Interview
Allison Belolan
Allison's work appears in art fairs and galleries throughout the United States, including the 2024 Every Woman Biennial and the Bruce Museum Fine Arts Fair where she won an award for artistic excellence. Allison studied Printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design and graduated in 2001, then worked as a jewelry designer until returning to school in 2009. At the School of Visual Arts, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Art Education and taught art in New York public schools until 2019. She lives and works from her home studio in Mamaroneck, New York. Allison collaborates with individual collectors, curators, and industry professionals for commissions, wholesale, and licensing.
Photo: Jenn Mullowney
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in the art world has been a winding one, full of twists and turns. I started out studying Printmaking at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I graduated in 2001. From there, I actually worked as a jewelry designer for a while before deciding to go back to school in 2009. That's when I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching Art Education from the School of Visual Arts. I then spent several years teaching art in New York public schools, which was incredibly rewarding. It wasn't until 2019, though, that I really took the leap and started my own art career in earnest. I'm now working from my home studio in Mamaroneck, New York, where I live with my family. It's been an interesting experience navigating the art world as a 40-something artist just getting started. I'm kind of figuring it out as I go along, you know? Creating my own path and discovering how I want to make my mark with my art. I've always been drawn to creative jobs and pursuits, but there's something really special about finally dedicating myself fully to my own artistic practice. It's both exciting and a little daunting, but I'm loving the journey of exploring my voice and vision as an artist.”
What inspires you?
“Oh, inspiration is everywhere for me! I'm constantly filled with this sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around me. I can't help but look closely at things. Whether I'm out in nature on a trail or just walking down the street, I'm always noticing little details that catch my eye. I'm particularly drawn to lines and textures. It could be the way a mountain curves against the sky, or the patterns formed by cracks in the sidewalk, or even the bumpy surface of a rock. When something grabs my attention like that, I feel compelled to capture it somehow. Sometimes, I'll take a photo, or do a quick sketch in my notebook, or even make a rubbing with paper and charcoal to really preserve the texture. All of these little visual recordings end up becoming the starting points for my artwork. When I'm back in the studio, I'll refer to them as I'm creating my collages and mixed-media pieces. I love incorporating found papers, handmade papers that I've made myself, and even bits and pieces of my older artworks. It's like taking these everyday moments of inspiration and transforming them into something new. For me, it's all about cultivating that sense of curiosity and wonder, and really taking the time to look closely at the world around me. There's so much beauty and intrigue to be found in the ordinary, and that's what I try to capture and celebrate in my art.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The main themes I find myself consistently pursuing in my art are all about the power of noticing, observing, and taking the time to really look at things. I'm fascinated by the idea of finding beauty in unexpected or overlooked places. Whether it's a tiny, intricate pattern in nature or an interesting texture on a man-made surface, I believe there's so much to appreciate if we just slow down and pay attention. In my recent work, I've also been exploring ideas around sustainability and eco-consciousness. I've started incorporating more recycled materials into my handmade papers, including bits and pieces of my old artworks that might otherwise end up in the trash. It's been a really interesting and fun challenge to find ways to give these materials a second life within my new pieces. Along those same lines, I've been making a concerted effort to use up the art supplies I already have before buying anything new. It's amazing how much you can do with what you already have on hand if you get a little creative! Plus, it feels good to be mindful of my consumption and waste. At the end of the day, I suppose the underlying message in my work is one of appreciation and mindfulness. Whether it's being more present in the moment to notice the beauty around us, or being more conscious of our impact on the environment, I hope my art inspires people to slow down, look closer, and consider things from a new perspective. It's all about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
How would you describe your work?
“When people ask me about my art, I usually say that I create abstract mixed-media landscapes. But it's not just about the end result – it's really about the process and the materials I use. I'm always looking for ways to repurpose and recycle things in my work. Whether it's old papers, scraps from previous artworks, or materials I've handmade myself, I love giving these elements a new life in my pieces. I draw a lot of inspiration from the visual language of natural landscapes – the lines, forms, and textures found in nature. But I'm also influenced by the clean, simplified aesthetics of modernist and minimalist art. I try to bring these two worlds together in my work, creating something that feels both organic and intentional. When you look closely at one of my pieces, you'll see layers upon layers of different papers and materials. I love playing with texture and dimension, using collage techniques to build up the surface. It creates this really tactile, engaging quality that invites viewers to explore the artwork up close. I think what sets my work apart is the way I combine this layered, complex approach with a sense of simplicity and minimalism. It's about finding harmony and balance in the composition, while still allowing for moments of surprise and discovery. Ultimately, I want my art to draw people in and make them curious. I hope it encourages them to slow down, look a little closer, and maybe see things in a new way. Whether they're noticing the intricate details or appreciating the overall atmosphere, I want my landscapes to transport people to a different place and evoke a sense of wonder.”
Which artists influence you most?
