What is the best thing that I love about my work?
Many of the materials I use are non-traditional such as clothing from my grandma or broken jewelry. They have a history and purpose all their own that makes the creative process like a conversation between myself and my medium.
What is my idea of perfect happiness?
Finding a balance between family, work, and art. Maybe I just need more hours in the day.
What is my greatest fear?
My child dying before I do.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I’m very critical of myself. I hold myself to an unrealistic standard that I don’t feel others have to attain. It can get in the way of enjoying life.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I’m sure I’ll think of a million more after I submit this but here’s a crack at the list: Fran Siegel, Marie Thibeault, Siobhan McClure, Micol Hebron, Kara Walker, Tom Krumpak, Josh Dorman, Merritt Johnson, and Steve Roden.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Vintage or retro dresses and patterns are my downfall.
On what occasion would I lie?
I might tell a selective truth, but I rarely see a reason to be intentionally deceptive. If I had to lie to save someone’s life, then of course.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
It’s easy to become too literal with imagery or the original source of a found object.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
When I realized I could be an artist instead of a painter or sculptor it changed my entire practice. I finally found my voice and that was the best feeling.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would ditch the depression and anxiety. I feel like I’m missing out on so much. Some days I can’t even get out of bed and let’s not even get started on the stress of openings.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
There are two. The first happens when my artwork really impacts someone and it fosters communication. The second is when I can work directly with other artists in collaboration. To make work is wonderful, but for me it’s meaningless when it’s limited to the back corner of my lonely studio.
Where would I most like to live?
I haven’t found that place yet, but I think it has a lot of space and greenery with ironically low quantities of spiders. I often feel cramped in the city and the concrete is so gloomy. That said, I love the cultural diversity of Los Angeles.
What is my most treasured possession?
I keep a little pouch of items people have given me over the years as portable happiness. It has a rosary, glass marble, tigers eye pendulum, and hematite. Rarely do I leave home without it.
What is my most marked characteristic?
For better or worse, I don’t know when to quit.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
The library!
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
The Cheesecake Factory for food and Yard House for drinks.
What books influenced my life and how?
The works of Jane Austen have always been a favorite because at different points of my life I resonate with different characters. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and The Awakening by Kate Chopin had a huge impact on me as a young woman. I still weave ideas from all three authors into my art.
Who are my favorite writers?
Tamora Pierce, Jane Austen, Suzanne Collins, Shakespeare, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allan Poe, and Kate DiCamillo.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
The Doors, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and the Dirty Dancing soundtrack.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Elizabeth Bennet
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Brenda Clubine, Malala Yousafzai, my partner Tim, and my sister Alyshia.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Across the Universe
What role plays art in my life and work?
They are inseparable because my art feeds off of my life experiences while motivating me to keep growing and living.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Dani Dodge, Arezoo Bharthania, Gabriel Garcia, Justin Smith, and Kristine Shomaker are excellent partners in crime.
Whom would I like to work with in 2017?
Cynthia Herrera, Carlos Beltran-Arechiga, Tessie Salcido Whitmore
Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2017?
Karen Fiorito, Yoko Ono
What project, in 2017, am I looking forward to work on?
I’ve recently joined Durden and Ray so there are a lot of shows in the works. It’s wonderful getting to know this group of artists and to have the chance to curate with them.
Where can you see me or my work in 2017?
Durden and Ray
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
There have been so many times that the creative life seemed unbearably hard, but living without my art is unfathomable. Art is life.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Cynthia Herrera, Arezoo Bharthania, Siobhan McClure, Tessie Salcido Whitmore, Shanna Waddell
How can you contact me?
http://alannam.pixpasites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/amarcelletti
The Heroine's Journey 