Thursday, January 20, 2011

2010 In the Beginning

In February of 2010, I made the command decision to finally follow my dream.  Coming up on my one year mark of a life change, its difficult not to reflect.  What a crazy year!!

Never did I plan on working with metal.  As I thought about what type of designs I would design and construct, it was all reclaimed or upcycled plans.  In April, I offered to make a table out of bike rims for the 24 Hours in the Canyon silent auction.  This table is the only table I've bolted together.  A special thanks goes to Wellborn Signs for the fiberglass top. 

Shortly after I asked a good friend to help me weld the first group of tables.  A few weeks later, I bought a welder and with a little instruction from my dad, I created the next five tables. 


My designs have been shown in the Nest since May 2010.  Kasey Robinson has created a great collection of eco-friendly and vintage furnishings.  Including many local and regional artists. 






Shortly after I created three lights for the Ground.  Once again, I found myself going in a direction with my designs I hadn't planned on. My lighting has become my biggest sellers.
In August, I made the move back to the farm.  Which has inspired me to work with old farm parts and equipment.  Of course, I miss my friends in Amarillo but the solitude has been so beneficial in starting my business. 


September 11th I had my first public showing.  I had the opportunity to show in AMoA's Recycled Art Show and Festival.  There is something very exciting and humbling about showing your work. 




November First Friday Art Walk my designs were shown at Tornado Gallery and the opening night of Sandstorm Glassworks.  And the next week was my first showing at Downtown Art Market.  Which is a monthly art and farmers market at Tornado Gallery.  I am so blessed for the relationships I have made in the Lubbock art community because of this gallery. 

On December 18th, Tommy and I made our way to Taos, NM for a three week stay.  Attempting to pack every design I had and a three week supply, I must have looked like a hillbilly.   The choices I made in my business plan have made it possible to travel so I may show my designs and have adventures with my son.

While in Taos, I met several gallery owners and found a home at FaFa's aka My Beautiful Life.  In April, I'll return for their Recycle Art Show.  


    I also contribute some of my success to Etsy.  Though I haven't spent as much time marketing on Etsy as many of my fellow artist.  I just have my first purchase this past week from a Park City, UT designer.  My designs will be on display at Art Sundance Cafe.  She has also requested I design a bench made of bike parts for the front entrance.

























Upon returning to Texas, I have been asked to teach a recycled art class for Our Club, a Texas Tech Alumni Club; show with the talented artist, Linda Cullum; and to stage settings for SB Designs and Photography.

I currently have four large designs on order, DOM, First Friday's, April shows, and Etsy.  So with a little help from friends, I'm challenging myself to create 40 new designs by April 1st.

It's hard to not feel like I'm a running around like a chicken with its head cut off.  But when I look at my past year, there is no way I could have done it without passion.  I absolutely love the direction my life is going.  With the grace of God, I've endured, accomplished and loved the first year of business.