“When it comes to artistic influences, there are a few key figures who really inspire me. First and foremost, I have to mention Georgia O'Keeffe. What I admire most about her is her incredible dedication to her art. She was so prolific and just never wavered in her commitment to creating. That kind of focus and passion is something I strive for in my own practice. Another artist who's had a big impact on me is Helen Frankenthaler. I'm in awe of her visionary approach to abstraction. She really pushed the boundaries of what was possible with color and form. But what I find especially fascinating about Frankenthaler is her woodcuts. I love how she took the essence of her iconic stain paintings and translated that into a totally different medium. It's a testament to her versatility and innovation. Lastly, Kiki Smith has been a significant influence. What draws me to her work is the way she explores the natural world in such a visceral, unapologetic way. She's not afraid to get messy and experiment with all kinds of materials – from printmaking to sculpture to textiles. I really resonate with that kind of multi-disciplinary approach. It's so freeing to not feel restricted by any one medium or technique. At the end of the day, what I take away from these artists is a sense of fearlessness and authenticity. They each have such a strong point of view and aren't afraid to pursue their vision, no matter how unconventional or challenging it might be. That's something I try to channel in my own work – staying true to my instincts and not being afraid to take risks.”
“The main themes I find myself consistently pursuing in my art are all about the power of noticing, observing, and taking the time to really look at things.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is kind of like a whirlwind of exploration and discovery. It all starts with what I call my "fervent documentation" phase. This is where I'm out in the world, observing and recording everything that catches my eye. I take a ton of photographs, do sketches in my notebook, experiment with cyanotypes, and even forage for interesting materials. Basically, I'm just trying to capture as much inspiration as I can. From there, I dive headfirst into what feels like a creative storm. It's a flurry of experimentation and play, where I let myself try out all sorts of techniques and materials. I might do some experimental printmaking, collage together different papers, or even make my own handmade paper from scratch. The idea is to just let the materials guide me and see where they take me. It's a very intuitive, organic process. As I'm playing and experimenting, I start to piece together more purposeful compositions. This is where my handmade papers, repurposed papers, and other materials really come into play. I'll often work on multiple pieces at once, starting with a specific color palette that helps unify the different elements. When I'm building a composition, I tend to work in a very tactile, hands-on way. I'll tear or cut shapes, arranging them intuitively until I start to feel a sense of balance. It's a lot of adding and subtracting, layering and adjusting until the piece feels right. I pay close attention to the interplay of textures, colors, and edges – they become like a conversation, guiding the evolution of the artwork. What I love about this process is that it allows for a lot of spontaneity and surprise. Even though I start with a clear intention and palette, I never quite know where a piece will end up. It's a journey of discovery, and I'm always excited to see how it unfolds.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“As an artist, I believe our role in society is to be keen observers, thought provokers, and storytellers. We have the unique ability to shine a light on the beauty, complexity, and sometimes the challenges of the world around us. Through our work, we invite others to see things from new perspectives, to question their assumptions, and to engage in meaningful dialogues. In my own practice, I strive to create art that encourages people to slow down, to look more closely, and to find joy and wonder in the everyday. Whether I'm exploring the intricacies of a natural landscape or the overlooked details of an urban environment, my goal is to spark a sense of curiosity and appreciation in the viewer. I believe that by cultivating this kind of mindful attention, we can foster a greater sense of connection and empathy in our communities. As our society continues to evolve, I see the role of the artist becoming increasingly important. In a world that often feels divided and fast-paced, art has the power to bring people together, to provide moments of reflection and respite, and to challenge us to think more deeply about the issues that shape our lives. With the rise of social media and digital technologies, artists also have new opportunities to reach and engage with audiences in more immediate and interactive ways. Ultimately, I see the role of the artist as a multifaceted one – we are creators, communicators, and catalysts for change. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our rapidly evolving world, I believe that artists will play an increasingly vital role in helping us to make sense of our experiences, to find common ground, and to imagine new possibilities for the future. Through our work, we have the power to inspire, to educate, and to contribute to the richness and diversity of our cultural landscape.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“As an artist, I've been fortunate to have my work exhibited in various venues across the United States. One of the most exciting recent experiences was participating in The Other Art Fair in Chicago. It was incredible to be part of such a vibrant, diverse showcase of contemporary art and to connect with so many enthusiastic collectors and fellow artists. Another exhibition that holds special meaning for me was Surroundings: Sewn & Torn at Yellow Studio in Cross River, New York. This two-person show, which I shared with another talented artist, focused on our respective works in textiles and mixed media. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase my collages and handmade paper pieces in conversation with another artist exploring similar themes and techniques. The intimate setting of the exhibition allowed for a deep exploration of our creative synergies and differences, sparking engaging dialogues with visitors about the possibilities of mixed media art Looking ahead, I'm thrilled to be participating in The Golden Apple residency this summer. This immersive program will provide dedicated time and space to delve deeper into my work and push my artistic boundaries. I'm also currently preparing for a solo exhibition in my hometown of Mamaroneck, New York, which will be a fantastic opportunity to share a more comprehensive body of work with my local community.”
Website: www.allisonbelolan.com
Instagram: @allisonbelolanart
