Trolls
Alex Nichols
2024
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Alex Nichols is a free-style weaver who creates themed weavings inspired by Pop Culture (Pokémon, Marvel, Disney), and Nature (Animals, Ocean, Forest).
Using a Saori loom and hand weaving techniques, Alex creates wild and free wall hangings mixing textures and vibrant colors, using yarn and unconventional materials such as clothing, beads, buttons, shells, charms, jewelry, and toys. Strings are left unfinished, tufts of roving are stuffed in, and items dangle to create an impressionist piece that delights viewers when they discover an unexpected item.
Alex is a San Diego artist with autism who expresses himself through weaving and painting. He is also an artist in residence at Revision.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Inspired by the hit movie series Trolls by DreamWorks Animation, Alex created a freestyle weaving using yarn. This is part of a series of weavings created by Alex Nichols to showcase his favorite aspects of Pop Culture.
Using unconventional materials is my signature, and I love coming up with new themes. I am a San Diego artist with autism, and I express myself through weaving and painting.
I created my first “memory weaving” when my grandfather passed away. I gathered his favorite ties, belts, shirts, sweaters, and a fabric butterfly. I wove them into a weaving with his favorite colors to honor him. It was a very emotional weaving for me. This started me on a path of creating other memory weavings and themed weavings, like one evoking Hawaii for a homesick lady, school supplies for a teacher, antique jewelry for a collector, and a wedding theme that featured items from the couple. I did two for sisters whose father had passed away. Their father loved Yosemite, so I used his flannel shirts, national park patches, and Doberman dog ornaments as well as sticks and pinecones. It was scary cutting up someone’s loved one’s possessions, but I am glad I did it because it made them so happy.
I am currently an artist-in-residence at Revision Art Project.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES
Beads, Trolls toy keychains, roving plastic, and strips of clothing.
Freestyle weaving using yarn.