MY HEART FOR ART: ALEXIS WALTER
Jennifer Mejia
It’s been a while since I poured out my heart for art. But rest assured that my love has not waned. Art is very subjective. And I’ve found that I can like most of an artist’s work and still not love all of their pieces. But one exception to that rule is Alexis Walter. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of her work that I wouldn’t be thrilled to hang in my home. From her stunning layered acrylic pieces to her soothing and serenely beautiful watercolors, every piece is a masterpiece.
Whenever I fall truly, madly, and deeply in love with an artist’s work, as I have with Alexis’s, I have a desire to know more about the person behind the easel. People often ask me how I find art. What do I look for in a piece? How do I know it’s worth the money? While I am certainly drawn to certain palettes more than others, I usually decide to buy a piece of art based on how it makes me feel when I look at it. I usually sense some sort of connection, as strange as that may sound with an inanimate object. So when that happens, I like to know what inspires the artist and what kind of story might be behind their creations. It sort of completes my connection with the piece.
Fortunately for me, I recently had the opportunity to interview Alexis Walter, whose stunning work you’ll see throughout this post. She was so gracious and kind and provided a view into her world so that those who admire her work could get to know her a little better. Alexis is based in New Orleans, and I’ve been a fan of hers since I first laid eyes on her work via one of my favorite designer’s Instagram feed. I have sworn that when I have the opportunity to redesign my NYC living room, I’m going to splurge for one of her larger works to be the centerpiece over our sofa. The question is, how would I ever choose since there is so much to love?
So without making you wait any longer, meet Alexis Walter and feast your eyes on the stunning work that her magical hands and soul create.
Jennifer: When did you first discover your talent? Or when did someone else first discover it?
Alexis: I am very fortunate to have parents who fostered my creativity from an early age. I was always taking different art classes throughout the year, especially during summers. It was pretty amazing to be able to learn and play around with a bunch of different mediums at such an early age.
Watercolor Minis
Jennifer: Who or what serves as your inspiration?
Alexis: Really, almost anything can serve as inspiration. Usually travel has inspired me in the past; however, we haven’t been traveling as much recently, and I’m finding most of my inspiration in my everyday life. My latest group of paintings was inspired by my courtyard garden, which is right outside my studio French doors. I think as I get older, the experiences I've had are inspiring me more than anything.
Jennifer: Your mixed media works have so much texture and dimension. What media do you use? Can you briefly describe the process and tools used to create one of them?
Alexis: Thank you! My process is one that started in high school. I loved working with pastels and wanted to use them on canvas, so I developed a technique which worked to hold the pastel to the canvas. It was really pretty but a total mess! About 15 years ago, I had a canvas prepared for pastels and decided to try oils on it. It worked beautifully. I love the look and the way oils paint. Now I have switched to acrylics, which are so much easier to clean up and work better for my small studio. Over time, I’ve developed my own acrylic concoctions to give my work more of an oil look and feel.
Jennifer: Do you remember the first piece of art you sold? When was it? Can you describe the piece and how you felt when it sold?
Alexis: I do! I don’t think any artist ever forgets. It’s such an exciting moment!! The piece was an early watercolor (which is my first true love). It was the first official opening I had. The first couple to walk in the door bought it right away. I was beyond elated. Honestly, I still feel the same way, especially when I am able to meet the clients who are bringing home their painting. More often than not I’ll say to my husband after a big day, “Can you believe I’m doing this and people are buying my work?” It’s still very exciting.
Jennifer: Can you describe your art education?
Alexis: My education in general took many detours. I went back and forth between Fine Art and Interior Design all through college. Now that I look back, I am so thankful for being able to learn so much about each major. I loved interior design, but I just do not have the brain for the math. Now I spend all day working with Interior Designers and am able to be inspired by their palettes and designs while I create special pieces for them. It really is the best of both worlds!
Jennifer: Who are your favorite artists, including contemporary artists?
Alexis: My all time favorite is Nicolas de Staël. His palettes and textures are phenomenal. There are special places in my heart for Gauguin and Picasso, as well. For contemporary artists, I’m dying for one of Donald Martiny’s pieces. There are also a few young artists I love following on Instagram. I just bought one of Kristin Blakeney’s small landscapes. She’s doing some really interesting things with landscapes and abstracts. I also really adore my friend Ashton Shaw Despot’s abstract impressionist work.
Jennifer: If you weren’t an artist, what else would you be?
Alexis: I would be doing something with flowers and gardens or have some sort of specialty shop. I love the hunt for special things and would love to share them with others.
Jennifer: What is your favorite travel destination?
Alexis: Venice, Italy is probably my favorite. We haven’t been in years and we’re due for another trip sometime soon. I love being on the water, and being on the water in such a beautiful historical place is just the ultimate. Not to mention the shopping is DIVINE!
Foyer in our Southampton home featuring a
flash sale piece from Alexis
Jennifer: What are your hobbies?
Alexis: I love to garden and to look at other people’s gardens and dream about future gardens I might have. I’m a big daydreamer. I also love to cook.
Jennifer: Tell us about those adorable furry friends of yours!
Alexis: Miette and Celie, are the sweetest cocker spaniels with very strong and very funny little personalities. I’m so spoiled working from home and getting to spend so much time with them. At any point in the day while I’m in the studio, if I look in my den windows, I’ll find both of them watching me work. That is, of course, when they aren’t in the studio attached to my hip.
Jennifer: How has social media changed your business?
Alexis: Social media has been huge for my business. Early on, I had a blog through which I met so many amazing people. Instagram has also been a large part of business for me. I love being able to connect with people from all over. I’m always amazed whenever I meet someone through social media—we always have a person, a school, or a place in common. It’s such a small world!
Jennifer: Do you work with interior designers and/or homeowners to create commissions
Alexis: I do! The vast majority of my business is commission work. I love painting pieces especially for a space. Part of that is definitely due to my love of interior design, but I also love seeing the design of a room and crafting the perfect piece for it. There’s always a bit of trial and error but it is extra fulfilling when the project is completed and I’m able to see my painting photographed in the finished space.
Jennifer: Besides your mixed media and watercolors, are you considering exploring any new directions?
Alexis: Always. I have been working on a fabric line for about six years. While I was going to High Point Market, I could never find the time to finalize the designs and really follow through with production. Now that I’m taking a break from Market, I’m hoping to have the time to get the ball rolling again. I also love to collaborate with other artists working with different mediums. There’s usually a project or two going on behind the scenes.
And finally, Alexis was kind enough to share a list of her “best of” New Orleans, but I’m going to save that for another post so you all have something to look forward to. I promise I won’t keep it a secret for much longer. For today, I hope you enjoyed learning more about the person and her art and have fallen in love just as much as I have. The Alexis Walter Gallery is located at 5702 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. You can find her on Instagram at alexiswalterart. Her website is officially alexiswalterart.com, but it’s best to check her Instagram feed and stories for dates and links to available work. And of course, you may email her for current available work or to inquire about commissions at info@alexiswater.com.
Thank you, Alexis, for sharing your talent, and now more about yourself, with the world.