Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia Rose.
Alexia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started drawing horses and superhero type people with rippling muscles as a kid. I spent a lot of time in my room by myself and this was the primary activity that gave my heart peace. I remember taking a sculpture class in junior high school- I failed pretty badly constructing a paper Mache “Skunk”. I got into a lot of trouble one day when Mrs. Ulrich, the teacher who didn’t like me much, stepped out of the room for a few minutes and I launched big globs of the wet Mache onto the glass ceiling. The globs began to drop onto the desks shortly after her return. I did not receive a promising grade in sculpture class. And I did not take another art class thru school. I received my degree in Theology, attending Bible College in Dallas, Texas.
I re-connected with Art thru Graphic Design when opportunities opened for me working with a talented designer. He taught me how to use the software and then I taught myself how to create via shapes and colors and placement. I started designing as a Freelancer. I continue to design digitally, but, I was searching for a fuller means to get the color I was feeling on the inside– OUT. Graphic Design had limitations for me. I wanted and I needed to find the fullest expression without limitation. And while I was seeking, almost on cue, a friend gave me a little child’s paint set… That little paint set and its brush literally changed my life and its course.
I took the unopened paint set with me across the country in a relocation from Seattle to Orlando. One rainy afternoon when I was bored in Orlando, I found the paint set. I poured a small cup of water, awkwardly held the brush, and I painted my first flower… It was a red rose–Hah! And next, I painted my hand. And then more roses of different colors and red hearts too, and then more hands. And then I bought large canvas’ and tubes of Golden and Liquitex paints.
I taught myself to paint and I invested all the waking hours that I wasn’t working on painting and learning to paint. I had my first Solo Show, ‘Mankind’s Journey’ three years later. I have now returned to the diverse West Coast that I love much and the Ocean edge that inspires me. I opened the Alexia Rose Gallery and Working Artist Studio in the ARTS DISTRICT at Liberty Station and am a very happy Resident Artist in Barracks 14.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road… there have been times of blockage and times of discouragement. There have been times of deep and perhaps paralyzing self-doubt. In such extended times of “void”, I avoided my studio and my paints sat sadly on the shelf… I had to answer the question, “Am I an Artist?,” with a “Yes. You Are.,” until my soul stopped asking the question.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Alexia Rose Gallery story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in Mixed Media and Abstract Art. I experiment with various mediums to create the earthy, imperfect textures within my pieces. I layer the textures with vibrant alcohol inks. Many of my pieces are infused with different types of wine that create unique separations and patterns. I also use Hard Molding Paste, acrylics, glosses, and objects left in; and objects removed; leaving only their imprints. Quite literally- anything inside my Studio is fair game to use in a piece if it connects to what I’m trying to say.
The Alexia Rose Gallery displays my art and the artwork of local Featured Artists. I really enjoy opening up my space for other artists to exhibit. It has created a wonderful energy in the gallery and is great way to give back to Art.
The gallery will soon be featuring “the Chef & the Artist” Interactive Dinner Parties, which I am very excited about! You can visit www.alexiaroseart.com for upcoming information on how to book this fun and immersive experience-
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Hmmm… not much. Art takes very real work. Being a Professional Artist, having a Gallery, a Working Studio in an upscale area takes courage, risk, and it takes finances.
Not much luck, good or bad, has steered my path. It was a vision and a drive for ART that brought me where I am.
Pricing:
- Alexia Rose Gallery offers a 10% discount to all SD Voyager Readers
Contact Info:
- Address: 2770 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 201 San Diego, CA 92106
- Website: https://www.alexiaroseart.com
- Phone: 321-246-5536
- Email: alexia@alexiaroseart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistalexiarose/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexiarosefineart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexiaroseart
Image Credit:
John O’mara Photography, Alan Ziter
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