Meet Alyssa Imes | Sculptor/ Teacher and Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Imes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I would have to say that it is a very hard balance for me. I would say my work life, balance, abs, and flows. But now that I am married and have a puppy at home, I prefer to be in the studio only as long as I need to get the work done and get home and see them so I think in the run, it has changed my efficiency to be better.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I find that I am motivated by my past trauma, which fuels my motivation and leads to my healing. I love using processes that are physically involved. That is why I am very drawn to sculpting, especially in steel and iron. There is something powerful about metal work and metal casting that just feel very physically involved. I grew up dancing and when I found sculpting I found the rhythm and movement in the steel shop to be similar and comforting.

Was it Easy? –
No, sculpting is hard work but it is fun all at the same time. I tell my students, it wouldn’t be worth it if it was easy.

Lessons I have learned-
With each public sculpture, art piece and exhibition there are always things that go wrong and you learn from it. Just take notes physically or mentally that help you next time so the mistakes are not made again.

What do I want the world to know? –
I love sculpting and the people I meet doing it. There are just so many talented folks out there. Learn, share and care for eachother.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live by Harpers Ferry WV. I would say go down to the river. Take a hike. Also hit some local pubs and breweries. The Brunswick/ Harpers Ferry/ Frederick and Northern Virginia area just have so many cool places to go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would first off, definitely say my parents. They were very supportive of me in the arts and always push me to follow my career even if it meant the career was going to be a hard one. Secondly, my partner and husband, Steve has been an amazing support system and understands that there is a hard balance between studio and life. Thirdly, I would like to thank Christian Benefiel, with him as my undergraduate professor I believe I would have not made the amazing connections I have with other sculptors, friends I have made and all the people I have met in the iron pour community.

Website: http://www.alyssaimes.com/

Instagram: @alyssaimesstudios

Facebook: @alyssaimesstudios

Image Credits
all works done in these images are Alyssa Imes’ work