Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Fugate.
Hi Alisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been in love with art from the time I was a small child. Growing up in San Diego, my mother used to take me back and forth across the border exploring all the neighborhoods, communities, beaches and countrysides. The memories of my childhood adventures is the foundation of my art ascetic. I grasped the vivid colors that make up Southern California and learned to appreciate the cultural art from our communities. I ended up going to college in Monterey, CA where I studied art under some wonderful professors who taught me so much and guided my skills in painting, sculpture, jewelry making and mixed media. I have always strived to be multi-faceted as an artist. So in order to pay the bills, I worked for MAC Cosmetics for many years, a studio assistant for a figurative sculptor and a picture framer in an art store. All three of these professions brought strengths to my art skills and visa versa. One of my favorite subjects to paint is the human face, so I have been approached throughout the years for private commissions and enjoy them greatly. When I am not working on my paintings, I am making colorful jewelry for my business Sol V Kai Design located in the Sea Hive Station at the Liberty Station Art District.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not always been smooth and the struggling artist is a very real persona to wear. The artworld is very competitive and trying to be seen in it can be difficult in a sea of creators. Being an artist is a long road that requires a great amount of commitment and self-motivation. It takes many years for an artist to perfect their craft and even then many may feel it is not enough. To be an artist requires concentration, observation, patience, sore hands, strained eyes, long hours and the self-drive to just get up and decide to do it. It is putting so much of one’s self into a piece and not knowing if others will even get it. It is learning to gracefully accept constructive criticism to gushing complements and still being humble while sharing something that came from the heart. It truly is a labor of love to be an artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been a painter for twenty-three years and a jewelry maker for fifteen. I was always creating as a child, that my family encouraged me to start taking painting classes as a teenager. I love the human face and found myself drawing and painting people all the time. I started out in acrylic paint and later moved into oils however mixed media excited me and I have made many pieces in this discipline. The jewelry design came later and by this point, I was embracing sculpture and mixed media in college. I found that there was a true beauty to mixed media and my jewelry is made from multiple different elements. I love to experiment with clay, resin, paints, metal, fabric and found items. I love the idea of wearable art that starts a conversation. I am most proud that I am not afraid to mix things up with my media. It is fun to see what works and what does not and then have people ask, “How did you do that?”
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Don’t be afraid to ask to hang out with those in the scene. Slow down and observe and enjoy what you will learn just by being present. Ask questions and simply listen. I have tried to apply this to all things I love. Such as taking a random class, to going to an art show, watching people in open studios and just asking about others and what they are doing. I have been lucky enough to have formed friendships and connections with many talented people and every single one of them has taught me something. When people feel a mutual hype for something they love, respect can grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: Alisafugateart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisafugateart/ https://www.instagram.com/solvkaidesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolVKaiDesign
- Other: https://www.seahivestation.com
