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.