Can you tell us about your journey with the harp? What initially drew you to this instrument, and how has it shaped your artistic path?
The way my mother tells it is that I came to her with the desire to play one of two, The harp, or the tuba. Where on earth I got this idea, I wanted to play the tuba, I have no idea but will be forever grateful my mother suggested I go with the harp.
I do think there has always been something about my hands – something specific about the connection between my hands and heart. The structure of the harp is quite unique in that the soundboard rests on your shoulder as you play, allowing you to feel the vibration of the music deep in your chest. While we often focus on the actions of the fingers when thinking about harpists, it really is a whole-body expression instrument.
Coming from a musical family, I was classically trained, and this exposed me to the highly elevated world of classical music as well as building a solid foundation of technique and musical understanding. After building this framework I was able to experiment with more passionate and dramatic avenues unlike the soft and ethereal sounds you may typically associate with the harp. I do believe embodying the complexity of this instrument trained me to look for beauty everywhere.
You blend music and visual art in such a unique way. How do these different art forms influence each other in your work?
I wish I could say there was an organized method to my madness, but truthfully, I cannot pretend it’s orchestrated by anything other than inspiration. To me, both subjects feel like they are one and the same. Every piece I play is accompanied by powerful imagery in my mind as much as these shoots are executed and shared with the very music that inspired and fueled them into existence in the first place. For me one simply does not exist without the other.
As both a musician and model, storytelling seems central to your art. How do you approach storytelling differently when you’re performing music versus when you’re modeling or creating visual art?
This is an interesting idea to think about, and honestly one I have never really considered. I guess the best answer is body awareness. Anyone who has seen a harpist perform knows it is a visual + audio experience. And while we do practice more visual choreography to accompany performances, when you are truly deep in the zone – or at least when I am- I can’t say I follow planned movements very often. What you see when I play is dictated by the music inside of me whereas what you see when I model is a more focused outside awareness. That being said, there is a powerful moment of surrender that happens during each where a conscious control really doesn’t exist. All the preparation and pre-planned messages or storylines are out of my hands and thrown out to the mercy of the universe.
Your performances are described as “enchanting” and “emotive.” What do you hope audiences feel or experience when they watch you play the harp?
I believe the answer to that is based solely on the lens of the individual experiencing what we create. I think we can all collectively agree that art and music are about evoking emotion. It will never get lost on me that just like flavors, anything I create, even with a specific intention in mind, can inspire a variety of emotions based on who consumes it. I do however hope audiences feel both swept away and deeply understood all at the same time. I believe each of us to our core simply want to be loved. And I hope the emotions evoked, regardless of the flavor of those emotions, are experienced on a solid foundation of deep love.
Do you have any particular themes or messages you aim to convey through your music and modeling? How do these themes connect to your personal beliefs or experiences?
See – Create - Share- All things beautiful. This has been my ethos for some time, and I believe continues to fuel my work as it evolves. I tend to ebb and flow through goals and inspirations and do need an ever flexible platform to grow and evolve as myself. I feel that keeping this idea of connective awareness and commitment to share the things we see and create brings us all together.
With such a strong presence in both the arts and fashion communities, how do you balance your identity as a harpist, visual artist, and model?
The short answer is I don’t. Longer more in depth answer, and I think my saving grace here, is that those identities feel ingrained in me. It’s not necessarily my balance that keeps those going, but something out of my hands entirely. I can’t not. I say saving grace because I don’t know that I feel like I do balance them well at all. That perpetual cycle of feeling like I am both taking on too much while not doing enough is the norm for me. I operate with an assumption that all artists feel this way – maybe – is it just me? Over the years I have continually felt blessed that all these things do seem to come together in beautiful ways in the end. Surely, I have many individuals that have joined me in creating to thank for that.
What is the most rewarding part of being able to inspire others through your multidimensional artistry? Have there been any memorable moments where you felt a deep connection with your audience?
