Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Viele.
Hi Alexis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! I am an artist and former educator with a deep love of community and all things art related. Growing up, I loved to draw and as I got older, I found myself surrounded by artists- musicians, painters, and sculptors, but never quite leaned into my artist identity. I didn’t trust that I could be an artist when I was surrounded by individuals creating truly incredible things. As an educator, I loved to create supplements and learning aids out of construction paper for my students as it was an abundant resource within the setting. When I became active in protests and social movements, I needed signs but wasn’t sure how to best meet this need until I pulled out my trusted construction paper and got to work! It was in these moments that my childhood love of creating truly began to flourish once again and it was the impetus for the creation of Paper for the People. At my core, I believe that there is immense power in each of us using our voices to bring awareness to issues that impact our communities and that we are responsible for creating a more just, equitable, and compassionate future. Protest in your medium- whatever that may be! In whatever way you are able, show up.
For me, it is with paper!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While inspiration is abundant, running a business and working full-time as an educator was not the easiest path. It required working second shifts when I got home from teaching full days and weekends of paper. However, I find great joy in creating; therefore, I always looked forward to sitting at my desk and working through a new piece. It was a meditative release, where I could pop in a podcast, let go of the day, and get lost working with my hands. It was a welcomed break from the demands of the day. After leaving the classroom in March, I have been able to devote myself full-time to my business which is truly a dream come true. Currently, my most significant obstacle is choosing which ideas to pursue first! I have so many dreams for Paper for the People- so many directions I would love to take. Right now, the greatest challenge is learning all of the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and successfully building an art brand. I am learning to manage my time best and create plans to move it forward sustainably and with joy. I am incredibly hopeful for what will be accomplished!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My creative work is centered around moments of resistance, and we can forget that resistance may be moments of joy. When Paper for the People first began, I was almost exclusively a portrait artist. I celebrated people who stood firm in their power and left the world a better place because of their work and courage. And while I still very much enjoy creating portraits, my work is shifting to include more illustrations. I find great joy in creating scenes based on community, care, and moments of tenderness. Within my illustration, I hope to capture the joys of childhood and community through an equitable and compassionate lens.
It is a tremendous joy and honor to do this work!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I welcome collaboration and working with others! I genuinely love connecting with others and growing our community. If there is a project my work may lend itself to, I would be thrilled to create a portrait or illustration for the event. Get at me if Paper for the People is your kind of thing! Whether you want to connect with or support my work, I can be found on Instagram @PaperForThePeople, and my website is www.alexisviele.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexisviele.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/paperforthepeople
- Facebook: facebook.com/paperforthepeopleart
