Monday, May 23, 2011

Frances Holliday Alford - Grafton, VT

1.  What do you call yourself -art wise?  Artist
2.  How do you jump start your creativity?   I don't usually have a problem with needing jump starts.  If I am at a loss for what to do, I sometimes take random pieces, scraps and left overs and try using them in a very unstructured way.  I see inspiration in all kinds of forms.
3.  If money wasn't an issue, what would you do with your art?   I try not to let money be an issue.  I am willing to give up other things to be able to do my art.  I would like to build my own studio and retreat center from scratch.  And it would need to have a hot tub too!
4. Do you keep a sketchbook, journal, etc?  I work on small collaged mail art pieces every day.  I also work in sketchbooks frequently.  I rarely draw out the plans for a quilted piece.  I blog and post a lot of things on Facebook.
5.  Where can people see your other work?  You are welcome to come to my studio in Grafton, Vermont. .  Also my website.  http://franceshollidayalford.com/  Currently, I have a quilt in the Alliance for American Quilts website as well.
6.  Do you teach?  Occasionally.  And frequently if you consider the daily how to-s that seem to happen.
7.  Is there a particular artist who has influenced you in your life?   I like a lot of the pointillist artists, particularly Paul Signac.  My favorite print artist is Gustave Baumann.  Susan Shie helped me jump start my quilting journey.  I am in a mutual fan club with my very good friend Rachel Parris.
8.  Where or what show do you hope your work will be in someday?  I would like to be in the Modern Museum of Art in New York.  Also the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska.  And the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts.
9.  Describe your studio workspace.  Fabulous!  My Grafton, Vermont studio, the Tuttle Barn, a 150 year old building that has been remodeled.  The second floor is a large room for cutting, sewing, and designing.  A second room upstairs is devoted to drawers for beads and embellishments.   On the first floor, I have a show room/sitting room, an office, and a kitchen for painting and wet work.  I don't live there, but I am often tempted.
10.What three tools could you not live without?  Mistyfuse, Design board, and crewel sized hand needles.
11.  What drives you to make the work that you do?  I don't think I have much choice.  My whole life, I have been making what I could out of what ever I had.  I am always thinking about what I will do next.  Also, group interaction and peer approval works for me.
12.  How do you balance your life?  Balance?  There is supposed to be balance?  I have a lot of time to devote to my art.  I also spend wonderful quality time with my companion Fritz.  I like to travel, and I do a lot of community service.
 
http://franceshollidayalford.com/


3 comments:

  1. Frances has an amazing studio with embellishments and fabrics organized by color... it's an inspiration to behold!

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  2. Frances' studio is to die for! Still need to come up and visit sometime. Loved reading your interview and am amazed what you did with The Space Between entry!It is fantastic!

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  3. Even though I've only met Frances a few times, I miss having her in Texas!

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