UNITY — Former Unity resident, Alix Knowles, continues to grow in popularity and demand. Knowles is a UCHS graduate of 2011, going on to earn a degree from the University of Alberta in 2016.
Knowles has created murals and artwork in a number of notable places in Edmonton including the home of the Edmonton Oilers, Rogers Place. Her background is in graphic design and marketing, starting her career off in 2014. as Lululemon’s infamous “Chalk Chick” with more than 100 chalk art creations in their stores across North America. She quickly transitioned into a professional muralist.
“I received an email saying that they had seen my portfolio online and wanted to inquire about creating a floral mural for a hotel in the Flower District in Chelsea, New York City.”
The work entailed painting two, 22 by eight-foot hand-painted murals at the Cambria Hotel located in New York City. Being located in the centre of Chelsea's iconic Flower District in New York City the client requested the mural compliment the flower-filled street and include flowers, bees and that the artwork bring beauty and positivity to the already blooming district. The rest was left to Knowles’ creative freedom.
Knowles says, “It took about two weeks of long days. I was rained out a few days as well.”
Knowles said she has not only travelled to New York City for her work but has also worked in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana.
When asked about some of the highlight places and spaces she has created, Knowles responds saying, “I value all my clients and projects that I have worked on but on a local aspect painting places such as Manchester Square and Columbia Plaza in Edmonton was an eye-opening experience. Both these murals are located on a popular walking/biking path and people were able to see the daily mural progress. It meant a lot to hear how much people appreciated the artwork enhancing and beautifying the space. One of the murals I created at Manchester Square, ‘The Floral Wall,’ has become a very popular photo spot, it has been wild to see how everyone interacts with it, captures it and travels from afar to see it.
“All of my international projects have been very special in their own unique form. Getting my first job internationally in Lexington, Kentucky was a very momentous moment in my career. It had been a goal of mine to get a mural job down in the States and for my first one to be painting the exterior and interior of a boutique hotel (Elwood Hotel and Suites) was beyond what I imagined.”
Knowles said she also worked with Porsche at the infamous Indianapolis Speed Way creating a 40-foot, 3D chalk art installation which she describes as a crazy experience of its own, creating art in the middle of an elevated Porsche race event.
“My most recent international mural job in New York City felt surreal. From the client contacting me to finishing the mural, it all happened in a matter of few weeks. New York City was a special one to add to the list as it’s seen as a global centre for arts and culture. I got to paint in the Floral District in Chelsea, where the wholesale flowers are sold so flowers line the sidewalk up and down the street. Where I was painting was right next to the sidewalk, so I had a lot of positive interactions and comments from people passing by and coming and going from the hotel. In a city filled with art, it was very special for my artwork to still stand out to people and catch their attention. “
Knowles said her parents, Judy, and Cliff, flew down to see her when she was finishing up the mural.
“I actually got to paint with my mom for a few days, which is such a meaningful memory that I will cherish the rest of my life. “
The variety of clients she gets to work with in order to create the best type of art for their space, community and business is an aspect Knowles loves most about her job.
“I also love the range of creativity I get to explore and that no two walls are the same. I love the ability to travel for work as well as experience new places and communities. Leaving a piece of my art in different cities for others to enjoy is a cool feeling.”
The artist attributes her success to hard work, a great support system and not waiting for opportunities but seeking them.
The majority of Knowles’ artwork is done alone but on bigger projects, she sometimes has a few helping hands.
When asked about mentors Knowles was quick to acknowledge her parents for all the support and love they have shown. She also adds appreciation and praise for all bosses she has had over the years, which have helped shape how she runs her company now.
“All points before having led me to where I am now. I love that I was born and raised in a small town; it defiantly shaped the person I am now. The opportunities are endless for where I can take my career and I feel very grateful to be where I am. Looking back it feels slow yet quick that this has all happened. “
Knowles says jobs she is commissioned for are a mixture of both client referrals and marketing by her web designer, Giselle Boehm.
“She does a great job of making sure my work is seen on the internet.”
Many clients see Knowles’ murals in person which result in calls and emails from that aspect as well.
Knowles recently unveiled another exciting project she is part of. The Flora collection is a footwear collaboration between Kuntiz Shoes and three Edmonton-based women artists.
Their website says, “Alixandra Jade is a prominent Edmonton-based muralist and painter. With murals in highly visible spots around YEG (Central Social Hall or Manchester Square), Alixandra’s floral and geometric motifs are instantly recognizable. For the Kunitz Shoes YEG Flora collection, Alixandra focused on one of her trademark mural elements: the peony. The outcome is a beautiful representation of a common flower in various stages of bloom. The project was a fun challenge for Alixandra, as her usual canvas is measured in metres instead of millimetres.”
“Moving from macro to micro really only help to focus in on the most beautiful aspects of the peony,” Knowles says.
