ARTIST PROFILE -- Rusty Sox and Titanic Alley

Love that paisley!

JASPER: When did you first begin to pursue visual art? Where and when did you train, or are you self-taught?

SOX: I decided to experiment with making bow ties in 2013. I was craving a creative pursuit that combined my love of thrift store shopping and fashion. I decided to use cast-away garments to upcycle into new wearable art in the form of bow ties. I bought an inexpensive sewing machine and made some patterns from old, deconstructed ties. I taught myself how to sew and how to make ties.

 

JASPER: What mediums in visual arts do you typically use and why? 

SOX: I use vintage and recycled fabrics, mostly acquired from area thrift stores.

 

JASPER: Where do you work now and where do you show your work? 

SOX: I have a studio at home. I primarily show and sell at local craft shows and through my web site www.titanicalley.com. 

I was included in the 2015  “Carolina Makers” exhibition at the South Carolina State Museum and was runner-up to “Best in Show” at the 2017 Crafty Feast.

 

JASPER: Who have been your greatest influences as an artist? 

SOX: I am inspired by the creations and philosophies of the early 20th Century Arts and Crafts movement and by the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Locally, I was inspired by the late “Refashionista” Jillian Owens who demonstrated how cast-off clothes could become beautiful and useful again.

 

JASPER: What do you feel makes your art unique? 

SOX: I think the recycled nature of my materials, as well as the contrast of colors and textures in many of my bow ties makes my pieces unique.

 

JASPER: Who is your favorite SC-based visual artist and why? 

SOX: I am admittedly biased, but I am a big fan of ceramic artist Paul Moore. I think his work is beautiful and the way he captures the South Carolina landscape in clay is inspiring. I am lucky to share my life with such a great artist and great human being.

 

JASPER: What are you working on now, will we get to see it, and if so, where, and when? 

SOX: I am always working on new ties, but I am terrible about updating my website. I promise to try and do better! I am available for private appointments and custom work as well.

FIND RUSTY SOX AT THE COTTONTOWN ART CRAWL, BOOTH 41 AT 2231 WALLACE STREET, AT THE COTTONTOWN ARTS CRAWL ON SATURDAY MARCH 12TH FROM 10-3