a powerful tool for connection and change.