We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandra Hulsey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I call myself a calculated risk-taker. With that said, I’ve found some decisions leaning towards risky that proved to be in my favor. I get nervous by putting myself out there, approaching prospective clients, and applying for artists’ calls but, we can’t let the fear of rejection inhibit a good opportunity. At Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, I took a risk by creating a series of off-the-wall portraits that dealt with the idea of illusion and art history. I saved enough to apply to my top choices for college and with those portraits, I was granted acceptance with scholarships to each. This is what led me to attend Pacific Northwest College of Art after being awarded full-tuition. If I had let doubts take over I would have never created something unique enough to propel the beginning of a creative career.

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.
I value making artwork that influences us to think outside expectations because productivity stems from creating dialect. Behind the pieces, images, and writings I create is that intention. What I have accomplished thus far, I’ve achieved by strategizing and persevering. I focus on working as much as I can in the present so that my future self is always able to evolve. The longer we prolong taking action to work through defeated moments, the harder it becomes. One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is that I get to incorporate my admiration for sharing knowledge and research. Before I create, I access information on the topic that is the root of my idea. This helps to conceptualize narratives, points, and visuals. In combination with aesthetic methods I’ve developed, the outcome of my work arises by being curious and sharing my investigations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is hard because I’m a homebody! Candidly, having a drink and hanging out at home or a friend’s is my favorite Dallas pass time. But, at the risk of sounding boring here are some ideas. This city is expansive so I like to cover the basics in each area day by day. The Design District and Bowlounge go well together. I also really enjoy exploring Fair Park which leads to tacos and drinks at Los Almas Rotas. In all, I’d say thrifting and eating is the best thing to do while in Dallas, that would be the primary agenda. Some of my favorite restaurants are Desta Ethiopian Restaurant, Caribbean Cabana, and Cafe Madrid.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Cristopher Brown, whose Instagram alias is @_ghostdrank, is a great artist, supporter, source of encouragement, and partner. I’m grateful to have had each other to grow alongside for such a long time. During my time at Pacific Northwest College of Art, I met with many encouraging professors that still actively inspire me like Teresa Christiansen, Sally Schoolmaster, Modou Dieng, and Stephen Slappe. I’m also lucky to have a family that has fosters creativity. My brother Shayne W Ridenour and my Mom Johanna Hulsey are great artists themselves. Additionally, I publish a list of influences and inspiration monthly on my website alexandrahulsey.com/subrosa where you’ll find an archive of more sources.

Website: alexandrahulsey.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l0lil/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-hulsey-5332ab119/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexandrahulsey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/l0lil