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

Ali, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Since the beginning of my career as an artist I have always asked for community involvement. My hope is to always create for the greater good. Whether that means I lead projects involving over 1,300 survivors of sexual assault, a small group of former inmates transitioning out of prison, or a solo project meant to stir conversation- my hope is to always provide spaces that inspire change.

In most recent years my project, ‘/200’, was started in response to the trial of Jeffrey Epstein. My initial goal was to cast and hear the stories of only 200 survivors reflecting the $200 Epstein paid victims to stay silent. Since it’s origin I have cast 1,321. This project would not be possible without organization who offer grants, people who buy tickets, survivors who get cast, and a community willing to talk and listen.

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?

My name is Ali Waller and I have been a full time artist for the past four years. I started out as a painter and children’s book artist before discovering my passion for art and healing. At the beginning of 2020 I moved from South Florida, where I worked at the Norton Museum of Art, and opened my own gallery in Chattanooga, TN.

While the initial goal of the space was to offer a collective resource and space for local and national artists I eventually took over the gallery with my own project, ‘/200’. Ten local and visiting artists contributed exhibitions or collaborative works leading up to my own personal brand developing further. The ‘/200’ project has come in such high demand that I spend most of my time traveling for shows, support groups, and art healing events.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I would say that I am currently in a time of adjustment or change. Hitting the two year mark in my own business has been a huge accomplishment, but I’m ready to push myself to the next level.

In the coming months I am hoping to attend visual FX school to refine my craft as a casting artist. I have goals of making larger immersive installations including all different mediums.

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 am constantly trying to unlearn hustle culture. It’s so hurtful. The biggest part of combatting burn out is patience. My business went viral within the first couple months. I was booked for exhibition twice a month for two years. It was really invigorating and I loved the fast pace, but it was absolutely not sustainable for myself. Your business is nothing without your mental health and if hustle culture kills the love of your craft – try something new!

Contact Info:

• Website: Aliwaller.shop
• Instagram: Alicekayw
• Other: Tik Tok: AliceWaller0

Image Credits
All taken by myself!