Alison at work in Cheltenham
| In the second feature about our talented co-operative members I spoke to Alison Little, a visual artist based in Anfield. Alison works across many mediums, she's a talented painter but also uses upcycled clothing in an innovative manner to create a range of imaginatively named Sock Toys, a very popular product in the Arts Hub 47 Shop. Alison has also worked on a number of large scale commissions including Go Superlambanana, Go Penguin, Cheltenham Horse Parade and more recently the Nottingham Biennial. |
Tell me about how you became an artist.
I was conceived an artist and have spent the moments since birth developing my practice, something which will continue throughout my life.
Where do you create your work?
I currently have an arts council funded studio in Chester, however much of my creativity comes later in the evening when I'm going at a much slower pace, when there's time to make changes and try new concepts. My creative intentions are formed in the middle hours of the night where ideas are born and shaped with the turning of the head with the pillow.
What's your career highlight so far?
Selling two of my Cyber Puppies to Debbie Harry’s children; and the creation of Cat Burglar, my favourite and most desired character. I started producing the Sock Toy around 2008 in line with the Capital of Culture celebrations. Many stitches have made many toys, much laughter has been had in the naming of numerous creations.
I was conceived an artist and have spent the moments since birth developing my practice, something which will continue throughout my life.
Where do you create your work?
I currently have an arts council funded studio in Chester, however much of my creativity comes later in the evening when I'm going at a much slower pace, when there's time to make changes and try new concepts. My creative intentions are formed in the middle hours of the night where ideas are born and shaped with the turning of the head with the pillow.
What's your career highlight so far?
Selling two of my Cyber Puppies to Debbie Harry’s children; and the creation of Cat Burglar, my favourite and most desired character. I started producing the Sock Toy around 2008 in line with the Capital of Culture celebrations. Many stitches have made many toys, much laughter has been had in the naming of numerous creations.
Close up of "Utopia" - £300
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Various Sock Toys - from £4.50 each
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Who inspires you?
Many artists have inspired me, I am currently interested in a number of leading figures such as Louise Gardener Embroideries, Tracey Emin’s earlier textile work, and Friz Freleng animations such as the Pink Panther.
Tell me about your involvement with the Arts Hub.
I became involved in the summer of 2012, and the shop fast became a key selling outlet for my work. My Sock Toys are regularly stocked and I often have wall based pieces in the temporary exhibition space on the first floor. I also volunteer at the shop on a Friday afternoon.
What's your favourite of your own pieces in the Hub right now?
The new collection of cows are my favourite of the Arts Hub Sock Toys, Utopia being the strongest of my exhibition pieces.
Many artists have inspired me, I am currently interested in a number of leading figures such as Louise Gardener Embroideries, Tracey Emin’s earlier textile work, and Friz Freleng animations such as the Pink Panther.
Tell me about your involvement with the Arts Hub.
I became involved in the summer of 2012, and the shop fast became a key selling outlet for my work. My Sock Toys are regularly stocked and I often have wall based pieces in the temporary exhibition space on the first floor. I also volunteer at the shop on a Friday afternoon.
What's your favourite of your own pieces in the Hub right now?
The new collection of cows are my favourite of the Arts Hub Sock Toys, Utopia being the strongest of my exhibition pieces.
Various Sock Toys - from £4.50 each
| Who's your favourite maker in the Hub at the moment? I admire all of the work in the shop - from Sue Leach's knits to Libby Bower's cards; Grinning Cat neck pieces to Witty Heart's prints. When are you happiest? My happiest times are when my artworks are at their strongest, my unhappiest are when they are failing, then need to destroy a few forms as they are not working. What are you up to at the moment? I have several group shows in the pipeline and I am aiming towards my first debut solo exhibition within the next 12 months. |
And your plans for the future?
In 5 years time I would like to still be having fun with the sock toys, a stronger exhibition portfolio within in the region in additional to the production some fine art textiles concepts which have been creating in my visual imagination for the last decade.
A variety of Alison's work is available now in the Arts Hub 47 shop. Prices start at £2.50 for cards, £4.50 for Sock Toys to moderately higher costs for larger pieces and wall based work.
In 5 years time I would like to still be having fun with the sock toys, a stronger exhibition portfolio within in the region in additional to the production some fine art textiles concepts which have been creating in my visual imagination for the last decade.
A variety of Alison's work is available now in the Arts Hub 47 shop. Prices start at £2.50 for cards, £4.50 for Sock Toys to moderately higher costs for larger pieces and wall based work.
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