We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ali O’Leary a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ali, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I feel extremely lucky to have found my passions in art and education. I am energized by these fields. Even when I am tired or receive a rejection from an opportunity I am always eager to be in the studio or classroom. As an artist and art professor I do sometimes wonder about the stability that would come with a “regular job.” Honestly it is when I’m doing my taxes that I reflect on all the hours and energy I put into my artistic pursuits that do not always manifest financially. But when I’m in my studio making and working with my students on their projects I feel present in the moment and confident that I am in the right place.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am visual artist based in Atlanta, GA. I have a studio practice to make my artwork and I work as a visual arts professor. I would love to grow my audience and share what I create.

I have a unique process where I integrate fiber arts with photography. I digitally combine my own handcrafted embroideries, hand-dyed fabrics and antique textiles with sleek photographs. The digital collage of these are then printed large-scale on new fabric and re-stitched back into in order to create textures that invite touch while evading a clear understanding of how they exist in space.

Conceptually my artwork, which blurs the line between what is photographically printed and three-dimensional elements, reflects how we navigate between digital flat spaces and our physical, dimensional world. My fiber work references craft, “women’s work,” and the maker movement and reflect on themes of belonging, Southern, feminine, and social media identity.

Each of my artworks is distinct and focuses on a new idea I have about the world around me, be it a social critique or personal reflection. I have developed and continue to grow my unusual mixed media process.

I’d love for people to visit my website, Instagram, or even have a studio visit to see my work and process.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As a young artist I was initially focused on large national organizations as my target resource, and in doing so I did not spend enough time immersing myself in local community opportunities and peer artists. I wish I had put myself more out there on a local level and built those connections initially. These personal relationships are the true resource that will help creatives grow. Now that I am settled in Atlanta and secure in my identity as an artist, educator and mother, I am working on building relationships with likeminded individuals.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I would encourage people to go see and buy unique art. You do not have to be incredibly wealthy or intellectual to participate in the art world. There are so many fantastic local art venues and emerging artists selling affordable artwork. I see too many people with sad reproduction “art” from box stores on their home walls. That is such a shame when I know and see so many artists making work that they would love to sell. While there are bigger institutional changes, this small change is what individuals can do quickly to make an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.alioleary.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alipageoleary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=123236