Me working on a painting in progress inspired by Dia de Los Muertos. Photo courtesy of Alexandria ConradGreeting and salutations, fellow art lovers!
My name is Alexandria Conrad, but you can call me Allie because I like you already. I will be your new State Press source for the arts and culture happenings throughout Arizona. (And by “throughout Arizona” I mean anywhere within biking distance of the light rail because that is the extent of my transportation.)
I’m really excited to be writing this blog for a few reasons:
1. I go to a crazy amount of art events, and I hope to pique your interest enough to get you to come as well.
2. I’ve been “starting a blog” for about a year now, and I have yet to post a single thing, so this whole deadline thing is great motivation.
3. The time I don’t spend at the aforementioned events is usually spent alone with my laptop and the Internet. But now, thanks to this blog, I have an excuse for spending a shameful amount of time this way.
All pluses!
No but really, I can’t remember a time that I haven’t been head over heels in love with art, and through this blog I hope to help you reach that same level of adoration, if even only for one painting, sculpture, poem, story, song, act, etc.
So first, let me tell you a bit about myself.
Though I have a great appreciation for all forms of art (and all cultures), I’ve never completely taken on a form of expression as my own. I’ve dabbled in many mediums, and I’ve loved it, but I haven’t yet come close to considering myself a professional artist, only a practicing one.
My artistic trials have included: painting, sketching, wirework, jewelry making and tattoo design. (I guess you could include concert vocals if you count singing into the shampoo while in the shower.)
It was such a culture shock for me when I came to Arizona. I have always been fascinated by and interested in Latin American and Native American cultures, so coming to Arizona and seeing both represented so widely was overwhelmingly enthusing.
I can’t wait to offer my perspective to all of my readers, and I hope to learn from you as well.
That being said, I will need your help! One person can only hear about so much, so I am hoping all of you will help me expand my horizons by telling me about events, crafts, or any sort of things you’d like to see on this blog.
I’m looking forward to our semester together!
If you’d like to reach me with comments, concerns, or suggestions, you can email me at anconrad13@gmail.com or tweet me at @alliectersely
