What inspires you?
Nature. I grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. I was surrounded by rolling hills, trees, creeks, and fields. We raised horses, german shepherds, chickens, ducks, and even rescued a deer. Despite the Disney quality of my childhood, there was a lot of vitriol and tension within my house, with love being contingent. Nature, by contrast, became a refuge. It accepted me without question. In the summer, the tall grass would brush my skin, making me feel held. In the winter, the silence of the snow would contrast the cruel epithets and screams from the house. As an adult, my art took on a playful and joyful interpretation of the natural world.
What kind of art do you like making the most?
If I had to put a phrase or label on my work, the closest I can think of would be, "contemporary stained glass mosaic with a fauvism twist." I like to disregard rules, use bold, fun colors. I embrace emotion and movement over conventionality or realism.
What do you hope people feel or think when they see your art?
There is enough serious art in the world, I hope they feel joy and inspiration. I hope it sticks with them, and I hope it makes them smile.
What do you think your art says about who you are?
I think, and perhaps I'm wrong, it says, "I'm here, I'm unapologetic, and I'm a little eccentric."
What would you like to make next, if you could create anything you wanted?
I'd like to do a really big project; my largest so far was 24x24". Maybe something like, 3ft by 4ft. I want to do an entire land or seascape complete with sunbeams shining down.
For more information or to make a purchase, contact Allison Fick.
