Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Waxter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alex, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

It has happened may of times in my life where a friend has asked me to make them something. And I love doing it, it is a love language of mine. But the kindest act was when a friend at work recommended me for a large curtain project for a gallery exhibition. It was so meaningful because it came out of nowhere and their confidence in my skills helped to make me feel stronger in my abilities as well. It has also really opened the doors for me to pursue my art professionally. And once the curtains were installed getting to see how happy it made other people really touched my heart.

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?

Hey, I am Alex! I am a 29 year old (84 years at heart) and am from Pittsburgh, PA. I was first introduced to textiles and sewing by my grandmother. She used to make my mom and uncles clothing when they were younger. But to have that skill set passed down to me, only one of many she shared, is the most special thing I could have ever asked for. She also taught me the importance of sharing that knowledge with others.

I have always independently just practiced my art skills, and went to the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Funny enough I started off by going to another college for Fashion Styling, but it wasn’t my vibe. So I took a year off and thought to myself what am I interested in? I have art skills from my mom and “MacGyver” skills from my dad. So naturally that led me to pursue a degree in interior design. I will say I miss the creative freedom of college. For anyone in school right now, eat every opportunity up while you can!

Lately I have been making curtains. Large and small scale. Everyday I am working on something though. Even if it is just for practice. Darning/mending, embroidering, sewing, knitting, crocheting. The works. One thing I that love about having ADHD is that I can have a lot of hobbies and pick up skills pretty quickly. I recently was accepted to pursue my love for fiber arts at a college in Ireland. I am very grateful and excited to be able to expand my knowledge in Irish textiles and combine that with all of the skills I have learned from other women throughout my life.

I really love to work in sustainability into my projects. For instance, the large curtains project was all reclaimed fabrics. So taking something that may have been discarded and giving it a new life. I like making art that is practical and for everyday people. I love to find a creative solution for random things you may have around the house. Something as simple as a lace doily can become a part of a wall hanging. The opportunities are endless!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I get to bring art into the world that I want to see. What speaks to my heart? Even if no one else likes what I am doing I know that I have fulfilled a part of my heart. It can be vulnerable to put yourself out there, like here is my non-biological child I made for your enjoyment.

When people like or get your art it really makes all the hard work worth it. And if they don’t, I still got to practice my skills making something new. I think the opportunity to always learn a new skill or lesson is really rewarding.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Put money into the arts. And I don’t mean the 1% arts. Make art important in schools again. Allow children to let their imaginations run wild.

I really think putting money into communities that need it the most will also help creatives thrive. I grew up with parents who lived paycheck to paycheck. Which helped me to become creative with the things that were available to me. That doesn’t make it okay or glamorous, just stating for facts here. I know a lot of artists who work and then go home to try to make time for their art but might not always have the bandwidth to create. We need to really bring back the importance of arts and understanding of the arts. I don’t have a solution, but I want people to be able to have access to create I guess is what I am saying here.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexwashere.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: @waxlecks