Allison Meriwether
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been creative. I used to stow away in my closet as a kid and draw for hours, literally creating my own world around me. I had no idea at the time that I would be doing the same thing as an adult! Being creative and making art was an area I had absolute confidence in my abilities. My creative side played out in my wardrobe and personality at a young age and instilled a confidence in my individuality.
When did art become a pursuit? It wasn’t until my first art class in high school that I committed to making the arts my goal profession. My first art class was during my junior year in high school when my small school established an art program with an amazing and supportive teacher.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I started undergraduate studies in Alabama as an art therapy major and started painting as a junior in college, which ultimately changed my career path from art therapy to fine arts. I dreaded the idea of feeling constricted and clinical. If I were going to work with others in the arts, I wanted to get my hands dirty and be involved in the process of creating while connecting to others. I began teaching and decided to continue on to graduate school at New York University and Long Island University to obtain a master’s degree in fine arts. I taught for ten years, which has been one of the most joyous professions to take part in as an artist. I now create in my studio full time.
Alter Ego, Oil, collage, embroidery thread on canvas
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I moved to Brookline from Florida the last week of June and hit the ground running as soon as I moved here, so to speak. I make my way through open studios, constantly networking with other artists and applying to various galleries and exhibits in the New England area. If there is an opportunity near that I know about, I’m exploring it.
What role to you think the artist plays in society? It is said that art serves as conversational pieces. I believe artists visually represent the climate and conversations of various cultures in today’s society. As artists, we expose topics and stimulate conversations to a broader audience.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I currently work in oil paint and collage. I began experimenting with oil paints after undergraduate school and immediately wondered why I had never used them! I’ve always collaged off and on, but the practice of collage in my painting started last year when I began experimenting to push my concept further.
Anonymous Trampers, Collage and embroidery thread on canvas
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? My process varies from piece to piece depending on what I’m creating. In general, my ideas for a piece derive from direct reactions to a topic. I read a great deal of reference material before getting started with a piece, shoot my own reference photography and pull from those images when I get started planning. I plan out the composition minimally, basically just subject placement and then continue with my work making adjustments as needed.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? My paintings are portraits and parts of the face that often include an obtrusive use of collage and a domestic use of thread, amongst various painted elements. Through my work, I investigate socially constructed ideals and explore their effects on the contexts identity and psychology of women.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I am extremely self-critical, so this is probably the hardest question for me to answer! There are formal aspects in each of my pieces that I am proud of and there are conceptual aspects that I can say “nailed it!” about. I would probably say my piece “Alter Ego” is my favorite piece because it is the piece that I pushed conceptually that has helped me roll out many other works behind it.
State of mind, Oil on canvas
What is one of your artistic goals? One of my goals currently is to obtain gallery representation in the New England area which would allow my work reach a broader audience. I am ready for my work to join the conversations that we are engaging in about our collective and individual identities.
Where’s your favorite place to see art? Since moving to the Boston area and exploring the art scene here, I have a fondness for the SOWA arts district. I could also get lost for hours in the Museum of Fine Arts or the Institute of Contemporary Art.
What living artists are you inspired by? Marilyn Minter, Annegret Soltau, John Clang, Shana Levenson, Jenny Saville, Marina Abramovic…this list could go on and on.
Do you own any art by other artists? I own a piece of art by each of the artists I went to graduate school with. I also own a few pieces from other emerging artists. One day I will acquire more works from other artists.
See more Allison!
Website: www.allisonmeriwetherart.com
Facebook: @AllisonMeriwether.artist
Instagram: @a.MerArts