Allie Spurlock grew up in Washington and relocated to Alaska to pursue a career in commercial fishing with a love of art in her heart. Me? I’ve lived in a very urban setting my entire life. I love the concrete and asphalt, the sounds of construction and air traffic, the crowds of people scurrying thru daily life, and so on. I thrive on it. In no way can I actually relate to life in a small Alaskan fishing community.
And yet there is so much honesty and beauty in Allie’s work, that I feel as though — these thousands of miles away — I can understand it. Even just a little. It doesn’t matter if the viewer is from the same background as the artist. Honesty can cross great divides to reveal a truth that anyone can understand. The same feelings I have for life in a city, she conveys about life in her rural community.
Her connection to the commercial fishing industry — as well as the nature of Alaska itself — is apparent in the etchings on various objects found on the island she calls home. It can also be felt in the way she presents it, the photos she shares, and the very tone of her voice as she does so. True art — no matter the subject — is an honest extension of the artist.
Buoys, electric insulators, glass floats, and more. Objects that have past their prime in the fishing world find a whole new life in her hands. As do objects from nature. In particular shed antlers from local wildlife. It’s far more than simply resurrecting discarded items, Allie’s art is a genuine expression of self. And that’s what grabbed me. Simply beautiful.
I love making things that reflect the life in the fishing town I live in, and the wildlife nearby. Creating big one of a kind pieces is one of my favorite things. The subsistence lifestyle on our little island requires everyone to make the best use of what they have, and that’s what I love about making art out of things that have outlived their original purpose! – Allie Spurlock
Her work is emotive, delicate, and detailed. You can absolutely feel the love she has for her community and the joy she feels creating her work. I’d love to someday visit her little fishing community and hopefully one day I will. I’m still waiting for a wealthy benefactor to bankroll my travel dreams. Any takers?
Follow her on Instagram (instagram.com/sallisonspurlock)
Buy her art on her Website (Websitealliespurlock.com)
Cheers!
Stephen
