Meet Alex Long | Master of Fine Arts Printmaking Candidate at Ohio University

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, why did you pursue a creative career?
I believe that much of our day in and day out thinking revolves around a creative mindset. We may not notice but this creative thinking process helps us problem solve as well as bring a different vibrancy to our lives. I grew up surrounded by studio artists and although I tried to avoid the artistic career path for a period of time I am incredibly inspired by the passionate and community centered environment found in many creative careers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently entering my third and final year of graduate school as I am pursuing my MFA in Printmaking and working towards my upcoming thesis show. As of late I am most excited about the potential that artwork brings to meet new people and form new relationships. Recently, my work has been focused on the opportunity for human connection that exists around dining settings whether conversations be pleasant or full of backhanded remarks. I am inspired by my Mississippi upbringing where drinking and eating together is life’s central focus and both the most important and most uncomfortable conversations are happening around the kitchen table. I primarily utilize photolithography and screenprinting methods to create printed artworks and installations. These printing methods allow me to showcase my photographs and illustrations together to create collaged and large-scale artworks.

I feel incredibly fortunate in the community that has been provided for me in my graduate cohort and the support that many of these people bring. I am simultaneously excited and terrified at the thought of entering the job market as I know it will bring new people, opportunities, and lessons. When things have been most difficult for me in my academic journey, I try to continue to listen to those around me, soaking in their feedback and advice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Athens, OH is a quaint little town that is at its most fun during the summer when things are a bit quieter with the majority of the students gone. When the weather is warm one of my favorite activities is to spend time at Strouds Run Lake where they have a beach front and option to rent pontoons, canoes, and a few other fun things. Ciderhouse, my favorite bar, has great outdoor seating and is perfect to hang out with friends. When my partner and I really feel like treating ourselves our favorite restaurant in town is Salaam where we always get their hummus.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by MFA graduate students due to my father’s role as a ceramic professor. Both of my parents worked hard to create a strong sense of community within the program. This led to many gatherings, potlucks, and wood firings being hosted at my parents’ home where I had the fortunate opportunity to talk and listen to these graduate students from a young age. Sarah Teasley, a former student, quickly inspired me with her sense of humor and genuine demeanor. Teasley spent the time to listen to my childlike ideas, thoughts, and fascinations with the world, treating them with a level of respect that I am incredibly thankful for. Her friendship and mentorship have left a lasting impact on my artistic journey and academic pursuits. Due to my parent’s pursuit in creating a strong community and Teasley’s willingness to listen to me, offering wisdom through her own stories and experiences, I saw the way human connections may be formed in the artistic community.

Website: https://aelong.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @alexelongg

Other: email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Personal / Profile photo taken by Aneek Mustafa Anwar