Alfie Fox
Artistic Approach and Process
Alfie Fox’s journey into the world of art began at an early age, driven by a unique need to communicate due to severe speech and language difficulties. Inspired by his sister's studies in film at Leeds Metropolitan University, Alfie found filmmaking and photography to be accessible ways to express himself. He discovered a passion for these mediums and decided to pursue them as a career. His creative process is often motivated by the need to address barriers he faces in daily life, particularly around access due to his physical and visual impairments. One of his recent projects, funded by the Arts Council, involved installing cloaks outside museums in Leeds to start conversations about access to culture for disabled people. His favourite mediums are film, photography, and printmaking, particularly digitally manipulated photography, as they best represent his artistic voice.
Artistic Background
Alfie’s formal art education was hindered by the limitations of his special school and college, where no qualifications or career opportunities in art were available. However, a pivotal moment in his journey came in 2018 when he won the Overall Gold Award at the Unique Art Awards, giving him the confidence to pursue a career in art. This recognition propelled him to continue working on projects that explore access and disability.
Inspirations and Themes
The primary theme that runs through Alfie’s work is access, reflecting his own challenges with physical and visual impairments. His projects often seek to address issues related to accessibility, particularly for disabled people. This theme is evident in works such as his Arts Council-funded cloaks project and his documentary films. His favourite artists include Vincent Van Gogh, known for his use of colour and brushwork, and photographers Ernest Withers and Paul Strand, whose black-and-white contrasts resonate with Alfie’s own photographic style.
Emerging Artist Awards Experience and Working with SCAF
Alfie’s involvement with the Emerging Artist Awards came during the 2020 lockdown, a time that allowed him to dedicate himself to creating work for the awards. The piece he submitted was a collage inspired by his use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC) devices. He recorded sound waves from his AAC device and transferred them onto his artwork with the help of support workers. Participating in the awards gave him newfound confidence and opened several doors, including successful applications for Arts Council funding and representation on the Youth Arts Council. Working with SCAF allowed Alfie to explore different media and techniques, further enriching his practice.
Post-Emerging Artist Awards
Since participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, Alfie has continued to make significant strides in his career. His work with Pyramid of Arts in Leeds has led to successful research collaborations on access to art in higher education, with his documentaries screened at venues such as Hyde Park Picture House. He has also participated in international exchanges, including a workshop with KCAT in Kilkenny, Ireland, and a visit to the Royal Academy in London. Alfie’s commitment to highlighting accessibility for disabled artists has remained central to his work, evidenced by his involvement in projects like the “Shush Snip Rip” exhibition in York and his ongoing research.
Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions
Looking ahead, Alfie is excited to continue making a mark in the art world, with future plans to showcase his work at film festivals, including the Leeds International Film Festival and the Oscar Bright Film Festival. He is currently working on a documentary about Pyramid of Arts. His ultimate goal remains clear: to keep highlighting access in art for people with disabilities, and more importantly, with learning disabilities. Alfie is passionate about advocating for accessible studios, galleries, and information to ensure that the art world becomes more inclusive for all.
