Art & Life with Alexander Richard Nichols

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexander Richard Nichols.

Alexander Richard, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have been weaving for about three years and have my own Saori loom set up in our living room.

I create wild and free wall hangings mixing textures and colors using yarn and unconventional materials such as strips of fabric from clothing like Aloha shirts, wire ribbon, jewelry, and toys.

I like to have themes when I weave. It started with a box of antique jewelry from a friend whose Mom had passed away. I incorporated many of the jewelry pieces and used her favorite colors to create a memory weaving. When my grandfather passed away, I created a memory weaving using his favorite ties, aloha shirts, and belts.

Tropical was created for a lady who loves Hawaii. I used her personal jewelry, fabric leis, toys, fabric palm leaves, shells, wooden palm tree charm, ribbons, & tropical colors.

Native American was created for the Art of Archaeology exhibit using yarn, sticks, stones, rope, pine cones, feathers, sycamore balls, a magnifying glass, an hourglass, leather, and a dreamcatcher. Other themes include Music, Mardi Gras, Mozart, Sports, Wacko. Charmed, Paradise, Under the sea, Nautilus, Succulents, Spring, Patriotic Tofu, Mayan, Knots, Autumn, Royal, and Turtles.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a freestyle weaver who embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which represents embracing imperfection. Using a Saori loom and various hand weaving techniques, I create loose wall hangings by mixing textures and vibrant colors using yarn and unconventional materials such as strips of fabric from clothing like Aloha shirts, wire ribbon, jewelry, and toys. Strings are left unfinished, tufts of roving are stuffed in, and items dangle to create an impressionist piece that hopefully surprises viewers when they spy an unexpected item.

My mom helps me set up the loom and finish the pieces. She also reminds me to switch my feet after every shuttle.

I am 25 years old and live in San Diego, CA. I have exhibited at Sophie’s Kensington Gallery, Rancho Penasquitos Library, Solana Beach Library, Banding Together Fundraiser at the Belly Up, Encinitas City Hall, Encinitas Recreation & Senior Center, WeaveLife Studio, Lights! Camera! Autism!, the Art of Autism Website, Radical Inclusion Gift Fair, and the State Parks Art in Archaeology show.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
You spend many hours being alone, sometimes the time just goes by. It is fun to do art in a class with others. When I first learned to weave, I did it with other people. I like to do art shows with other artists, too.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
We just made a website to show my work. https://lnichols9.wixsite.com/website

I will be exhibiting at the San Diego Mainly Mozart Genius Week May 31- June 9. I will also be exhibiting at the Carlsbad Dove Library in August and September.

If people are interested in buying a piece, or to request a quote for a custom weaving, they can contact my mom, Lori Nichols, at 760-822-2058 or lnichols@san.rr.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lnichols9.wixsite.com/website
• Phone: Lori Nichols (Mom) 760-822-2058
• Email: lnichols@san.rr.com

Image Credit:
Lori Nichols

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