Oklahoma
Why are you an artist?
I can't help it. I need to express myself and make things. It's always been that way.
Have you always wanted to be an artist?
Yes, or rather I should say I've always wanted to create, and I have.
What is the medium in which you work the most?
fiber
Do you have formal training, or are you self-taught?
I have a BA in Visual Arts: Studio from University of California, San Diego. My emphasis was photography, however. The fiber skills are primarily self-taught.
Do you believe one is more important than the other? ie. formal training vs. being self-taught
I think formal training helped me learn how to think about art and art making, which was crucial for my development.
Tell us about the work that you do now.
I sculpt with stitches. I knit souls.
You have a 2 person show coming up at the Lindsay Gallery in Columbus, Ohio this spring. What pieces are you working on for that? Tell us a little about what you plan to exhibit.
I'm making a series of disembodied spirits- soul residues which have taken on physical characteristics of psychological traits. An energy taking on matter kind of thing.
How do you think your work stands out?
I haven't seen anyone bring together fiber and conceptual art in quite this way before.
Where does the idea from your work come from?
My bringing together of different interests and influences, adding my imagination to that, and then manifesting a new form using a medium which I master. I guess that's true for every artist, though. LOL!
When did you begin doing the type of art you do now?
Last year, although I've been making art for much longer.
What inspires your work?
Spirituality, media, mythology, psychology, nature.
What artists, if any, have inspired your work?
Spiritually - early Chris Reilly, Santjes Oomen, and Joseph Chilton Pearce (author)
Psychologically - Andrea Zuill, Cindy Sherman, and Philip Seymour Hoffman
Visually - Wolfgang Laib, Eva Hesse
What artists do you admire?
Those listed above plus local artists I know who amaze me daily with their genius and perseverance, including the artists in Mother Artists at Work! And honestly, I admire all artists on some level. It takes courage to put yourself out there like that.
How do you stay motivated?
Goals with deadlines are good for me. I need a structure to work within.
Do you have a daily routine?
Yes, in the studio by 9 a.m., work through to lunch, and then take the dog for a walk. Then back to work for a couple more hours in the afternoon. I don't always do this, but I try. I often watch a movie to keep me sitting down for an extended period while I work. Otherwise, I wander around and gravitate towards the internet.
How do you handle the business side of being an artist?
Not very well. I need someone to do that for me.
What are your immediate and long term plans for your art?
I would like to be represented so I can concentrate on making art, developing new forms for my art, and continue to be exhibited.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Keep working. Keep learning. Keep experimenting. If you need support, join or start a group. Get involved in your local art community. Believe in yourself. And don't ever give up!
-Alissa http://alissasorenson.com/
