The alluring art of Ali J
This Aussie artist went from the world of law to the world of draw
By Marilyn Perez
Published: October 31st, 2007 | 11:28am
It began with a Christmas present Alicia Rosam (aka Ali J) received when she was 10 — a set of 72 Derwent pencils. Off to her bedroom she went to start drawing and hasn't stopped since. From there, the Australian studied Fine Art and is now putting her degree to use. Initially, Ali J quit her job in the summer of 2006 to undergo excessive physical training to pursue a career in law enforcement. "When I went through the application for the police force I blitzed every test except the psychological exam, resulting in a failure" — that was only six months ago.
In May 2007, she gave Etsy a try and set up shop (aussiepatches.etsy.com) hoping to sell some pieces "in-between" jobs. It has since turned into her full-time gig. "My artwork started to sell and I began to receive the most amazing opportunities which I could never have dreamed of. Since then I haven't looked back...the very first sale that I had was an original drawing of a girl with a squirrels tail. I had been experimenting with a range of drawings combining animal features with cute girls. She sold within 15 minutes of listing her. I was in complete and utter shock, I ran around the house screaming with excitement."
Ali J cherishes her talent and does not take it for granted. She still has awards received for Artist of the Week from grade school. She is not afraid of trying bold colors, adding rosy cheeks — which have become a signature — and using different tools to work with. "I've learnt everything I can about being artistic and I've experimented with a variety of mediums. Eyeliner and mascara can create the most amazing drawings!" Along with originals and prints of her art, you will also find appliqués, tote bags, and pin-dolls in her store. She has also consigned with other businesses featuring her artwork on buttons, mirrors, and magnets.
A self-professed fanatic of fashion and celebrities, she skims through tons of magazines soaking in the images on each page, finding that next spark of inspiration, "There is just something about a few seconds captured in a photograph that draws me to the character. I have a stash of thousands of images that just speak to me when I draw. I like to choose women who have a strength to their character, and a connection with me as I view the image." Others have said that her ladies show a lot of strength, they also show an innocent, flirtatiousness that draws you to want to know more about these girls.
2007 has been a huge year for Ali J as her work quickly gains momentum and recognition. Her story as well as her humility is an inspiration for other artists looking to venture out on their own. "I don't know whether I have discipline or whether it is just stubbornness. I'm not the type of person to give up without putting absolutely everything into what I do. It is definitely a challenge, but I've never been happier in my life!"
In November 2007, Ali J will have her first solo exhibition and has three more gallery shows lined up for 2008. She also has exclusive work lined up for magazine publications in the near future. She keeps a blog at aussiepatches.typepad.com where she chronicles her adventures and her continued gratitude for the recognition she has been receiving. "I don't want to be the type of person to look back one day and say 'what if?'. I'm just so proud that my work is making its way across the world."
Issue #27
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