July's Dark Artist Spotlight: Down & Dirty Designs

I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing Alli of Down & Dirty. I had seen her Etsy shop before but never really taken the time to explore it. This shop is an amazing break away from what we might consider the 'normal' of handmade wares. And although I love staring into the vast eternity of hand crafted goods on Etsy, I'm surprised when I'm able to really stop and examine crafts that reach out and take me by the hand.

What I'm getting at is that you don't exactly 'visit' Alli's shop and her work. You experience it!

Beautifully captured landscapes of places familiar but out or reach beckon to you with cunning smiles. Witty and historical pieces invite you to sit with them and tell you their story. And nostalgic, lonely, but not forgotten snapshots whisper to you with through their captive stillness.

I'm very very happy to share some of Alli's work with you as well as the interview we conducted. (click photos to see their listings and view full size.)

Q - Care to shed some light on what sort of an individual you are?

A - I'm going to have my fiance, Brian, answer this one:

"Batty, quirky. Oh man this is hard...a little bit country a little bit rock and roll. No, not really (laughs). She's a redhead. She's smart. She's funny. She makes me laugh like I'm five years old all over again. She's loving...the most kindhearted person I've ever met...unless you make her mad and then she's Charles Bronson. And I don't mean the made-for-tv-movie Charles Bronson, I mean "Deathwish" Charles Bronson...and by Charles Bronson I mean she grows a moustache when she's angry."

Thanks, Brian.


Q - What kinds of quirks do you have in real life that flow over into your work?

A - Well, my love of history, literature and music most certainly flow over into my work. I am also fascinated by deterioration and decay...dirty, old lace, dilapidated buildings, isolated and long-forgotten barns...the transitory nature of that which we consider permanent. On the other hand, I have a profound love of traditional beauty which, hopefully, balances things out a bit.


Q - When did you first pick up a camera and begin taking photographs?

A - Hmmmmmm...If I recall correctly, my first camera was one of those little key chain cameras...you know, the kind where the camera IS the film...you just snap it in place...no viewfinder, no flash, VERY basic. It shot 110 film and I must have been around 10 years old when I bought it.


Q - How and when did you decide to set up DownAndDirty as a business?

A - Is it awful that I don't remember when I started Down & Dirty Designs? I think it was spring of 1996. I had been making these decorative art boxes just to keep myself entertained. I showed one to a friend who loved it and wanted to buy it. I made a few more. I received a few commissions and that's when I decided to open my etsy shop. Selling my photography was really just an afterthought. I have relocated and haven't had the space to create any boxes, but as soon as I am able I plan to begin making them again.


Q - Many things, especially Victorian elements play a role in your work. What about that particular time period attracts you the most?

A - I am inspired by many eras of history. Where I live just happens to be filled with remnants of the Victorian era. I think it's only natural to be inspired by that which surrounds you. I can tell you one thing I particularly love about the Victorian Era (aside from the fashion and decor...I mean, really, who doesn't love red flocked damask wallpaper, hm?) is how full of contradictions it was. So prim, so proper but just under the surface was all this odd behavior...I won't go into it here, but google Victorian cures for hysteria and you'll see what I mean.


Q - Have you any ideas or plans for the future regarding your many mediums of creativity?

A - I almost always have an idea brewing for a shot...I have a backlog of art boxes to make which I hope to start work on in the next couple of months...aside from that I try to play things by ear. Years ago someone told me "the quickest way to make god laugh is to make a plan." Based on my personal experiences, I don't think truer words have ever been spoken. That is precisely why I try not to get too attached to an idea or process. You never know what's around the corner and I rather like it that way.

Alli's work has been featured in F-Stop Magazine and All Things Girl. Those can be seen here and here.

Her Etsy Shop.

And Alli is also hosting a coloring contest on her blog. Check it out!

I hope everyone had as much fun reading this interview as I had conducting it! Enjoy your summer and, as always, keep dropping in from time to time to see what new odd, beautiful, curious, and wondrous DIY and Handmade items are circulating in the world of indie crafters.