An interview with Savannah artist, Allison Small...
Photo by Anna Heritage
Q: Where are you from and where did you go to school?
A: I’m from Dallas, Texas and I went to SCAD and majored in illustration.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: Florals, landscapes, thrifty junky stores, retro gardening books..... Much of my work is based on the concept of simple hospitality and the warmth you feel when in a safe space amongst friends. I want people to feel comforted when they see my work.
Q: What are your favorite mediums?
A: Gouache!!!!! And if not that, cheap acrylics or micron pens.
Q: When you're not doing artsy things, what can you be found doing?
A: Rollerblading, texting my sisters, volunteering for Young Life, reading celebrity memoirs, journaling, and going to the beach or park to improve my freckle game. I also live with three other girls so there’s never a shortage of silliness.
Q: Who are some artists that influence you?
A: Richard Scarry, Charles Schultz, Anna Bond, Carson Ellis, Matisse, Renoir, Van Gogh. Also I love discovering other gouache artists on Instagram- it’s so fun to see how everyone uses it differently!
Q: What new project/ series are you most excited about and why?
A: I’ve been focusing on Still Life paintings and landscapes this year, which has been so marvelous and refreshing after years of creating mostly maps and commissioned portraits. I just started buying myself flowers to paint from observation, and it truly is a game changer and is breathing new life into my work. I will never get tired of florals. They’re so hopeful, you know?
Have you seen our collaboration product?! Get one of Allison's beautiful floral designs printed on a tea towel! Grab yours here.
