Photo credit Cameron Budlove Photography
I am an abstract and collage artist, wife and mother from Greenville, South Carolina. I am also a lawyer--- I have been creating since I was a child but started painting in earnest when I took some time off between lawyering jobs and have not put down the brush ever since. My work is inspired by my children and my faith as well as organic shapes, the sky and bright colors. I tend to paint my feelings and gravitate toward bold colors. I build my art around those colors and joyful feelings. My work has many textures, depth, and layers—-I work frequently with collage and mixed media to add textural elements. I use a medley of tools—acrylics, oil pastels, graphite, paper and remnants of art projects. You will often find me painting with my fingers.
I want collectors to want to dive into the painting, to touch and feel it, and explore the work with all of their senses. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to love and appreciate art, and I know I have a role to play in that. I have been featured in Design Sponge as an abstract artist to follow, and you can find my work in galleries and other retail locations across the country.
I am very much a southern girl. Sweet tea and pimento cheese make me happy.
Photo credit Kimberly Michelle Gibson Photography
What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?
To me, this year it means awareness. Being tuned all the way into the past, present, and future in a healthy way to stay cognizant of the intersections and interactions. It’s easy to be overcome and overwhelmed by progress and promise, but the time of historical reflection that Black History Month ushers in is incredibly important. You can’t see patterns repeating themselves in history itself if you aren’t aware of the “yesterdays.” You can’t really tell your whole story and dream of the future if you don’t take the time to reflect on personal, familial and cultural episodic past. You can’t inform a younger generation about personal pride and self-awareness unless you are keeping the whole picture in view—sharing stories of the past, making memories in the present, drafting plans for the future.
Where Are You Finding Inspiration To Create This Year?
Photo credit Ben Hines/ Facebook
I am finding inspiration in colors, patterns, and interior design. I love the idea of dark walls and a pop of color statement piece. I think bold colors—reds, greens, corals, jewel tones, are in right now. This year I want to work larger and embrace color and work on more design projects.
I also always find inspiration from my children. I find that adopting a youthful and fearless approach to art unlocks my creativity in a new and fresh way. Children are never afraid of messing up. They just pick a color and go for it. There’s a lot to be said about doing what feels right and pushing past fear in that way.
To Learn More About Allison Visit:
Website: helloallisonart.com
Instagram: @helloallisonart