Enjoy getting to know the latest artist in my Artist Spotlight Series featuring her colorful abstract works…

Alayne Spafford

Edmonton,  Alberta

What is your training?

I did a Bachelor of Fine arts majoring in printmaking and drawing at the University of Saskatchewan followed by graphic design at Dawson College in Montreal as well as studying textiles at Concordia University in Montreal. I also worked for 5 years in the Costume Department of Cirque du Soleil handpainting costumes, dying fabric, silkscreening as well as tatting and crocheting.

     

What inspires you and your designs?

 Inspiration can come from anywhere really. I have a large collection of art books I often refer to as well as magazines, instagram, and nature all around. Having conversations with my artist friends is always inspiring too. I think the biggest form of inspiration however is just being in my studio learning, experimenting and creating.

 What is your favorite piece?

 I don’t have a specific favorite piece per se but I definitely have favorites. When colors, shapes and balance all come together in a way that sings, you just know it. Those are the pieces I like the best. 

 

How has the your area influenced your work?

 I live in a culturally diverse city but it is really the nature around me that is inspiring. The exhilaration of skiing in the nearby mountains or cycling on fantastic trails gives me time to think about my art as well as offering amazing views. 

 What is your favorite restaurant in Edmonton?

 There are a lot of great restaurants in Edmonton but Corso 32 is always fantastic. The spring pea and fava bean crostini is one of my all time favorite dishes. 

What is your favorite cocktail?

 I’m always happy with a great lime margarita on the rocks. 

How do you balance personal life and work?

 My kids are 11 and 13 now so I am able to paint all day while they are at school. My studio is at home which I find makes life much easier. I am very diligent about working during the time that my family is not at home because after school ends things get rather hectic. 

Dream trip?

 Anywhere! I love travelling and exploring new places. A road trip to a small town, an historical European trip, a beach vacation…… I love them all. 

Dream commission?

 I would love to do a very large grouping of small paintings that all worked together. 

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

 I like to give a basket of pastries and croissants for the host/hostess to enjoy the next morning. I think it’s nice for the host/hostess to have a relaxing breakfast after so much work entertaining the night before. 

Who is your style icon?

 I love fashion, I like an eclectic style with a bit of an edge. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

epitomized that well, as does Amal Alamuddin.

Another favorite was Natascha Mcelhone’s character Karen on Californication. Her stylist really rocked that look. 

 

Your favorite up and coming artist?

 Two of my favorite up and coming artists also happen to be friends of mine. Anya Tonkonogy is a true talent and her portraits are absolutely mesmerizing.

Meg Franklin does quirky, energetic portraits, still lives and landscapes. Her work blows me away. I collect work from both of them obsessively. 

 What is your most treasured possession?

My art collection. I couldn’t narrow it down to just one. 

What are you reading?

Art Lover. A biography of Peggy Guggenheim by Anton Gill

and Pro cycling on 10$ a Day by Phil Gaimon. I know, varied interests right? 

What are you listening to?

Brandi Carlile, Rilo Kiley, Jenny Lewis, and Band of Horses. Okay, maybe a little Taylor Swift too……

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

Im a visual thinker so I mostly follow instagram feeds as opposed to blogs. I have a wide variety of interests so I follow design sites such as Designmilk, The English Room, Insideout Magazine,  Refinery29, and Missoni as well as a plethora of artist, jewelry, textile, cycling and photography feeds

See Alayne’s portfolio…

 

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