Life & Work with Alyssa Book

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Book.

Hi Alyssa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
During the pandemic, it seemed that there was an influx of art workshops being offered…specifically rug tufting workshops. I was struggling with Postpartum Depression (and the Pandemic Funk) when my friend and fellow artist talked me into taking a tufting workshop.

What we thought would be a fun girls’ night turned into a life-changing evening for me. Rug Tufting became my medicine and my outlet. I went from being a version of myself no one recognized to becoming a strong, whole, confident, and much happier version of myself.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I didn’t grow up in a household where “artist” was an acceptable career choice. I did, however, grow up in a household where you were encouraged to walk through the doors that open in front of you. While many things “fall into place” and give me reassurance that I am walking on the correct path, it is not without overcoming fears of failing, imposter syndrome, and a lot of hard work.

I’d be lying to you if I said I know 100% what my voice is as an artist, but I’m not entirely sure any artist is 100% sure. What I am sure of is that the moments I work the hardest to overcome hurdles are the moments I am the proudest of myself. Nothing worthwhile has an easy road, right?

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Cuban-American fiber artist. After a battle with postpartum depression, fiber arts became a rebellious yet healing outlet for me. Using rug tufting techniques, I create one-of-a-kind pieces of touchable art. My style focuses on the use of bold lines and bright colors to awaken joy within our inner child. Inspired by the Woodstock era and the healing properties of color, I create works of art out of yarn that induce feelings of joy from the inside out.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have been extremely lucky. I am lucky that I get to be an artist. I am lucky that I have had the opportunity to work with and meet other incredible artists. I am lucky that I have a friend who cares enough about my mental health to get me out of the house and back into art. But the successes of Tufty Rugs, while they may seem like the work of luck, were not all without an immense amount of effort. Doors don’t open on their own, someone has to put in the work.

Contact Info:

• Website: tuftyrugs.com
• Instagram: @wearetufty
• TikTok: @wearetufty