We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Underwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexandra, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me, pursuing a creative career is a non-negotiable. Even in seemingly mundane positions, my creative tendencies and approach toward problem solving shine through. Creativity in the arts, but also in communication and teaching; is intrinsic to my identity and the way God made me. I excel in an environment which allows me to express myself joyfully through movement and artistic freedom and also pinpoint and address problems with my systems-oriented perspective. When I see that something isn’t working, whether that’s a procedure or process that’s overly complex or a communication pattern that is leaving customers or coworkers feeling confused, my mind is immediately at work devising a creative solution. And when I can bring joy to people through creative expression and empower others to do the same, I feel that my purpose is being fulfilled. Working as a team member at Little Gym and a freelance dance teacher has satisfied my creative drive and my servant heart.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In addition to working at Little Gym and teaching dance classes on a freelance and contract basis, I also create visual art including paintings, drawings and mixed media collages. My art business is called All Things New. The story behind this brand and the art and products I sell on my website and through in-person pop-ups includes the testimony of faith I’ve lived out in the past four years. Coming to faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior has given me the power and inspiration to deliver the message of hope and salvation found in the Gospel. In the book of Revelation, Jesus the Messiah says “Behold I make all things new!” The inspiration behind my art and the store comes from this scripture and my faith in the message and person of Jesus to transform a life and direct us toward purpose that is eternal.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite spots in Dallas include Upperroom Dallas, my church, which also has a lovely coffee shop called Hands & Rose. I absolutely love their matcha and the golden hour drip coffee. A restaurant I love is Thai Thai, which is a small hole-in-the-wall type Thai joint in lower Greenville with cute decor, great prices, and amazing dishes. You can’t go wrong there with any dish but my favorite is the yellow curry with chicken! Another Dallas favorite is Klyde Warren Park right across from Dallas Museum of Art. If I was taking a friend on a tour through Dallas, I’d start the day at a prayer set at Upperroom, and to get a coffee or matcha at Hands & Rose. Then I’d go to Dallas Museum of Art and explore all the different exhibits together (for free!) Then we could get ice cream or lunch at a little food truck by Klyde Warren Park and take a stroll or a dance on the grass!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jesus Christ, Upperroom School of Ministry, my mom Angelique Underwood for keeping me in dance class throughout my childhood!
Website: https://makingallthingsnewshop.myshopify.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vaguely.asian/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/vaguelyasian/
Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Aligunderwood
Other: Substack:
https://substack.com/@vaguelyasian?utm_source=substack-feed-item
Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@vaguelyasian?lang=en
Image Credits
Dance Photography by Emma Browning
Art by Alexandra Underwood of All Things New
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
