Rosie Alyea is a Seattle-based artist and illustrator.

Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
{/strong}Rosie Alyea: I've been working as a designer professionally in Seattle for the past 10 years. Before that, I'd always enjoyed drawing, photography, and art in general! I'm often experimenting with many different mediums; the more, the better! Some of my favs are watercolor, acrylic and printmaking (screen, riso, intaglio). I also work in the built space, so I'm constantly looking into new and sustainable materials / build practices, creative inclusivity and bespoke interiors.

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Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
{/strong}I consider my process to be a collaborative transformation, and it can vary from project to project. I appreciate the trust my clients have given me to bring an idea to life. My favorite and first step is always research, which I try to factor in as much as possible, sometimes uncovering unique texts or bizarre ideas! I'm a list maker, so I like to organize my research, thoughts, timelines and agendas before design starts. Typically, I have a few phases of creative, starting with rough sketchy concepts followed by development & refinement, and ending with final art/production. Depending on the request, I feel most confident when I'm able to solve for production myself, especially when it comes to murals and large-format painted pieces! Painting is my happy place.

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Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
{/strong}I'm inspired by folk and psychedelic art movements, as well as retro sci-fi art and cartoons. I love color and am obsessed with rainbows! Some of my favorite references are Frida Kahlo, Bonnie MacLean, Klimt, James Jean, Vern Panton, Hayao Miyazaki, Luis Barragan, Dan Flavin, illuminated manuscripts, art nouveau and Mother Nature. I'm frequently finding wonder in everyday moments and daily routines. Travel is also an inspiration well; I would love to explore more of the world and learn about art processes from other cultures too!

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Do you have a specific "beat" you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
{/strong}Nature, hands down. I've also always been fascinated by the celestial objects, the sky and outer space. The moon, stars and rainbows make frequent appearances in my work. My mom's name is Celeste, and my parents talk to me a lot about their experiences with the night sky, and so there is a familial connection for me.

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Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
{/strong}To me, it's more important to keep going than to dwell on something I've done. I'm excited to make art, to get into a flow state and create. Painting murals is extremely special to me. As a kid, I encountered a professional muralist, and she was incredibly inspirational in my art journey. Meeting people while painting brings me back to this core memory and reminds me that I'm following my dreams.

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What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
{/strong}I worked for Salomon Sports in the French Alps, where I was illustrating for ski helmets, boots and hard goods, and that was incredibly transformative. I learned to generate ideas quickly, experiment with different graphic techniques, and communicate in another language. My studio leads were so fun to work with, and I'll never forget this team! I love to collaborate with other artists and designers, and I adore making uncommon events and spaces come to life. This past summer, I was able to realize a dream project alongside friends at the popup artspace, XO Seattle. I partnered with Photon Factory and Light in the Attic to design, build, install, then de-install an immersive light space called Ddoouubbllee Rraaiinnbbooww. It was complete with dreamy light shows and a prismatic pool!

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If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
{/strong}I'm working on my website at the moment, so, for now, keep an eye on my social — @wwideeyedd.

What is next for you? Anything you're working on right now that you're really excited about?
{/strong}I'm currently working with the Museum of Pop Culture, developing a couple new exhibitions. I'm soon releasing a new screen print poster titled Magic Tree House, and it's super trippy! I'm also plotting new lighting installations with my friends from Ddoouubbllee Rraaiinnbbooww. And I'll be taking time off before the New Year; I'm excited to relax and be in full-on cozy mode with my husband and our dog, Dino!

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Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
{/strong}Dry Oat Cappuccino, rich & foamy.

About 'Artist of the Week': This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you're wondering just what constitutes art, that's the beauty of it; it's up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.{/em}

Artist of the Week: Rosie Alyea