Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Baker.
Amy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
When I was a child, I collected cotter pins and electrical wire that inexplicably appeared on the streets of my Southern California neighborhood. It wasn’t until much later in life that I discovered my treasures were nothing but bits that had fallen off of the street sweeper making its weekly rounds. I wasn’t immediately sure exactly what I was going to do with these things, but I knew with a certainty that they were a treasure I needed to amass. Most ended up strung together in various ways. Over time, as the city reduced services and the weekly street sweeping went the way of my childhood, the cotter pins stopped appearing, and the wire appeared less and less often. Slowly but surely I moved on to the myriad of other things that occupied children in the eighties.
One day, years later, I was browsing a selection of jewelry when something somewhere in my brain just…clicked. I was immediately flooded with ideas for my own jewelry. Half-buried memories surfaced, providing me with knowledge of just how the wire would move, and how it would feel as I shaped it., It didn’t occur to me at the time exactly where this knowledge originated. I went out and bought some copper wire, a pair of inexpensive jewelry pliers, and cutters and got to work. For the first time in my life, I knew immediately, and with absolute certainty, that this was something I was good at – it just flowed as if I had always been doing it. (Late bloomers unite!)
Over time I upgraded tools and materials, tried new techniques, and branched out into other types of wire art. For me, it is an ever-evolving art form, although, at my core, my comfort art is the process of forming copper trees. Never does one look like the next – just like real trees – and they’re endlessly fascinating. The process of creating one of a kind art brings me a feeling of peace and order… organically attained.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create one of a kind wire and natural crystal jewelry, horseshoe trees, and standing wire and natural crystal trees. Trees are a recurring theme, although it’s definitely not the only thing I make. It’s often not a conscious choice so much as where my fingers lead me as I work; more often than not, I just pick up the wire without a plan, or with only a bit of an idea in mind, and just go with what happens naturally. This creates a bit of a dilemma for me when asked what my inspiration is since it’s really more of an instinctual need to create! I suspect that a large portion of my need to create is the soothing process; it’s a way to soothe stress and anxious feelings, and it generally leaves me feeling more balanced as I work. It’s my hope that at least some people will derive comfort, joy, or a sense of peace from my art.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
Instagram has been the best place for community building for me. I’m deeply introverted, so reaching out toward other artists is difficult for me, but Instagram has evolved into such a network of support and community! One person leads to another, who leads to another, and on and on. I’m currently an admin for an Instagram Auction page called @buzzingbazaar that has really become almost an artist based family to me!
An easy way I found to reach out when doing so isn’t easy is to enter “Shout Outs” (not the paid ones I’ve heard of people doing…you can find plenty with just regular artists trying to build communities). For those who may be unfamiliar with the process, I’ll do my best to explain them.
A Shout Out, in my experience at least, is when a small group of artists will post a small blurb about building community, and ask other artists to comment with whatever the directions say to comment with. (Often something as simple as a favorite emoji. ) Sometimes they then feature your shop the next day, at which point you have gained followers and branched out a bit. Just continue entering those Shout Outs as they post, and after a few, they will often begin including you in the postings of the Shout Outs themselves. With a little time, the branches get wider. I got my start this way and within a month had the beginnings of my Instagram artist family! It’s an easy way to get to know other artists with similar interests.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have several online locations where one can see my work. My shop is located on Etsy. On social media, Instagram is a great place to see what happens behind the scenes at Elemental Obsessions, get sneak peeks, and often get a chance to snag a piece before I list it! I also have a Facebook page.
Currently, I don’t have stock for sale in any brick and mortar stores, although that’s definitely a goal I hope to achieve in the near future!
Support of my work is something I appreciate on a very deep level. It lets me know that I’m headed down the right path!
Contrary to the belief of some, support certainly doesn’t need to come in the form of purchase! Support can mean mentioning my work to people you know, following me on social media platforms, as well as “liking” and commenting on the posts on those pages. Support can also mean leaving a review if you do happen to make a purchase or receive a gift. Reviews are something many people consider first when debating a purchase from an unknown shop, so even a quick positive sentence can be beneficial (and very appreciated) by an artist. I love hearing from people, so I’m always happy when people stop by and say hello on social media!
Contact Info:
- Email: elementalobsessions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/elementalobsessions
- Facebook: fb.me/elementalobsessions
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElementalObsessions
Image Credit:
Amy Baker, & JMB
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