Stepping away from a shoot, or performance, or any artistic event, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude but equally with disbelief. How incredibly lucky I am to be living this life and able to have the opportunities I have had. While I still can’t fully believe what I do actually inspires others, it always seems to be at my most self-questioning moments that I receive a heartfelt message or comment that pulls me out of my own experience and broadens my scope of vision. While there is the undeniable reward of applause or collective reaction to what I do, some of the most intimate moments of tears with friends when sharing a new song and connecting over the lyrics, or the rush of something new coming to me in an unexpected ways and connecting my heart with my hands – typically alone at my harp, have felt by far the most memorable. It’s almost like I can feel the heart strings that connect us all and get to revel in their vibration for a little while.
As an artist based in Utah, do the landscapes or local culture influence your creativity? How does your environment play a role in your work? 100%.
I am incredibly inspired by the diversity of Utah landscapes – and have a magical album in the making based on my favorite places to adventure here. I am insanely fortunate to live in a unique home right up against the mountains and have a literal snow globe view of the seasons here - offering an untapped amount of inspiration.
Equally however, the society here is quite unique. I think you may have to be a Utah county local to really understand that fully – but growing up in a highly religious community tends to inspire either conformity or rebellion. I do believe this is why so many incredible artists have been created here.
You have a very distinctive and unique modeling style. How do you bring your artistic touch into modeling, and what do you think makes your style stand out?
The first thought that comes to my mind reading this is “I’m not a model”. I think there is a very real part of myself that is just playing dress up and healing my inner child. On a larger scale I think what I do comes from a different place – a place that is not necessarily focused on “modeling” but more following my heart. My concepts aren’t based on what’s trending or what needs to be sold, but rather what needs to be SAID.
What challenges have you encountered as a multifaceted artist juggling music, art, and modeling, and how have these experiences helped you grow?
I would say trying to make a living while being true to my heart and time has created challenges over the years. We live in such a fast-paced world these days, and to be successful in any business it seems you also must wear so many hats. I am aware that if I put all my energy towards ONE passion it is very likely I would be much more successful overall – but what measure of success would that be for me personally? I know myself and know that I must nourish all of the facets of myself to be truly joyful. I believe this has kept me not only humble but focused. There's nothing quite like creating out of pure emotion for no other reason than to feed your own souls calling to grow into a better artist.
Are there any other art forms or projects you’re eager to explore in the future, either in music, fashion, or another area?
I haven’t been everywhere or done everything, but it is on the list! As a progressive artist it seems every project is a challenge and new experience allowing the opportunity to build on what I already know and expand my wheelhouse even further. I do have a few new ideas waiting to be created, and the Alexis who will step into those shoes will be ready to learn and embrace new things.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists or models who wish to embrace multiple creative paths as you have?
My advice would be this: Throw out all the rules – everything you’ve been taught/told/conditioned to believe about life, love, success. You are an individual that knows deep down what path to follow better than anyone – your only job is to continually connect with that part of yourself – to listen – and follow your heart. In the grand scheme of things, you either feed what your soul craves, or you compromise and starve those parts of yourself. At some point you must ask yourself what level of conformity can you live with?
I can tell you I struggled in my early adulthood to try and figure out which avenues to focus on and still end the day feeling full and inspired. I bounced all over the place giving my all to one thing for a period and another thing after and so on. While I did find some joy in each thing, and admittedly built priceless skills that have helped to elevate the artist I am now, I always walked away feeling like something was missing and would end up burning it all to the ground and starting over with something new.
I always tell people that my thirties have been the happiest years of my life, and I think that is because I finally stopped fighting the pressure of societal norms in what I should be doing or how I should be doing it. These days my heart governs it all – and while another path may make life easier in some aspects, I know deep down I simply couldn’t have it any other way.
Model: Alexis Spanevello @kittycommittee801
Photographer: Tommy Butler @shutterspirephoto
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