Artist Bio
Io the Alien is the alias of award-winning textile artist, Sarah Spencer (b. 1982, Canada). Sarah is an artist, radio DJ, and educator based in Chicago. After spending almost 20 years in the corporate world, Sarah switched her focus to the arts in 2018, when she moved to the US and discovered a textile-based art practice. Sarah hosts a weekly music radio show highlighting emerging and underrepresented artists, which informs her creative practice. Sarah’s work has been featured in print, and exhibited in galleries across the USA.
Sarah is originally from Vancouver, Canada, where she spent much of her time involved in the local comedy scene, challenging herself to perform improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy. She also has a deep love of dance, particularly modern, fusion bellydance.
Artist Statement
I continually find myself drawn to the archetype of the Rebel. Whether via the lives of musicians, philosophers, street artists, or other boundary pushers, I admire those who push back against unhealthy social norms. My quilts are love-letters to those individuals that challenge us to expand our views, and who fearlessly share their unique spark with the world, often at a great personal cost.
I also find inspiration in my materials. I choose to work with cloth as a way to connect with and honor the long line of women who have traditionally worked with this medium. While many have been master artists, they've almost never been recognized as such. Working in the textiles tradition, my practices are rooted in feminist, anti-patriarchal, and anti-capitalist values.
