Alex Sutherlin is a visual artist from Lafayette, Louisiana. He primarily creates mixed media pieces often incorporating surrealistic imagery and automatic writing. Themes such as mental health, spirituality, and gender identity are frequently found within his pieces. His work has been featured most recently in the 2023 Curioddities group exhibition at Henning Cultural Center and the 2024 (un)common group exhibition at Basin Arts. When not creating in some capacity, you can find him playing Stardew Valley, reading Hermann Hesse and Anne Rice, or caring for his pets.
Who makes up your art circle?
The most valuable member of my art circle is my partner, Rowan, who is frequently my “drawing board” to bounce ideas off of. While we have different creative disciplines, I always find it helpful to get their input on pieces and concepts I come up with. I love comparing and contrasting our creative practices and seeing what works in a project and what doesn’t. Other members of my art circle include other fellow creatives in my community, whether new or old friends. I value friendships where I feel understood and seen, both creatively and otherwise.
How do you expand your art circle?
I try to keep an open mind and stay grateful for what opportunities come my way. I love connecting with diverse individuals and hearing their perspectives on life and creativity. Semi recently I started vending at Artwalk, and while I have vended at markets prior to this, there’s something really special about connecting with people on Jefferson just out and about. I also believe social media can be a great tool of connection with others both in and outside your community. Meeting people online and then running into them at art events such as Artwalk is always fun too.
What value do you see in having a creative community?
I like to think of my creative community as a spread out representation of a sketchbook or journal. Not just to bounce ideas off others, but also hear how and why they live their life the way they do. I try to keep an open mind when meeting new people and approach situations from a place of wanting to learn rather than be the educator myself. I believe there is significant value in meeting new individuals and gaining knowledge on situations you are unfamiliar with in your own life.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community? I enjoy collaborating with other creatives and hope to continue doing so in the future. The Acadiana art community is often supporting fellow artists and providing opportunities for doing so if you know where to look. I think people are often intimidated before meeting other artists, but in my experience, Acadiana artists are very welcoming and love forming creative connections.
Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund managed by Lafayette Travel
