Artists ~ Alex King ~ Providence

Artist’s name: Alex King
Business name: fresh grammar
Location: Providence, RI
Etsy shop: freshgrammar.etsy.com
Website: freshgrammar.com (redirects to Etsy store)
Twitter: @freshgrammar
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freshgrammar
Pinterest: pinterest.com/freshgrammar/


1. Tell us about your work
I'm a graduate student at Brown, so my work is actually a way for me to vent creatively. I study philosophy, so there's not much in the way of handcrafting. It's the perfect counterpoint, and I love to create tangible objects and use them to connect with other people.

2. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter?
I actually started by making a few small things for myself, thinking that I could do a better job than what I saw in shops, and really wanting to get things just the way I liked. A few friends saw the jewelry I was making and their encouragement got me started! I'm still working day by day to improve my items and shop, and I'm really looking forward to this holiday season!

image: etsy

3. Where do you draw your inspiration?
First and foremost, I draw inspiration from architecture and design. But I also studied math in college and worked at a flower shop, so I get a lot of inspiration from the way geometric and organic forms come together. (Karl Blossfeldt = LOVE.)

4. What’s your favorite item to make?
It's impossible to pick a favorite item... my favorites are usually the one-of-a-kind items I make. Right now, I like the black wooden pyramid necklace. I only had a limited supply of these pieces, and I had to keep one for myself!

image: etsy

5. What’s your best seller?
Definitely the double-finger chain ring! Last holiday season, those were a super hit, so I made some variations for this year with two and three chains - they look totally awesome! (Again, I have a few of these for myself. ;))

image: etsy

6. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
I've been here for just over four years now. I love it. When I found out I was moving here, I told my best friend back home. I said, "It's the Ocean State!" and she said, "Why don't they just call it the Smallest State?!" Of course I told her that size doesn't always matter, it's the size of the {heart}, right??? And RI definitely has a *huge* heart. :)

7. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
It's cozy and very laid-back. The people are super friendly and happy. It also has beautiful parks and forests and the sweetest, quaintest towns ever! But I also really love Providence. It's got a great young adult culture - it's super hip and there are amazing local shops and restaurants everywhere! (You can find my stuff in person at Queen of Hearts/Modern Love on Westminster!)

8. Please include anything else you’d like to add:
I was sort of dreading coming to RI back in the day, but now that I'm here, I'm dreading the day when I may have to leave! It's a great state, and I'm proud to say I heart Rhody, too. :)