fine Art & Print shop
Meet the Artist
Allie Reynolds is an acrylic painter who incorporates mixed media to capture the process of overcoming mental health struggles. The studio is located in a private residence in Portland, OR. Over twenty years of observing sites in Portland, a way to reflect came through art. The collection was inspired by the landscape in and around the city. Allie's work has been influenced by the "#MeToo" movement and has helped heal from the trauma our society inflicts on the public.
The Denim Collection
The Denim Collection is a combination of acrylic and denim pieces shaped in synchronicity to capture the beauty within Portland. The collection holds deep meaning in my lived experience and has urged me to create in response to my extreme emotions. Being part of the 97% is deeply saddening, but it also motivates me. The motivation comes from my mother, who instilled in me not to let this event take over and ruin the life I have worked so hard to build. The traumatic event does not need to be highlighted. Instead, it is used as motivation to fight against men who believe they are above the law and to humble them on purpose. Art and creating gave me a space to process the emotions. The emotions from the event created a burning fire of pieces I must create. The denim within the pieces represents being worn down, reused, handed down, and being frugal. The incorporation of acrylic paint is to differentiate the luxurious medium from the struggle of denim. The fabric used in the pieces is only from locally sourced second-hand denim jeans. The jeans draw attention to feelings of strength despite the distress placed on them. The repetitive usage of the denim pants accepts the feeling of being used and tossed aside after a sexual assault. The symbolism of denim helps convey feelings of being assaulted, vulnerable, and broken.
The #MeToo movement guided the Denim Collection to show the contrast between what it is like to "build a bridge and get over it" and the luxurious life that was lived prior to the trauma. The point of having denim incorporations is to allow for depth of emotion and to show how, when sewn back together with clean hemming, strength can emerge. The acrylic paint used guides fantasizing about all the "what ifs?" that come with a life-changing event. The combination of denim and paint empowers SA survivors to see their feelings visually and find a lavish life after processing their memories. The process is used to write the narrative that supports resilience in taking life by the horns. I allow my voice to be heard by speaking out for those who cannot. In alignment, I create art that symbolizes the healing process of being sexually assaulted. The outlet is creating my feelings into a tangible item. I thought my life was over, but it has just begun.
Artist Statement
