Vintage Indie would like to welcome Allister Ann as our featured artist, and independent designer this week.
Welcome to Vintage Indie, can you tell us what your preferred medium is?
I don't have a preference, but photography,illustrating and
sewing are what I am most comfortable with since I've been doing them
the longest. I have so much more to learn within those mediums
and that's what keeps it exciting.
Art in
general has always been a predominate part of my life. I grew up with
parents who were artistic and creative, and they encouraged us to be
involved in art and music. My two brothers are both artists; the older a
sculpture working in latex ,and the younger ( at 19) is a professional
sculpture in the model and toy industry.
Studio
I followed my grandmother's footsteps; she was an incredibly talented fashion illustrator. At an early age I fell in love with fashion design..began sketching at 12, learned how to sew, and at 17 started my own clothing line; Allister Couture.
Allister Couture Dress
At 18 I moved to Los Angeles from Denver and attended FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) majoring in design with a minor in fashion illustration. While
going to school, I became interested in photography. LA was a great
city to explore with a camera- and started doing photo shoots for
friends which led to paid shoots and later worked for a company doing
photography for their on-line catalog. Gradually my hobby turned into a
profession! After almost 2 years in Los Angeles, I happened to go to Nashville
for a photo shoot and ended up loving the city so much I moved there-
and am currently working in Nashville as a freelance photographer as
well as doing fashion illustrations for a menswear clothing book that will be coming out this fall!
Allister Couture Menswear
Allister Couture Menswear
Who or what inspires you?
I love this quote by Paul Gauguin:
"I shut my eyes in order to see" When I look at someones work, it doesn't inspire me as much as it challenges me. Ideas can come from anywhere,but I feel inspiration comes from within. I think it,combined with motivation and commitment is the key to execution.Those elements drive us to follow through and translate that inspiration into something. I believe everyone has artistic creativity within them. The only difference between the artist and the admirer is that the artist has the passion to produce."
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this medium?
As
far as photography; it's as simple as picking up a camera...and it
doesn't have to be an expensive one. I have seen great photographs come
from throw-a-ways. For sketching or painting, I think the one thing we fear most is blank space.. Just pick up that pencil or paintbrush and start. With any medium,don't be intimidated. It's a matter of trial and error; experimenting until you discover what gives
you joy. Just remember... when one measures himself to another, or
tries to define his own worth based upon comparison, that's when
creativity becomes inhibited. Always do it purely for you.
"Eventually I discovered for
myself the utterly simple prescription for creativity: Be intensely
yourself. Don’t try to be outstanding; don’t try to be a success; don’t
try to do pictures for others to look at - just please yourself."
Does vintage play a role in your art or life? If so, how?
I was lucky enough to grow up in a household that had a great
appreciation for the old.We had cars from the 1940's and 50's and most
items in our home were either passed down,or a treasure discovered at a
flea market,garage sale or antique shop. I've continued that tradition
and try as much as possible to incorporate my love for vintage in my
work; whether in a photograph, a drawing, or the jewelry pieces that I
make.
What is important for your customer to know about your work?
That it simply comes from the heart....with love
A special thank you to Allister Ann for showing us an inside look into her world of photography, design and fashion. Visit Allister Ann at her blog, Etsy Shop and MySpace.
