We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ali O’Neal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ali below.
Ali, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
What a complicated question. Doesn’t every creative wager this debate internally on a somewhat regular basis? On one hand, I feel complete creative autonomy in what I’m building within my business and artistic endeavors, which is such an incredible opportunity. And on the other, damn, wouldn’t a consistent paycheck that I clock in and clock out to receive feel simple in the best of ways? I’m recently contemplating stepping away from my creative business for an undetermined amount of time, as I’m hitting a place where the grind of constantly hustling for a consistent income is overshadowing the joy of creating. Am I happy as an artist or creative? Some days, absolutely. When I’ve completed a project or job that feels like solid growth either artistically or in business, I feel overjoyed. And on a daily basis, happy feels too simple of a word to embody the all encompassing aspects of building a living through artwork.
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 a screen printer, designer and seamstress, and am currently pursuing creative endeavors through my brand, Thimble Fox. I use my work in serigraphy and textiles as a platform for social and political commentary, and to educate about the inequities of the textile fast fashion industry.
My first creative forays began in elementary school, where I painted portraits of my second cousin’s ephemeral partners. I attended Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where I graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. Thereafter while in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, I melded my affinity for creativity and the environment, and painted a series of environmentally themed community murals. After nearly a decade working as an Environmental Educator, I transitioned into creating full-time.
Former CEO of Patagonia Rose Marcario said it best, “The unfortunate truth is that it takes more time, effort and money to create socially responsible and environmentally ethical apparel. We’re doing what we can given the restraints of un unsustainable industry.” I’ve built my artistic career and business in the most sustainable way possible, using only natural fibered fabrics, water-based inks, and only compostable packaging. It’s tough building a small business with environmental ethos in mind, because keeping prices low enough for consumer desires isn’t always viable with strict values at the forefront.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Show up and get involved! Attend openings. Not just to socialize, drink and eat, but actually engage with the artwork and the artist. And if you’re able, support them buy taking home a piece when it’s something that you relate with and love.
If you’re not able to support artists by purchasing, sharing what they do can go a long way. I love supporting other artists by highlighting them through my social media channels, and am very slowly amassing my own collection from artists I love.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
I would love for someone to explain how these work. I truly don’t get it. And actually I’m not even truly sure I want to. Original art is incredibly powerful. I have a hard time getting behind sales of digital entities. Whether ignorant or not, that’s my current stance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thimblefox.com
- Instagram: @thimblefox
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thimblefox
Image Credits
OLIVE & WEST PHOTOGRAPHY