Alice Woods’ work explores the management of pleasure seeking, behaviours towards indulgence and the dichotomy between long-term and short-term gratification. A multidisciplinary artist, Woods’ research-led practice regularly transforms into sculptural, written and participatory outcomes. She examines prevailing social and economic conditions as a basis for producing work, unpicking the complex relationships between the powerful and the powerless.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
Conceptual art of the 1960s and 70s.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
The great thing about art is that you are always making it. Even if I'm not physically in the studio I'm always still thinking about ideas and mulling over any problems that need solving.
So in answer to your question ... I would say I go everywhere all the time to make my best work ...!
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
My process is very research led initially. I tend to become consumed by one idea or subject and learn about it in every way that I can, and through doing that I come to visual ideas for art. Active research leads to the production of objects, those objects are made and problems of materiality are solved along the way, and communication and exchange with artists and audiences leads me back to further questions ... and so the cycle continues.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
Allen Jones, his figurative sculptural work is so vulgar but in an excusable way. (Also Sol Le Witt, Hans Haacke, Cornelia Parker, Rachel Whiteread, Wim Delvoye & Theaster Gates to name a few!).
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I would probably be a classical musician (which is what I was before I went to art school!)
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
Lana Del Rey & Chopin's Piano Nocturnes for music ... and documentaries on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service.
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
Hatstand, Table and Chair by Allen Jones or Cat on a Clothesline by Jeff Koons.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
The Boros Collection, Berlin.
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Self-motivation is key. Be persistent, have a vision, and believe in yourself.
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non-fiction)?
An Evil Cradling, by Brian Keenan ... or if I'm allowed a script then The Birthday Party by Harold Pinter.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
At the bottom of the ocean.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
There is no secret to success, it's just good old hard work.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
In my studio, listening to the radio, making work, maybe a big public commission :)
