Alicia

was photographed by Clayton Hauck
at See You Soon during a Keep it 100 session on April 17, 2025

Interviewed on location and edited by Clayton Hauck

“I was staring at the same four walls and realized there was nothing holding me back from switching things up.”

Alicia’s Playlist:

“staring @ the ceiling”

How are you feeling today, Alicia?

I’m feeling great. I took the day off to spend it with you, and it’s been a really good afternoon so far.

Dang, you took the whole day off for me? I feel special!

Yes, and after this I’m going to check out The WasteShed right across the street! I love their concept of recycled art supplies; pretty sweet.

I’m curious from your perspective—having done the setup now—what were your expectations going into it, and how did it live up to them?

My friends can attest that when I’m asked to take photos, I get really nervous and clam up. When I was looking at options around the city and came across the ten-minute option, I thought, honestly, this is the way that I need to go. Knowing it’s such a short amount of time keeps you from getting in your head. On top of that, you do a really good job of making people feel comfortable.

Thank you. Let’s not make this interview about me—let’s make it about you. What brought you to Chicago?

I moved here from Columbus, Ohio during COVID. I was staring at the same four walls and realized there was nothing holding me back from switching things up. I moved here with a friend, and I didn’t put a timeframe on it.

When I first moved here in October of 2020, vaccines weren’t a thing yet—everyone was masked, outdoor dining only—so it was a really interesting introduction to Chicago. But I’m so glad I stayed. The pandemic was kind of a gateway for me to change things up.

I want to talk more about Chicago later, but first—painting. This is new for you, right? Or have you done art before?

I painted all throughout high school. My first major in college was architecture, which had a lot of art prerequisites, but I ended up switching majors and put art down for about ten years.

When COVID picked up, I got back into watercolor and realized how relaxing and joyful it was. From there, I moved into really big pieces of art. My first big piece, I decided to paint shadow—the way light was casting a shadow on my wall. I painted that and hung it in my bedroom, which gets no natural light, because as you know, Chicago has some tight rooms.

That was my first big piece that I did and I was super proud and happy with it. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with different mediums. Right now, I’m working on ink on raw canvas. It’s just something to look forward to. I try not to stress about the process—anyone can be an artist. It’s really about doing what makes you feel good.

🐸

Do you see it strictly as a hobby, or do you ever want to monetize it?

Hobby only. My limit is giving pieces to friends as presents, and keep it fun and playing around always. Shout out to one of my favorite creators Rachael Renae. She’s helped me reframe how I life day to day. Play is important as adults, and I don’t think we do enough of it. You’re the creative director of your own life! Play is the cure for overwhelm. Creativity keeps you confident, curious, connected to yourself and all the people around you.

That’s how you live a big, juicy life.

So aside from art, how are you spending your time?

Bocce ball. I play a couple times a week with American Bocce Company. Would recommend to anyone looking for an amazing local community—drink in hand!

Last time I did this, there was someone (Teddy) who played shuffleboard…

Yeah! We’re kind of like sisters; I’m assuming Royal Palms?

Yep.

Yeah, we are in cahoots with them. We will trade leagues—people go back and forth. We both kind of aspire to be like each other.

What’s something about Chicago that makes you happy to call it home?

I've always lived in the midwest, but this is the first time I've felt represented by local leadership (as a whole), now more than ever. We care for each other, and that makes me genuinely proud to call Chicago home.

Go-to restaurant and what’s the order?

George's Hot Dogs in Bucktown - forever ordering their Gyro salad. No notes.

Is there an under-the-radar obsession you have of late?

A sound bath experience with Davin Youngs. I hadn’t really heard of a sound bath before, but it ended up being quite emotional and healing. Definitely check him out.

I started this project partially in response to my concern around ai. Do you think ai will be a net positive for society or no?

Okay so, I definitely used Chat GPT when it first came out, but lately I avoid it at all costs. I heard they're adding advertisements into Chat GPT which sounds exactly like one of my favorite episodes of Black Mirror (S7E1 "Common People"). I'm sure ai can be used for lots of good things too. But it's becoming harder to tell what's real, and to me that's all by design. It all just kinda makes me sick. IMHO, we're doomed but hoping to be wrong!

What makes you excited to be alive?

I recently won some tickets to my first Insane Clown Posse show and I happily got sprayed with Faygo. Wildly, joyfully alive.

What’s it like having hundreds of photos made of you in just a few short minutes??

A little wild, but you make it fun.

Any final things you’d like to shout out?

Creative Mornings! My dear friend Odun is the is the amazing monthly host. That, and Flake Michigan is my favorite local band.

I love it. Thank you for your time.

Thank you—that was fun.