Convergence - Alicia Hunsicker
As I have explored the world through cyber space I have connected with many talented artists. Alicia Hunsicker is one of the first artists whose work I discovered and have continued to enjoy her magical and mysterious work.
Alicia lives in Leyden Massachusetts where she works surrounded by nature which is her primary source of inspiration. She states in her Bio/Statement that she has felt called to be an artist from and early age. She earned a BFA in Printmaking with a Graphic Design concentration and now works from her mountain top studio.
Celestial Cartography - Alicia Hunsicker
Alicia has exhibited extensively throughout New England as well as internationally and has received a number of grants and residencies. Currently she has exhibitions at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY and Gallery in the Woods, Brattleboro, Vt.
Drift - Alicia Hunsicker
Interview
Terry - What is your background relating to your art life? How has your work developed to its current status?
Alicia - I have always had the calling to be an
artist. I received a Bachelors’ of Fine Art degree from the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst in Printmaking with a Graphic Design emphasis. After
graduation I moved to Vermont and worked in a photo lab where I learned about
photography. It was also at that time I became very interested in painting. I had taken one class while attending UMass
but consider myself, for the most part, a self taught painter. I married, left my photo job in Vermont and moved
to western Massachusetts where I worked as an art teacher for a K/12 special education
program. I found this very inspiring and spent a few years in the regional school
system teaching art and mathematics.
When I became pregnant with my son who is now 12, I left teaching and committed
myself to a personal studio practice while balancing being a mom. When my son
turned 3 an opportunity came up to head a local gallery which I ran for one
year. I enjoyed it very much but it ate up most of my time and I missed having the
time to paint. I decided to leave
gallery administration and rededicate myself to my painting process and studio
practice while doing graphic design work on the side. It is then I started showing my work seriously
and eventually applying successfully for grants and residencies.
As my artwork began to go places I
yearned to travel and go place too. I have been lucky to have been able to travel
as an artist to residencies and for other projects. Most recently my work
brought me on an exciting whirlwind trip where I visited Austria, Switzerland,
and France.
I can see how my path in life has informed my journey as an artist and
interestingly enough also my artistic process. What I thought were random
decisions and chance occurrences reveal themselves to be a logical progression
that has brought me to the place I am today.
New Dimensions - Alicia Hunsicker
Terry - What mediums do you incorporate into your work?
Alicia - Over the years I have developed an interesting
process for my work. Initially I translate my ideas into preliminary “sketches”
using digital photographic techniques and manipulation through computer
software. Once I have arrived at a composition I feel passionate about I make a
print in reverse. Bringing this print to a copy center, I then experiment with
black and white xeroxing to play with scale. After deciding what size will
deliver the strongest impact I prepare a surface and apply the “sketch” using
an acrylic transfer process. I am then left with a black and white image on
which to establish an initial layer of acrylic color. From there I build up the
surface with oil paint using traditional techniques. My process opens up
exploration into concept, imagery, and paint application, which allows me to grow
and discover while painting.
Source Stream Alight - Alicia Hunsicker
Terry - What keeps you working?
Alicia - I don’t really see painting as working.
For me it is a way of life.
I choose to live simply so that I can continue exploring the big questions in
life. I approach painting as a tool for self discovery and enjoy the ongoing
dialog with the universe that I am participating with through my process.
When I am painting I am able to attain
a level of deep surrender and sense a profound connection with the divine. I would even go as far as to say that painting
is part of my spiritual practice. Like
the meditative process of a yogi or monk painting enables me to move from analytical
thinking to an intuitive perception. It
expands my consciousness into bliss and clarity and allows me to see the deeper
connections in life.
Terry - What art experience would you love to have that you haven't had to this point?
Alicia - I have become a huge fan of Golden brand paints the last two years. I
especially love the liquid transparent acrylic paints.
I would love to be awarded a Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for theArts Residency, where artists participate in a completely unique opportunity to
explore the widest, most innovative range of materials and technology available
today for professional artists working with paint.
I have not yet applied for this but plan to for next year. The deadline is in September....fingers
crossed!
Studio
Terry - What does
being an artist mean to you and what kind of art/artists inspires
you?
Alicia - Being an artist to me means following your inspirations and sharing your unique
perspective of the world we live in.
What
I admire most in an artist is a clear and unique voice, an artist that shows
not only what they are being inspired by, but how they as an individual
perceive and interpret it. I have reverence for artists that infuse their own
spirit or soul into their work. I do
respect good painting technique as well.
Alicia Hunsicker in the studio
Here are additional links about Alicia and her work that will be coming up in the future:
‘Whole Terrain
Journal’ a publication of Antioch University, Keene, NH.
A visual essay of paintings by Alicia Hunsicker on
the theme Metamorphosis
Curated and published by Whole Terrain is New England’s journal of reflective environmental practice
is dedicated to the experience of those who have chosen the environment as the
basis of their professional work. It cultivates reflective thought and mindful
awareness in an effort to create a balance between humanity and the
Earth. http://www.antiochne.edu/wholeterrain/
‘New York Spirit
Magazine’ Brooklyn, NY (either fall or winter issue)
Cover artist and editorial.
For people who are passionately interested in personal growth and transformation
on the East Coast. http://www.nyspirit.com
Wavelength - Alicia Hunsicker
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