Our boutique in our new studio location is full of artisan crafts. Beautiful art, jewelry and textiles fill the walls and shelves. We hope you can stop in soon to see what we have to offer. In the meantime, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to one of our artists, Alex VanLemmeren. Here’s a little about Alex, in her own words.
Who are you and what do you do?
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Alex Vanlemmeren was always interested in art. Her family’s walls and furniture at home were far from white, painting whatever she got her hands on. It wasn’t until a major swimming injury in her teen years that Alex became relatively immobile and her art was more than just an outlet for her creativity, but a source of strength that grew to a passion.
Alex attended Columbia College Chicago and graduated with a BFA with a primary focus in Painting. Despite her passion for the canvas, it was in studio classes that Alex truly blossomed in metalsmithing. Continuing her creative journey, Alex attended Lil Street Art Center in Chicago, bringing her eye for design and color from her painting education to her metal works her jewelry flourished.
Beginning a new chapter, Alex packed her canvases, metals, stones and Brady (her black/aussie lab) into her pick-up truck and headed to the mountains. Landing in Fort Collins, Colorado Alex started her own independent jewelry studio, m.o.e.
Heavily influenced by the natural world around her, every m.o.e creation embodies a journey. Utilizing repetitious patterns, beautiful textures and perfect lines one can find by simply slowing down, and taking a closer look. Designed by hand, her jewelry is a playful examination of the most incredible natural elements and their ability embody a sense of balance and peace.
m.o.e collections exemplify everything Alex’s jewelry is – modern, original and everyday.
Why do you create?
I create artwork because I truly love it. I feel like it runs through
my blood and it’s what makes me truly happy. I love the challenge, the
process, the failures, the community, the beauty!
I have always been into painting and creating things ever since I was
a child. It wasn’t until a major injury, I realized that art secretly
saved me. It helped me cope with what I was going through and I became
in love with everything about art, from the process to the finished
piece.
My art process continues to evolve and move forward with me. That’s
when I took my painterly hand and began to dip into the world of
metalsmithing.
Where is your favorite place to work on your art?
My absolute favorite place to create is outside in my backyard on a
sunny day. I also have a studio in my garage I’m very fond of.
What is your current inspiration?
My current and always inspiration is mother nature. My artwork no
matter what medium I’m working in, is always inspired our outdoor
world. The natural textures, contours, and colors that are presented
in nature are what truly inspires me. Many times when I need a dose of
inspiration, I pack up my car with my dog and my camping gear and get
into the wilderness. Just breathing in mountain air inspires me to
create.
Learn more about Alex and her creations here
www.moecollections.com
instagram account is- alex_vanlemmeren
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