Artist Spotlight: Alexandra Cook
Every month, we highlight one of the amazing artists in our reuse community.
This month, ACR has the privilege of spotlighting Alexandra Cook, an Austin-based illustrator and jewelry artist. She used recycled materials sourced from ACR in the illustrations of her most recent children’s book, Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale, which centers around environmental themes, gentle activism, and colorful mixed-media illustrations for young readers. It was important to her that a book rooted in environmental themes also reflect those values in the way it was created, which is why she turned to ACR for her illustration materials! We’re thrilled to see reuse materials used to inspire the next generation to be kinder to our shared planet!
Learn more about Alexandra and how she finds creative joy in the process of reuse in the following interview.
When did you learn illustration and how did you start illustrating using recycled materials?
I started illustrating very young with traditional media. Paint, pencil, charcoal, anything physical I could get my hands on. I moved into digital as I got older, and mostly focused on that while getting a bachelor’s degree in illustration at SCAD. But for my second children’s book, Arctic Adventure: A Tundra Tale, I returned to my roots and blended digital and traditional techniques. I wanted the book to have real-world textures and materials because it’s grounded in nature and environmental themes. Over a year ago, I found a huge stash of recycled paper at Austin Creative Reuse, and those materials became the backbone of the book, giving it an authentic feel and reinforcing its environmental messaging.
Do you have other creative hobbies?
Absolutely! I believe creatives need multiple outlets. When I’m not illustrating, I make jewelry. The jewelry fabrication scene in Austin has been a huge source of inspiration and has influenced my approach to materials, texture, and sustainability.
Which aspect of creating is your favorite?
Sharing my work with younger generations. Their enthusiasm and curiosity is unmatched. I had artists I admired as a child, so it’s meaningful to be that source of inspiration for new artists and creatives.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m inspired by texture, shape, color, animals, and nature. I also love seeing the creative process of other artists and how they overcome obstacles in their work.
What is your preferred way to engage with your audience?
I love in-person events! Readings and school visits are super fun. I also enjoy connecting online and sharing more of my process through social media.
How does reuse play a part in your creativity?
Reuse is becoming increasingly important to me, and I think finding and repurposing will help shape the look and feel of my work moving forward. But not only is reuse a great way to be sustainability-minded, it’s also a really fun way to play with the creative process. Walking through the aisles feels a bit like an artist scavenger hunt. Sometimes I find something unexpected and cool that becomes a big part of the finished piece.
Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?
Yes, a simple set of colored paper I bought for maybe a dollar. That paper was used on every single page of the book. I still love its texture and will continue to use it as a base for all of my future pieces.
Where can we find out more about your work?