My practice is an expression of personal experiences, conveyed in my most comfortable way of communicating.
I am currently interested in sharing my story, thoughts and feelings through objects that I feel comfortable communicating with. I am interested in the relationship that these objects have with one another and how they make each other stronger.
— Alex Youkanna
Bio
Having grown up to immigrant parents, I have been exposed to many languages. I consider speaking through images or objects to be the most significant language for me. Looking back on the past I found the time that I’ve spent in the studio the most important. Here I am able to be me. I can create a story, stimulate a conversation and try to connect with anyone. I have noticed that there are no judgments, just acceptance and understandings of different beings bringing knowledge to any that desire to learn.
I studied at Western Michigan University to obtain my bachelors degree in photography and intermedia. After that I spent years working as a graphic designer/art director. Then from 2016-2018 I studied under Anders Ruhwald and Ian McDonald among other artists to obtain my Masters in Fine Arts in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
I still reside just outside of Detroit with plans of moving into the city soon. Currently I am working in my studio based in Royal Oak, MI, making new work for a solo show in 2019 as an emerging artist.
— Alex Youkanna