Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Alexander.
Melissa, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’ve lived in Georgia since 1996, but moved out of state for about 5 years. Upon returning, I worked a corporate job and, in my free time, reignited my love of photography. Using my community of West End as my subject, I began documenting the people, the landscape, and the rapid changes and developments that were taking place. Still working my 9-to-5, I built my company up enough to take on clients. After about 2 years, I made the jump to go fully freelance. I’ve almost reached my one-year anniversary as a full-time entrepreneur!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
By trade, I am a photographer and filmmaker, yet there are layers and levels to my work. I am a conduit. I create positive connections: between myself and my subject, between my subject and my audience, and, hopefully and most importantly, I act as a conductor to help them make connections within themselves. See, personal growth is something I’m crazy about! When folks view my work, I want them to walk away feeling energized, revitalized, and determined to be better.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Being an artist can get lonely, at times. We are prone to feeling trapped with our thoughts, hoping that what we create will release them. Speaking as a photographer, being behind a camera is a very private thing. I can be at an event, surrounded by people, but still very much alone. I become the watcher, seeing everything, but interacting very little. I’ve learned to put my camera down. I had to wean myself off of taking it with me to every single art show, brunch, lunch, meeting, etc. I put my camera down and now the world can see my face.
Social media is a great way to meet fellow artists, however nothing beats a face to face interaction! Find and follow those whose art and philosophies you admire, attend their shows and workshops. Try not to get caught up in their “celebrity” – say hi, tell them you appreciate their work, ask if they’d mind glancing over some of your work over a coffee sometime. It’s very easy, especially when you remain true to who you are.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I am currently in the planning stages for my solo show, “To West End, With Love.” Essentially, it will serve as a visual love letter to the community that embraced and inspired me like no other. I will be debuting a short film comprised of 3 vingettes and my photography will also be on display. In both film and photo, West End is the main subject. It is my hope that folks feel the warmth of my community through my work.
“To West End, With Love” will be held at Gallery 992 on October 13th, 2018.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phyllisiller.com
- Phone: 4047721868
- Email: hiphyllis@phyllisiller.com
- Instagram: @phyllis.iller
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/phyllisiller
Image Credit:
Melissa Alexander
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
