Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Brice.
Hi Alex, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Cincinnati but spent most of my life in and around Houston, Texas. I went to the University of Houston for undergrad which really opened my eyes to abstraction, but at the time I thought if I couldn’t explain why I was making abstract work, I shouldn’t try it at all, which is incredibly silly! After graduating with my BFA I taught high school art for a few years, while still making my own work on the side. I feel like getting out in the real world after college was incredibly important for me as an artist to figure out what making art meant for me, and not have it tied to school or outside validation. I cherish those holiday breaks I spent in my own little world in my apartment painting very deeply. I loved the kids I was working with, but I needed that time to get into the flow state and turn it all off. I grew up a very moody only child, and I’m realizing now art has always been a tool to fill that need to be alone with my feelings. Moving back to Ohio was a huge adjustment. There are animals and evidence of life everywhere. The seasons actually happen, the landscape is evident, and I miss crawfish immensely! My first year back in school was full of the experimentation and play I didn’t feel I deserved to indulge in through undergrad. I feel like I’m in a really good spot now where painting is challenging, but also fun.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
From about 13 years old, I decided I would be an art teacher and pursue art on the side. It wasn’t until I accomplished this that I realized I had the order reversed, and I wanted to be an artist, and teach on the side, oops! Being back in Ohio and being able to be surrounded by trees, hills, and natural beauty was something I was really missing before I moved. It was so hard leaving my students, best friend, and parents back home. Luckily, I have an amazing partner who put off med school to come with me. I feel so lucky all the time. Sure, there’s been struggles along the way, but I think I’m just a positive person who believes it’s all going to work out. I always joke that I love being down because that means the only place left to go is up! Self-doubt is probably my biggest obstacle. Should I even apply for that show/residency? Being an emerging artist is rough mentally and emotionally. Right now, I’m working on not having my entire identity tied to productivity. However, breaking my thumb in my first semester of grad school was quite the challenge as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make paintings of emotional dreamscapes. The flow state of making art is an emotional space that allows me to be vulnerable yet in control, and playful but serious. Making art mimics a lot of the highs and lows of love. My personal relationships are a huge part of those emotional landscapes. The pain familial trauma leaves us with, the companionship of friendship. and the highs and lows of romantic love. Visually, I’m interested in blurring a line between surrealism and abstract expressionism. Traditionally feminine materials, objects, and colors are huge sources of imagery and inspiration in my work. Sometimes I feel like I’m playing pretend, being the ideal woman is so detached from reality, and very tied to capitalism. I love incorporating all of these relics of girl world that swirl around in my head through collaging them directly on, or alluding to them through paint. My process is an equal mix of making mistakes, letting things happen, and deliberate planning and intention. So much feminine representation is beautifully sad, and it’s that dichotomy that inspires me the most. I look up to so many amazing female artists who have come before me, like Hilma Af Klint, Leonora Carrington, and Louise Bourgeois. I’m definitely not afraid to be misunderstood or create work that doesn’t have a resolved beginning or end. The work isn’t meant to engage with everyone all the time, and that’s okay!
What matters most to you?
Both my biological family and chosen family. Growing up I had a very bleak outlook on life, and I never thought I could be the person I am today and have such close connections to the people in my life. I now live within driving distance to my grandparents for the first time in 22 years, and I’m so grateful for this time after so much lost. I still keep in touch with a lot of my former students, writing rec letters or checking up on them after they’ve gone to college. I’m quite a sentimental person; all of my favorite things I own were given to me by friends or family. I love coming home every day to my lovely partner and our dog. My best friend and I have known each other since we were 17 and celebrate our friendaversary every year, we even taught at the same high school together. I look around my house all the time at all the things filled with memories and I feel so lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexandrabrices.xhbtr.com/
- Instagram: @alexbriceart
