Meet Alyssa Baker | Printmaker & Student

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

Hi Alyssa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Throughout my life, art has always been a significant passion of mine. Whether it was my parents taking my sister and I to museums or pausing our TV shows to draw cartoon characters, creativity was a constant presence. However, art was never presented to me as a viable career path, so I naturally leaned towards my other interests in math and science, eventually planning to attend medical school after high school.

During junior high and high school, I continued to integrate art into my studies, often creating anatomical illustrations, though I still viewed art primarily as a hobby. As high school ended, I was accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s Neuroscience program. It was during my first year of college that I realized, despite my love for neuroscience, a career in medicine was not going to be fulfilling for me.

With guidance from my parents, I shifted my focus and was accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP Fine Arts program. From the moment I began my art classes, I knew I had found my true home. I have never felt so seen or accepted in an academic setting. Now, four years later, I am proud to say that I have continued to fall more and more in love with this field of work. I have had the opportunity to take classes in multiple disciplines and discover a deep love for printmaking. Through my artistic endeavors I have been able to feel so incredibly fulfilled. I have met so many incredible community members, and I have had the chance to see the genuine change that my creativity has made.

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.
My art is a testament to my identity as a queer person and the profound influence of queerness on my experience in this world. Inspired by tattoo culture and the intricate beauty of nature, my work delves into the complexities of human interactions, relationships, and emotions.

Humor and familiarity are essential sources of my artistic expression. I combine communal human experiences and satirical comedy in my practice to break down barriers and facilitate conversations about challenging and often politically charged topics. Through my work, I strive to create a sense of connection and shared understanding, using relatable imagery and witty commentary to engage viewers in meaningful dialogues. By infusing humor into my pieces, I aim to disarm prejudices and stereotypes, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and biases in a confronting light.

My art serves as a platform for celebrating queerness, fostering empathy, and provoking critical thought. It explores the complexity of human interactions, embracing the quirks and nuances that make each of us unique while revealing the similarities we often overlook. Through humor and familiarity, I hope to challenge preconceived notions and promote inclusivity, demonstrating that art can be a powerful catalyst for change and understanding in an ever-evolving world.

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.
I would take my friend to Lost and Found for creative cocktails, DSN CLLCTV for a great gallery show, Mr. Gene’s Dog House for the best hot dogs in the city, and a fabulous dinner at Alfio’s Buon Cibo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Matt Grote (mentor through non-profit mural organization), Stephanie Berrie (Printmaking Adjunct Prof. at University of Cincinnati & Artist), and Neil Daigle Orians (Head of Printmaking/Printmaking Prof. at University of Cincinnati & Artist)

Website: https://alyssabakerart.squarespace.com

Instagram: alyssabakerart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssabaker25

Image Credits
Dickie Bill Photography