About The Artist
BIO
Alyssa Thorne is an interdisciplinary artist & writer from the Pacific Northwest, creating vivid fantasy photographs, primarily in the still-life tradition. Recognized for her lush, dark imagery & exceptional set artistry, Alyssa is also known for worldbuilding beyond the lens with written companion lore in short story or essay format, each imbuing the associated visual art with a thoughtful and creative backstory. Subjects for Alyssa’s art range from retelling her lived experiences to original pieces of short fiction & subtle tributes for beloved works of film, television, and video/TTRPG games.
Borne from myriad interwoven mediums, each finished work faithfully represents an ephemeral vignette that was sketched, planned, constructed, and photographed over days to years. Alyssa’s works are a unique alchemy that combines skillfully crafted supporting structures, self-made props, florals, antiques, and other objects into an elaborate final set. They are always arranged on the physical plane and captured in-camera using practical effects, natural light manipulation, and clever set design.
Digital edits made post-shoot are rooted in traditional darkroom techniques, and there is no collaging or compositing in Alyssa’s personal work. This expansive, multi-layered process produces an unmistakable personal style and unique compositions juxtaposing the classical with the unconventional. Every photograph is a liminal doorway hidden inside the shadows of painterly chiaroscuro—an open portal waiting for a viewer to discover.
Alyssa is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, with the exception of a brief departure to the east coast, where she attended The School of the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, and Massachusetts College of Art & Design. She has had four exhibitions and published a sold-out photobook, "Autumn Eternal." In addition, several local and international publications, podcasts, and blogs have featured her work.
In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys reading Batman comics, playing D&D and video games, making cosplay, and spending time with her fiancé, daughter, and beloved rabbit, Laszlo.
ARTIST STATEMENTS & SHORT FICTION
Most works have an accompanying piece of writing. Alyssa is currently in the process of completing a book of collected work & words, so many have been pulled for editing.
Read all currently available writing HERE
PRESS & EXHIBITIONS
AWARDS
World's Top Ten Still Life Photographers 2022 - One Eye Land
USA Rank #6
Fine Art & Flowers: Bronze Winner - "Flowers from the Underworld Part II"
Fine Art & Flowers: Bronze Winner - " Life, Death, & Time"
Fine Art & Flowers: Finalist - "Still Life With Dogwood"
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
At The Doorway of Dreaming - Ghost Gallery, Seattle, WA 2023
In Bloom - Salon Ivory, Mill Creek, WA - 2023
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Annual Holiday Miniature Art Show - Ghost Gallery, Seattle WA, 2022
Emerging Artist Corner - Panopticon Gallery, Boston, MA, 2013
Polaroid Project - Floating World Comics, Portland, OR. 2010
Girls Doing Girl Things - Worksound Gallery, Portland OR, 2009
Light Sensitive Material - Launch Pad Gallery, Portland, OR. 2009
PRINT PUBLICATIONS
Spring Issue - Procession Magazine, 2022
Autumn Eternal - Photo book, Alyssa Thorne 2020
Girls on Film Photo Book - Girls on Film 2013
Girls On Film Zine - Girls on Film 2011
Red/Hot Editorial - Sloane Magazine 2010
ONLINE MEDIA FEATURES
A Beguiling Lens: Alyssa Thorne’s Baroque-Inspired Still Life - Beautiful Bizarre, 2023
Artist Feature Interview - Moth & Myth, 2022
Alyssa Thorne: Still Life Storyteller - Halloween Art and Travel Podcast, 2022
Midnight Floriographer, Alyssa Thorne - Unquiet Things, 2021
EDUCATION
The School of the Museum of Fine Art - Boston, MA
Massachusetts College of Art and Design - Boston, MA