When I first had the idea to share with you the people that inspire me, I immediately thought of artist Allison Strickland. Her paintings breathe, you can feel the point where spiritual practice and creative practice merge in her work. I was lucky enough to ask Allison a few questions about adornment and what's inspiring her these days. Enjoy below!
What is inspiring you right now?
Always inspired by Ram Dass, I was late to the party and only really started listening to his talks this year, and they have been so profoundly healing. I'm also inspired by nature, particularly water and the colors of the sky at sunset. I grew up in Seattle and totally took it for granted. I don't now. I'm loving the work of Pat Passlof and always Sade.
What is your relationship to adornment?
I've always loved adornment. And played in my Mom's jewelry drawer and closet all the time. There's something so creative about it, who will I be today, what do I want to say? I found this year that it's changed a bit. Generally, I'm an old faithful with my rings, meaning I don't switch it up daily, the rings I wear I never take off, they're each super meaningful to me. But I've always been a statement earring person and the rest it's just how the mood strikes me. However, in the beginning of quarantine I found myself wearing less, because I wasn't going anywhere of course. But then I started to really miss the process, and found that I wasn't actually putting them on for other people, it was how they make me feel. And so I've learned to appreciate adornment more for the feeling than perception.
How do you feel when you wear your serpent ring? What drew you to this piece? It was a holiday gift last year and getting it right before one of our most collectively transformative years, it has truly felt like an ally, a reminder of the renewal that comes after shedding old skin. That I have the strength to be sensitive, and the ability to change. I'm not sure exactly what drew me to snake symbolism, sometimes things just call your name, I suppose. I trust your medicine always finds you whether you know why or not, but I'm draw to all of your pieces because there is an ancient quality to them, I sense a connection to past in them, and true craftsmanship, which connects us to the future, because they're the kind of object that could last forever and so in a way they become timeless.
We'd love to hear about any current or upcoming projects you're working on..
I'm always painting, writing, or making something. I'm launching my new website to finally share it all!
Where can we learn more about you and follow your work?
allisonstrickland.co and @allisonstrickland_
Allison chose our February donation to go to Arts for All because they offer accessible artistic opportunities to children in NYC who face socio-economic, physical, or emotional barriers to exploring the arts. Fifteen percent of all serpent ring sales for the month of February will be donated.
“I feel extremely lucky that my love of the arts was always supported and encouraged. Creating has always been foundational to my life, and I hope these donations reach a child similarly inclined who may have greater barriers to play and practice.” -Allison
