Alyson Fox is hard to pin down. As soon as you give her a title, it doesn't seem like enough. She designs and makes art, jewelry, illustration, fashion, fabrics, rugs and photographs, among other things. She and her husband, Derek Dollahite, live and work together in a house they helped build themselves, outside of Austin, Texas.
Photo: My studio with the best studio mate always by my side.
What was your pivot point?
I feel like I am always having pivot points along the way that keep guiding me. I spend a lot of time asking questions and then every now and then I get an answer. With each project I complete, I take away some sort of growth which helps inform me for my next thing. My first ah-ha moment was when I made my first pattern for a friend to use as wallpaper. It opened the flood gates. Now I am just trying to keep up with all the random things that motivate me and keep me up at night.
Photo: A corner of my studio.
Where's your soul space?
Currently our home. I feel grounded here and love that my husband and I designed and helped build it. We live outside of the city on some land, and the open space really speaks to me right now. I have a very overactive mind, so the quiet helps balance that some. Japan really spoke to me when I visited last year. Aesthetically and culturally. Particularly Naoshima Island. Iceland, Chile and Portugal are all calling me hard core. They are on the top of the travel goals list.
Photo: A newer painting/drawing.
What's the one piece of advice you'd give someone going through their own transformation?
Change is good, hard and necessary. Be kind to yourself is the one thing that I have to always remind myself. It helps you get through most things. Life is not easy but it can be very rewarding. Focus on patting yourself on the back more. Tough love is important too when you are doing your own thing, but I think in general people are really hard on themselves and sometimes that closes doors.
Photo: Current moodboard.
Are you following the path of a trailblazer or being guided by a mentor?
Both. I"m inspired by so many people in my field and way out of my filed. There are so many talented and brave people doing thoughtful, beautiful and helpful work. They give me strength to keep blazing ahead. My main mentor is my husband. He helps refine all that I do, keeps me laughing, curios and honestly makes it all possible with his selflessness.
Photo: About to launch collection 2 clothing line.
If you could do anything in the world, what would you do next?
Start a company/project with my husband (we are just now starting to lay the foundation work for some ideas) and then spend more time together traveling, making, cooking and helping people.
