Artist Q&A: Allison James.

I have been a long time Allison James fan. I love her use of color. In particular: the combinations she chooses are vibrant and happy, but still manage to be unique and different. Same with the shapes she uses… they are iconic and unique to her. I feel like when I see one of her paintings in the wild, I’ll always know that it’s hers. I have a small original from her but am thinking of adding a larger one when I move into the new house.

Artist Q&A: Allison James

Where are you from?

Perry, GA. I lived in Atlanta for 5 years and decided to move back to my hometown almost 2 years ago for a slower pace and better quality of life. I haven’t missed the city once!

How did you get your start as an artist?

I was always encouraged to explore my creativity as a child and have been a self-proclaimed artist my entire life. I earned my BFA in Painting, Drawing and Printmaking almost a decade ago and have been painting professionally over the last five years.

What are your favorite sources of inspiration?

People — everything from the clothes they are wearing, the way they carry themselves, the conversations they are having with one another… all the way to the memories, burdens and triumphs we carry with us. People are fascinating and I try to focus on creating work that evokes the energy of a blip in time that the viewer can form their own feeling, emotion and conversations around. This is when the circle of my work becomes complete.

What is something that is important to you?

Quiet time. I need time by myself (usually outside, weather permitting) in order to sift through my next big idea. Or sometimes this time is to have the headspace to connect back to myself. There’s a lot of information out there and it’s easy to forget who we really are down to our core. It’s easy to get lost in the noise and I’m a better person when I can do this for myself. 

Something others might not know about you?

I started running in early 2022 to have something to focus my attention on besides fixating on my work. It’s helped me get out of the studio, challenge my body and see real growth in a new way. Training is no joke, especially when races are on the calendar!

Want more of Allison? Check out her website, follow on Instagram, or view her available works at Liz’s gallery.

And in case you missed it, I am collaborating with my friend Liz Lidgett on a series of artist features! Check out our digital art show, save 10% off your purchase with code GRACE through 8/11. And all month long, I will be profiling some of my favorite artists here on the blog.