We recently connected with Alison Auditore and have shared our conversation below.

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

As long as I can remember, I’ve loved mythology. The heroes, the drama, the idea that anyone can become great. The longer I studied it, the more commonalities I noticed. I wondered, who would be the hero’s in today’s stories? The question inspired me to create my latest portrait series, Modern Icons. Each portrait is a representation of the characteristics we hold in high esteem.

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 background and context?

I’ve loved drawing as long as I can remember. It’s a beautiful way to tell a story and start a conversation. There have been times when it felt like no one liked what I was making, or that despite my love for it, my work wouldn’t make a difference. I’m proud of myself for not giving up during those times. At the end of the day, the process of creating the work is as meaningful to me as the finished product.

Persevering through those times has helped me become a better artist and a stronger person. I’ve grown so much more confident in my abilities, which has enabled me to take hold of new opportunities and make higher quality work for my clients. I know that my work goes beyond an image, and captures something special. I am excited to continue to share that experience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I was first getting started as an artist, I was fed the narrative that success is finite, and that there is not enough to go around. Unfortunately, for years I believed this, and was unable to see someone flourish without feeling envious and anxious. I worried that now there was one less opportunity for me to reach my goals, and be a successful artist. This attitude actually did keep me from pursuing a lot of opportunities. I found myself thinking “what’s the point?”

Finally, after a period of not making art at all, I realized my attitude was keeping me from being who I wanted to be, and that I was letting my own insecurity keep me from trying. I had to unlearn the idea that only so many artists can make it, and teach myself that there is a place for me and my work in the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Everyone has a story. I hear people say that all the time, but it’s really a daunting thought. EVERY person has a tragedy, an incredible memory, a moment where they were a hero and a villain, and all of these stories overlap in ways we may never realize. I think about this a lot, and I do mean a lot! This is what motivates me as an artist. I want my work to capture that reality bending realization that there are billions are narratives transcending generations and informing every decision being made. And of course, I want my work to resonate with its audience, and spark that same inspiration with them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alisonstillaround.com
• Instagram: @stillaroundillustrations
• Facebook: Still Around Illustrations, LLC
• Twitter: @stillaroundArt
• Other: Live Art Streams every Wednesday at twitch.tv/possiblyanalien

Image Credits
N/A