Hello I am Alease. I am native of South Carolina currently living in Rock Hill, with my beloved dog, Maxwell. I am a mixed media artist and college instructor. I've been creating artwork every since I can remember and teaching in higher education for 10 years. I strongly believe that I am doing what God has put me on this earth to do- teach and create art. I am loving every bit of it. Artist Statement: I have always been wildly drawn to the process of creating beautiful things from found objects, and discovering inspiration from all around me. My passion is to breathe new life into bits and pieces of old, worn, and forgotten elements and incorporate them into my artwork. I enjoy implying the rough outline of a story with the images I chooses and by including bits and pieces of ephemera. My love for family history led me to explore photos as another way to share life stories and family experiences. I believe that my combined art forms, put simply, are a celebration of family and life. Family photos call forth pride and the need to celebrate being part of a family. My passion for family history has allowed me to construct compositions made from fragments of different photos, objects, and letters to tell their unique stories. My work further allows the viewer to create their own stories about their families and the people who grace their lives. Teaching Philosophy:I teach because this is what I was called to do. I refused this calling for many years until an opportunity to share what I know was offered to me. Teaching is my contribution to saving our future. No matter how to describe our future outcomes, it must first start with those who have a chance to change the status quota. I love seeing my students' eyes light up when they have made the connections to what they thought to want they know. And I see myself as that person who helps them make that connection. About Me:
Education Background: I hold a B.A. in Art Studio/Graphic Design from the University of South Carolina , an M.A. in Visual Arts from Goddard College and working toward a doctorate degree in Education , Instructional Leadership from Argosy University.
Proud Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - Zeta Theta Chapter
Professional Background: Currently, I am a full-time faculty member at the Art Institute of Charlotte in the Fashion Marketing and Management program. There I teach merchandising and visual presentation. Much of my work experience revolves around fashion. I've worked as a visual merchandiser, retail manager, fashion producer, model/instructor, purchasing agent, wardrobe consultant, merchandise trainer and fashion specialist. Graphic Design is my second love, and I've worked as a graphic designer for the racing and publishing industry.
I am also a business owner of Alease Art & Design Studio . My Art & Design Studio sspecialize in helping small business owners with maintaining and creating effective visual presentations that sell and enhance a companies overall branding image. I like to make things pretty and believe that presentation counts for 90% of your business success.
I am the Creative Director for Flow by Tara Davis and Creative/Marketing Adviser for Hicklin & Associates.
I blog because I like sharing my thoughts, advice, and experiences with all who are interesting in reading and listening. This blog is about my creative processes as an artist, advice and experiences about starting an art and design business, how to's on what I learned along the way and some insights about me. My purpose is to become a better communicator of what I love and enjoy doing. Blogging has allowed me the opportunity to do that very thing. Why I Blog
