by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Visual artists can use many materials and processes to transform their ideas and inspirations into representations. Some use paint or watercolors on canvas or paper. Some use solid materials and tools, as in the case of sculptors. Photographers use light and chemistry to create their art.
Alyson Peder uses sand and air at high pressure, also known as sandblasting, to create designs on common objects from wine glasses and bottles to motorcycles. The technique can be applied to almost any hard surface.
Peder started in the art in 1992 when she wanted some designs etched on the windshield and mirrors of her motorcycle, but couldn’t find anyone who could do the level of work she had in mind. Peder decided she could do it herself.
“By the time I was through, there were roses etched on the chrome,” she said.
Peder has shown her work at outdoor markets and festivals since she began in the business. She discovered Adamec Bike Night at the Landing, where she met motorcycle enthusiasts who commissioned her to custom decorate their bikes. That led to an idea for a more permanent situation.
Last week, her showroom, Aly Cat, opened at the Downtown mall.
“Up until now, I worked mainly at arts markets putting people’s names on things,” she said. “I also do work for lots of weddings and companies who want personalized gifts.”
Peder can personalize glasses and bottles of wine. Another popular item, she said, are her stones etched with sayings, quotations, logos or animal figures.
She’s noticed one difference among the buyers of her stock image stones: “Cat people will buy any kind of cat, but dog people want to buy a certain breed of dog.”
Currently working in a home-based studio, Peder plans to move her sandblaster to the store soon. Then she’ll be able to create custom designs in a few minutes while people shop or eat.
Peder also does artistic pieces designed purely for decoration and has an exhibit of those items in the store. She said she’s been inspired by the new location to etch some Downtown skyline designs into glass panels.
“It’s definitely something different. I don’t think there’s another store like this in Jacksonville,” said Peder.
Aly Cat custom glass etching, carving and engraving is in the Landing between the Adams Class Naval Ship Museum and The Toy Factory. It’s open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Wine bottles can be personalized for gifts.
Peder also creates handmade jewelry.
Among Peder’s smaller pieces are stones that can be used as paperweights.
Plain stemware can become a work of art.
356-2466