ali sabin’s ipullprints

There are those who may deem 800 square feet of living/studio space a hindrance, especially when shared with another artist and three Jack-Russell puppies. Now, I can’t necessarily speak for my co-inhabitants but, from my perspective, it’s bliss. I’m Ali Sabin of IPullPrints in Athens, GA. I make small, bite-sized block prints inspired loosely by ads from olden days from within a tiny asbestos cottage (it hasn’t seemed nearly as caustic as some may suspect, but I suppose time will tell…). Nearly every nook of our home serves a print-friendly purpose, from the Wash Station (our bathroom) to the Drying Zone (the kitchen, streamed with garlands of colorful block-prints); even the pups have graciously donated space for creative purposes, as their room is filled with catalogs of neatly organized and packaged prints. Outside, we have ripped up our lawn for a place to grow bundles of neighborhood veggies and to draw. Our den has given way to a more-than-sufficient carving/inking area, complete with a gigantic cafeteria-style work table, holding antique mason jars bubbling with knives, brushes and other assorted and sundry items. I’ve peppered in a few handmade Mexican bowls for holding lovely little bits of twine or marbles that I may find here and there, along with the occasional odd insect shell or blue-bird feather. While these extraneous pieces may take up much needed space, I find that working alongside old artisans’ wears and natural elements inspires ideas. I’m truly captivated by even the smallest of things and, while I would love to have the capacity to always reflect inward for inspiration, am grateful that I, instead, can find intrigue in my surroundings. Now, if I can just keep the puppies from eating said inspirational bugs… -Ali Sabin