Artist Profile: Frances Holliday Alford

Frances Holliday Alford
Grafton, Vermont

1. What kind of challenges did this theme present to you?  I had to think about this theme for a long time.  I had been developing a class with a similar subject, personal symbols.  The addition of graffiti made the whole theme so much more interesting...but it also required a deeper excavation into myself.

2. Describe your studio space?  I have the whole third floor of my house and an elevator to get there.  There is running water in a deep sink and a Kurig Coffee Maker and a small refrigerator.  I have covered insulation board on several walls for designing. The floor is 12 inch black and white checkered tiles which are great for measuring.   Because it is an attic, I regret that there are not more full sized walls.  I also use my basement for wet work.  There is a big double sink, several long tables, a washer and dryer for dying cloth and a cement floor.

3. Where can people see your work in the next six months?  You can always come by my house.  Drop by any time and I will be happy to show you.  I do not expect to have anything on display before the Quilt Festival in Houston.

4. Do you ever work in a series?  If so, what benefits or challenges does this present to you as an artist?  I love working in series.  If it is something that I feel is successful, I will return to it again even after a series feels complete.  Currently, I am most excited about the texture that happens from washing and drying quilted fabrics along the way.

5. What other activities do you engage in that “feed” your creative energy?  Travel seems to be the most fertile way to feed my creativity.  I like to take a lot of photos, to write and also to work along the way.  I also find that working with other artists in regularly scheduled activities is very important.