We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandra Squire. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandra below.

Alexandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been creative. I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to get my hands dirty and make something. I grew up surrounded by art. Both my grandmothers were painters. My aunt is an artist and my mother trained as an artist. I remember as a child going to art museums with my Grandmother and talking about color and texture.

As much as I grew up around art, I was very hesitant to pursue it as a career. I wasn’t encouraged to become an artist, rather to pick a career that was more practical with a steady income. I like to joke that I didn’t have enough courage to really pursue my passion until I was in my 30’s.

After working and getting a BS in Journalism and an MBA in Marketing, I decided to take a break from the business world and to pursue my passion, painting. I started studying under a local DC artist and going to her house to paint with her for hours at a time. It was there that another artist suggested I pursue this as a career and try to sell my work. This simple suggestion resonated with me. For some reason I decided that day that I could actually be an artist professionally.

I am grateful for the path I took to become an artist. It made me the artist I am today and it finally feels just right.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am an abstract artist and painter.

All my paintings are rooted in blending and layering. By pairing vibrant shades with muted tones, I make the unexpected – complex stories of simplicity. I have found that the richness in life, like art, comes from the many layers that we add as well as the multiple ways that our lives blend together.

Creating is my passion and my therapy. It gives me a way to tell stories without using words. While my art becomes very public when I share photos and sell it, the creation process is much more intimate. There are very few restraints on what I can do with art. That can be an overwhelming thought, but I also find it comforting. I know I will never run out of ways to express myself.

When starting the creative process, I like to sketch out ideas and play with color and design. I begin the process of painting on canvas or wood. With wood, I use resin after my paintings are finished. Working with resin requires a certain amount of respect, tenacity, and precision as there are constraints in achieving the desired effect. Multiple coats of resin are applied to each piece. In their final form, these works appear smooth and effortless due to their shine, depth, and texture.

I hope everyone who views my work takes away something different. My intent is for my art to be a vessel by which they experience their own memories. I hope that by viewing my work all of their senses are engaged. I want my colors, forms, layers, blending, and bold finish to take them back to a time and place that fills them with joy. For me, memories are all about colors and shapes. I hope my audience can feel that when they view my work.

I am very excited about the minis I have been creating. They are small enough that I can get bold and play around with color but not overwhelm the viewer. Or I can use muted tones and create a delicate and soft piece. What’s great about the minis is that they can for a big grid and really create a powerful piece.

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

That’s easy, doing what I love and creating art I am passionate about. Each of my pieces tell a story. That story is unique to the viewer. I love being able to create that story.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to let go and stop listening to the what ifs in my head.

I like to be in control and “safe” and it was difficult to take a leap of faith and be vulnerable.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alexandrasquireart.com
• Instagram: Alexandrasquireart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraSquireArt

Image Credits
Sunni Cook Tyler Hooks