Vendor Interview- Alisa Walton
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your work.
When I was growing up my grandmother had craft projects for my sisters and I to make for my parents as Christmas gifts. That experience really instilled in me an appreciation for handmade objects, both the care and thought behind something handmade. Through the years I continued to make various things and finally decided to go to college and study art, specifically letterpress printing, book arts, and photography. I’m kind of old-fashioned in the way I work. 90% of my letterpress printing is done with lead type (instead of polymer) and I still use film cameras when I go out taking pictures. My Holga and my little folding camera from the 1940s are my favorites for shooting right now.
What are some sources of inspiration for your work?
I’m using a lot of maps in my work, for my postcards and as book covers. As physical objects I find old maps to be beautiful. A few months ago I was thrilled to find a 1901 Rand McNally Atlas. The binding is falling apart but the maps are unbelievably gorgeous. The political and sociological implications of maps are quite interesting too. For whatever reason I’ve always been drawn to antiques and such, objects with some sort of history to them.
I particularly enjoy old photos and paper ephemera and often wonder about what it would be like to live in another time period.
What was the best thing you did with your summer?
Aside from being in the studio more frequently I would have to say hiking in the gorge. With all the other great things living in Portland has to offer the gorge is like a super bonus. Trees, waterfalls, and getting away from the city. Few things are as relaxing as staring at a waterfall while feeling sunlight on your face and hearing birds chirp and the wind rustling through the trees.
Are you showcasing anything new at the winter show?
I’m a first time vendor at UCU so in a way everything I have is new. Some of what I’ll show I’ve made for awhile but there are a few books that have been created within the past two or three months.
What are you most excited about for UCU?
First off just being a part of it. It is my first major craft show. I’ve done little local shows but being part of UCU is huge for me. I grew up in Seattle so it will be fun for me to go back there.
I’m also looking forward to interacting directly with people buying my work. That moment when someone looks at your work and you can tell how much they appreciate the time and care that went into it is really satisfying. Hearing why people are buying the things they do is interesting, sometimes you get to hear some really great stories.
