We were lucky to catch up with Alex Nichols recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I create “Memory Weavings” to honor people. I created my first “Memory Weaving” when my grandfather passed away. I used his tie collection, belts, favorite shirts and sweaters. I also used a butterfly because he loved them. I cut these items into strips, and wove them into a weaving with his favorite colors to honor and remember him. It was a very emotional weaving for me, because I loved my grandfather very much and I miss him. The weaving hangs in my home and makes me feel close to my grandfather.

This started my creating other Memory Weavings and Themed Weavings. I did one for a wedding present for a teacher and graphic artist with items that represented each of their lives and their future together. I used school bus buttons, school and art supplies, two rings, a rainbow, hearts, and pins. I did two weavings for sisters whose father had passed away. He loved Yosemite and his dogs, so I used his flannel shirts, national park patches and Doberman dog ornaments that they provided, and sticks and pinecones from Yosemite. It was scary cutting up someone else’s possessions but I am glad I did it because it made them so happy.

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 a free-style weaver who creates themed weavings inspired by Pop Culture (Pokémon, Marvel, Disney, Sponge Bob, music, space), and Nature and Places (Animals, Cats & Dogs, Gardens, Trees, Ocean, Beach, Desert, Forest, Sedona, California, Hawaii).

I use a Saori loom and hand weaving techniques to create wild and free wall hangings mixing textures and vibrant colors using yarn and unconventional materials such as clothing, beads, buttons, shells, charms, jewelry, zipper pulls, and toys. Strings are left unfinished, tufts of roving are stuffed in, and items dangle to create an impressionist piece that hopefully surprises viewers when they spy an unexpected item. Using unconventional materials is my signature and I love coming up with new themes.

I start with an idea, then select colors, and items that relate to the the theme. For example, I did a weaving called Under the Sea that used ocean colors, charms and beads of starfish, shells, dolphins, fish, roving to feel like tops of waves, textured yarn and ribbons to represent sand, kelp, and coral. For a garden themed weaving, I used a charm bracelet with garden tools, yarn flowers, beads of bunnies, bees, flowers, and rain drops. For a fishing theme, I used bobbins, lures, fishing line, fish beads, fish pens, fish toys, and plastic kelp.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I like creating something from nothing. Starting with a blank warp or canvas or paper is very exciting. There is a lot of surprise along the way. It is never the same twice. I get a sense of accomplishment when I finish a piece and feel very proud. I like to see how I improve with practice and my work evolves.

To keep my creativity alive, I am working in other creative mediums such as painting, collage, photography, music and acting. I take improvisation acting classes at New Village Arts and participate in Music Jam Sessions.

I am an artist-in-residence at Revision Project. I enjoy working with my mentors and fellow artists in a creative studio setting. I work on hand weaving, ceramics, paintings, and collage.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I am a San Diego artist on the Autism spectrum who expresses myself through weaving and painting.

I rely on my parents to help me with applying, organizing, and exhibiting at art shows, purchasing art supplies, and getting to classes. I like working with my Mom, who prepares the warp for me and helps me hang my work.

My parents have always supported and believed in my creativity. They encouraged me to participate in classes and exhibit my work. This has really helped me feel confident talking with people about my art. I feel that I have an identity as an artist and that I am part of a creative community. That has given me a sense of belonging with fellow artists.

I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to exhibit through the Art of Autism at wonderful events such as Mainly Mozart, San Diego Arts Festival, Oceanside Museum of Art, Escondido Gallery, Brooks Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Sophie’s Gallery, Celebrate EDU, Lights, Camera, Autism, the SDSU Autism Center, and the Poway Performing Arts Theatre.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lnichols9.wixsite.com/website
• Other: https://www.revisionsandiego.com/alexnichols Alex is a resident artist at Revision San Diego Project.