Tell us a bit about yourself?

I live in Felixstowe with my husband, cats and dogs. I moved here five years ago. It was after I rediscovered the Felixstowe of my childhood holidays after a gap of over 30 years no being here. My grandparents lived here when I was a child - I wasn’t raised here, but I did spend a lot of time here as a child with my grandparents and I have a lot of very happy memories, so it’s a very special place for me, and now we live round the corner from their old home. 

My grandfather was also an artist, as are my mum and aunt, so I have been inspired by them.  I have been painting for a few years now and over time my work has become more abstract, although sometimes influences from the landscape do creep in. I am a regular sketcher, so I have no doubt that some of my ideas are formed through the practice of sketching outdoors.

You’ll be part of the Suffolk Open Studios... can you explain to readers who aren’t familiar with this what it is?

Suffolk Open Studios is an opportunity for art lovers to visit an artist in their studio, or in my case in my kitchen :) You get the chance to see the artist doing demos, to have a chat, find out what inspires them, and also buy cards and paintings at studio prices.  

What makes Suffolk Open Studios special?

It’s run by artists for artists, so there is a great sense of collaboration and friendship.  It’s also a great way of supporting the locally community, especially during these strange times.

Tell us a bit about your work?

I am fascinated by colour relationships, and more recently I have been painting entirely from the imagination producing mindscapes (rather than landscapes). I am looking for an extra dimension beyond the reality in front of us. I work in layers and experience a push and pull dynamic with the painting until eventually the painting wins and takes on a life of its own. It’s as if the painting chooses you. I paint primarily in acrylic, mostly because I’m impatient and acrylic dries quickly, and it means I can apply multiple layers. But, I’m planning to start learning how to use oils also.

What’s something you’d like to say to fellow artists and any aspiring artists?

Just do it!  Give it a go, don’t hold back, play, experiment, and don’t be afraid of making a mess.

You can also find out more information about Suffolk Open Studios  here  and I recommend you visit as many artists as you can during June to help support local creatives during this difficult time.

There we go, looking  forward to seeing you in my studio.. ahem kitchen.. in June!

To view Alison’s stunning work and connect with her online, click on the links below:

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