Alexis Sones on Creating Abstract and Expressive Art Inspired by Mythology and Dreams

Meet Alexis Sones, an incredible artist living in Austin, TX. In this Interview, Alexis shares how her move from Los Angeles to Austin has considerably impacted her art. In 2020, she shifted from figurative work to abstract and expressive pieces inspired by her imagination, ancient myths, and dreams.  Alexis talks about the importance of her studio, the impact of working with others, and how she’s grown more confident in sharing her creative process. Let’s get to know Alexis a bit more and explore her thoughts on art and creativity.

Alexis Sones is an artist making oil paintings in Austin, TX. In 2020, after reading the words “uncolonize your imagination” by Martin Shaw, she shifted from creating solely figurative work from photographic references to making abstract, expressive, and symbolic works entirely sourced from her imagination. Influenced by ancient mythology across many world cultures, night dreams, and daydreams, Alexis is most interested in how our own imaginations can serve as a compass to provide orientation, purpose, and direction within the broader mythical narrative of our world.

1. Alexis, your poem about painting and its connection to stillness and womanhood is moving. Can you tell us more about how these ideas affect your art and the feelings you want to express?

This poem, at its core, is about acceptance. When I’m painting, there is such a level of acceptance of myself, what I am feeling, whether it feels negative or positive, and of everything and everyone around me that it is nearly demanding. When I say demanding, I mean that my creative process doesn’t allow me not to accept anything, no matter how negative, ugly, or dark something may appear on the surface. I have a hard time with this level of acceptance in my life outside of painting. I am working on having more room to get messy and be okay with it.

2. Moving from Los Angeles to Austin must have been a big change. How has living in different places influenced your art and how you create?

It was! Moving pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I have to say I have been fortunate that Austin has given me an unbelievably warm welcome. While Austin is changing and growing rapidly, I feel a huge opportunity to carve my path in a place that has a less established art scene than Los Angeles does. It forces me to get creative and be more open to projects and collaborations I would not have considered before.

3. Can you share a memorable moment or experience in your art career that has significantly impacted your perspective or approach to your craft?

Working with a band called Night Talks in LA on their album art and art direction for their music videos greatly impacted me. My studio practice is just me, and working with a band and crew pushed me to learn collaborative skills, such as receiving constructive criticism and communicating honestly, which I can always improve upon!

4. As an artist in Austin, Texas, how important is your studio to your creative process? What’s it like for someone to visit your studio and see your art up close?

My studio in Austin has been a massive part of my creative process and how I share my work. I’ve hosted many studio tours and other events that allow people to enter my world. It’s such a privilege to have people visit my studio because I always learn something from their unique perspectives and especially their questions. Being asked about my paintings used to feel too vulnerable, but now I have a lot more confidence in sharing about my process and the ideas and feelings behind an artwork. Having people visit so often has been the most important thing to build this confidence.

My creative process doesn’t allow me not to accept anything, no matter how negative, ugly, or dark something may appear on the surface.

Alexis Sones

5. What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Here is her clear advice:

Commit, commit all the way, and don’t hold anything back!

Alexis Sones

Alexis Sones’s journey shows us the power of imagination and change. She invites us to see the world differently through her abstract paintings, appreciating acceptance and the beauty inside us all. Her story inspires aspiring artists to fully commit to their craft and grow through collaboration and self-discovery. To learn more about Alexis, click the following links to visit her profile.