Born in New York in 1973, Allison lived on Long Island until attending college from 1991-1995 at Fairfield University in Connecticut, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Early explorations in art started with drawing and painting as a child, and evolved during college, when enrolled in printmaking classes. Although her interest in art and science began by perceiving them separately, printmaking enabled the ability to incorporate the two fields. The painterly quality of inks making tangible marks on paper, combined with the use of acids to etch markings into copper plates, provided the perfect balance and formed a symbiotic relationship between the two.
Following this period, Allison briefly lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was inspired by the architecture of the bridges and city. There she started pursuing photography, and found a hidden passion. Primarily being self taught in this field, then moved back to NY and took several courses in photography at the School of Visual Art in Manhattan. She continued to live in Brooklyn for over 20 years, further developing this interest, working as a freelance photographer, all the while making a living and developing her other calling as a critical care Registered Nurse. Photography provided a way to reflect life in art, while retaining the balance between art and science. By using different film emulsions, lighting situations, and processing chemicals, the intention of photos could be altered, similar to how outcomes in life differ depending on what choices one makes.
Along with photography, other areas of art explored over the years were advertising, band photography, and developing a home organization and design company. Despite all this, photography remained the primary passion. Her photos have reflected topics such as iconography, nature, environment, and toys. They explore time in relation to person and place. By redefining ideas about life versus death, and animate versus inanimate, uncovering that often these distinctions are unclear. Through the use of saturated colors and macro focus, inanimate objects are personified, imparting life where there once was none. Grainy muted tones displace time by enabling the viewer to visit a distorted yet somehow familiar place, and show waning life through decay in objects, places, and nature. Working cohesively or independently, the photos interpret a cycle of life, death, and the passage in between.
Moving back to Fairfield Connecticut 3 years ago during the height of the coronavirus crisis, as a critical care nurse, this was a very challenging time. This further increased the appreciation for art and the fragility of life. Allison’s most recent photographic explorations are in digital photography, and focus on place, and the importance of realizing your surroundings in the day to day. The beauty of just being present, aware, and thankful. While still maintaining an ethereal feel, the colors are slightly distorted to accentuate the familiarity of the subject, yet peaking the interest of the viewer by capturing the essence of what draws you into the object or moment.
CT
