Today we’d like to introduce you to Alea Hurst.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
For as long as I can remember, I have had a persisting need to create. Like most people I started drawing and painting as a young child, but I just never stopped. This need has always been there driving me to explore new ideas and test different techniques to make those ideas come to life. Over the years, creating’s role in my life has morphed from being what I do into an inherent part of who I am. I create art because I have to. I need to create or I feel like I am going to go insane. There are periods of time when I go without creating for a while, and eventually it feels like if I don’t draw or paint or sew something I’m going to explode. Art is a part of me and it is how I express myself and my feelings to the world. I am naturally a very quiet person and do not say very much, but with art you can communicate to the world without words or boundaries. Although I tend to be shy and quiet in demeanor, I am full of bold opinions and self-expression. I learned to bridge the gap between the two by using my art to express myself and my ideas to others where my words fail. It has become my way of communicating to the world and my way of life.
My freshman year of high school I took my first serious art class. I was lucky to have an amazing teacher who taught me a lot and showed me I had talent. That is when I started thinking of being a visual artist. I really loved creating art and did not think of it as a career option until that point. From then on, my goal changed and being an artist has been my focus. I have not regretted that choice either. If anything, my need to create has only gotten stronger over the years. I continued my artistic journey by earning my BFA in Painting along with a BBA in Management at the University of Georgia in 2013. Most recently, I will be graduating this June with my MFA in Painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta campus.
Please tell us about your art.
My main method of working is oil painting, but I also love to draw. In the last year, I also began to branch out and began screen-printing and painting murals. My main body of work deals with fashion, pattern, and the use of masks to explore personality characteristics and comment on the perceived evolution of society.
As noted by Tenzin Gyatso, the Dalai Lama, “in this century we have made remarkable material progress, but basically we are the same as we were thousands of years ago.” In my work, I seek to explore the recurrence of archetypal personalities amidst our material evolution by investigating the role of the mask and reversing its purpose to reveal traits about the wearer rather than conceal them. I do so by studying masks of preceding cultures and pairing them with contemporary designer fashion trends and bold patterns in a juxtaposition of past and present. The concept is to explore the idea that no matter how far society has evolved, the basic instincts and personality traits of ancient cultures still prevail. Archetypes recur through the ages no matter how advanced the society. Ultimately, we have not come as far as we think.
I am fully aware that the typical person viewing my work will likely not know the cultural significance and meaning of the mask depicted. It is my job to inform them, which is why titles play a significant role in my work. Each piece is titled as an archetype or type of personality giving a considerable clue to which type of person is being presented. It is not my aim for the viewer to receive a history lesson on the specifics of the mask, but to lead to a larger conversation of who this person is in the broad scope of things. I aim to bring forth a connection with the traits presented and evoke deep contemplation on what roles in society these types of people play and who in the viewer’s own life might this person be.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Many artists have to choose between being financially stable and creating the work they love. It’s sad but true. My advice to combat this is to find artist opportunities in your area that pays artists for their work beyond just working for exposure. Public arts are a good starting point. Also think about smaller price point items like prints. It may not be a large amount of income right away but it really adds ups. There are so many platforms out there right now that cover production and shipping of these items for artists and there are no upfront costs. You have nothing to lose by trying it.
And above all, keep persevering. You may not be able to fully support yourself right out of the gate, but over time if you truly love what you do, it’ll shine through in your work and there are plenty of people out there who will see it and want to support it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my work showing at various galleries around town but also in New Orleans and California. My website is a great place to start because I regularly update it with new work and upcoming events. You can also join my newsletter on my site which is the easiest way to find out what events and exhibitions I have going on. I also try to stay fairly active on Instagram and give behind-the-scenes views on work in progress. Give it a follow if you are interested in seeing more.
I currently have two murals in the Atlanta area. One is located on Buckhead Ave. at the Shops Buckhead Atlanta, and the other is on Wylie St. in Cabbage town as part of the Forward Warrior mural wall.
I really strive to make my work accessible for people of all walks of life. I know many people do not have the income or space for one of my larger paintings and so I offer prints at a much more affordable price point. That way, anyone who appreciates the work can support it and be able to have the work in their own space. I sell these prints at pop-up events and markets around town but also on the shop section of my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aleahurst.com
- Email: aleahurstart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @aleahurstart
- Twitter: @aleahurstart
Image Credit:
All photos by artist
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