Alyson Denny captures the delicate and violent creatures of the sea in her series Jellyfish Series. The strange and beautiful creatures of the ocean feel as though they are being examined under a microscope revealing every nuance in shade, color, and subtlety of light.
Why did you decide to pursue your artistic practice on the East Coast?
I grew up in the DC area, and visited New York City often, because my parents loved it and my dad was an art historian. I must have gotten the bug, because I just always wanted to move here.
Why not Los Angeles?
I think California would be great, too. But since I’ve always loved New York and have family and friends around here, there’s been no reason to leave.
What do you find most distracting about your urban environment?
Alyson Denny captures the delicate and violent creatures of the sea in her series “Jellyfish Series.” The strange and beautiful creatures of the ocean feel as though they are being examined under a microscope revealing every nuance in shade, color, and subtlety of light.
On a purely physical level, New York City can be very loud and dirty and an assault on the system. I’ve been lucky to be able to balance city time with a fair bit of country time on Long Island and in Upstate New York. But most distracting is the bottomless pit of social and cultural events you want to attend.
What do you feel is unique to your city?
New York has an unbridled enthusiasm for art and culture, and there is a very strong history of caring about art in this city.
What do you find most appealing about Los Angeles?
It’s warmer! Also, since I work primarily with light, I find myself attracted to a lot of West Coast art with its sense of light and space.
What artists have influenced your practice the most?
No single one comes to mind- but certainly Sol LeWitt for his systems- based approach to art making and his sense of humor, Jackson Pollock for his raw expression of energy, and John Cage for his ideas of working with chance.
Images courtesy of the artist
THE 20+20 PHOTOGRAPHY ISSUE
Alyson Denny is featured within Installation Magazine’s special 20+20 Photography Issue, which highlighted 20 Los Angeles and 20 New York City photographers. Download the full issue on your iPad and iPhone.