Alex Graham is part of a rare breed: She's a fourth-generation Coloradan whose great grandfather mined coal in Denver's early days. "We've been a very simple family, and there's not much higher education in the family," says Graham. But what this artist lacks in formal training, she easily makes up for with talent. Her nature-inspired acrylics are unique -- not just for what they are painted on, but for the bizarre little alien-like creatures they often feature.
See also: Waking Art: James André Paints His Lucid Dreams
Graham grew up in Commerce City, in the home her dad inherited from her great-grandmother; today she lives in Denver, and she says she's so happy here she never plans to leave.When Graham was first starting as an artist, she did lots of experimenting on "junky art," she says. "It wasn't always pleasing to the eye," she admits, adding that she's still surprised she was able to sell her earliest work. Since then, Graham's style has changed dramatically; now she creates art that is technically sophisticated and much more aesthetically pleasing.
The pieces are colorful without being obnoxious. "When I set out to paint, I don't intend to be colorful, and I want to downplay the color as much as possible," explains Graham. But "things just happen," she says.
Graham likes to paint on board, tabletops, found objects and other nontraditional mediums. "I don't like the texture of canvas," Graham says.
Graham has shown her work at Earl's Sandwich Parlor and ism gallery. Her most recent exhibition was through the Denver Urban Gardens Art Farm, where the garden backdrop complemented her contributions to the show. The outdoorsy stuff, Graham says, "blended into garden instead of standing out like a sore thumb."
Continue reading for more on Graham and her artwork.
