Artist Interview: Alexis Soul-Gray
We present an interview with Devon-based artist Alexis Soul-Gray...
November 4, 2021
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
We are now giving you the chance to win your very own Alexis Soul-Gray original by entering our giveaway in collaboration with Art on a Postcard. To find out more, follow this link.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
Alexis Soul-Gray is a Devon-based artist whose practice has evolved from themes of loss, memory and grief. Alexis explores the idea of motherhood and the feminine in relation to trauma, translating collected items such as vintage embroidery and bible pages into collage, painting and printmaking. We sat down with Alexis, as she gave us an insight into her artistic background and the ideas behind her beautifully melancholic work.
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Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I am currently living in Devon but I spend quite a lot of time in London as I am studying MA Painting at Royal College of Art, I will graduate in 2023. I was born in 1980 and have been practicing since graduating from Camberwell in 2003. In 2007 I completed the postgraduate drawing year at The Royal Drawing School. I have taught in Universities and curated art exhibitions across the UK. I spent the earlier years of my two daughters childhood looking after them so my career took a bit of a back seat but things have been developing fast for me since I really started dedicating my life to my practice again. I grew up in and around London and Essex so the capital feels like home really but life in Devon is pretty special too.
You tend to work from found and collected imagery - how do you decide which photographs to work with?
The images I work with tend to reference quite specific periods in history and are all grounded in a similar thematic context. I am drawn to the 1980s, soft perms, romantic pastels and blurred lighting…in particular those images that reference children’s parties and women’s textile design wear. I am now aware that these are symbolic of my childhood and potential versions of my mother who was a textile designer. I also use paper ephemera from the 1930’s -40’s, referencing my grandmothers childhood and early years. There is a continual exploration of the maternal line that the images interrogate, or attempt to.
How has your practice developed over time?
I have always studied drawing and this discipline is still so important to me. I always thought of painting as this big important probably male thing that I felt frightened of, inferior to. I have always painted though.. just without very much confidence or encouragement. When I did my foundation at Central Saint Martins in 1999 and then my BA at Camberwell 2000-03 nobody painted, nobody talked about painting…certainly not figurative work. It seems now is the right time for me to share my practice as there seems to be this great new acceptance of this approach to making.
Are there any artists you particularly admire?
So many artists I admire! I adore Kaye Donachie, Clare Tabouret, Ryan Mosely, Maya Ruznick, Corri-Lynn Tetz, Genieve Figgis, Marlene Dumas, Ben Walker, Laura Ford, Aly Helyer, Paulina Olowska, Naudline Cluvie Pierre, Cathie Pilkington to name a few! I happen to be studying at RCA with some incredible artists too I am always utterly inspired and spoilt when I walk around the studios.
Do you have any other upcoming shows or projects?
Yes I have the WIP show at RCA in Feb, my next solo show in Oxford in March at Irving Contemporary and currently in the diary is a two person show with Paper Gallery in Manchester next Autumn with Hannah Wooll.
How can we keep up to date with you and your work?
Best way to keep up to date with me is Instagram. @alexis_soul_gray
Thank you, Alexis!
