Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Franz.
Amelia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been someone who is lost in my own world. As a child, I spent most of my time engulfed in the nature around me, laying in the tall grasses, befriending the neighborhood animals, or collecting small objects like they were tokens from the universe. And, throughout my life, being twisted up in nature has always been a safe space for me. Running off into the depths of my surroundings to connect and really see the world around me.
Throughout my secondary schooling days, I lost a lot of this. I was wrapped up in my ego and trying to be someone else that I didn’t recognize. I ran from what kept me grounded and I was too scared to be authentically me. It felt like I was lost in translation of what society wanted from me versus what I knew was true for myself. My identity on the outside began to turn more cold and rough rather than soft and fluid. Once I entered college, this seed I planted of fear began to sprout in my decision-making. I was to attend, and strive for a job that held security, but also some interest from me to keep myself going. I delved deeper into this facade that I created for myself. I wanted to please those around me. From that, I thought I would please myself. This rarely worked, as most can imagine. And so, to cope with this, I went back to my safe space. Taking drawing pads, paints, or pictures out with me so I could live in my own world where I felt free. I created things as often as I could. Mostly watercolors, or acrylic paintings, whatever was enough to quench my taste for escaping.
Then I discovered embroidery. An age-old craft of pulling a threaded needle through textile creating images or text. I started with small hoops, a repair kit needle, old friendship bracelet string, and pieces of thrifted fabric I purchased in the dusty corners of Goodwill. I found something that took my mind away from the world. I felt like I could dream and entangle those dreams into the thread and weave them throughout the fabrics I stitched. The more I embroidered the more I felt connected to the feeling of being lost in nature with little expectations. That itch for freedom and my imagination was marked all over a textile with only a needle and thread.
Once I graduated and moved out of my hometown in Idaho, I left thinking I would be getting a job in the field I studied in. Playing it safe, and maybe, just maybe find a way to be an artist. Of course, once I got to Denver, that plan did not happen. Life got in the way, and I took a leap of faith. From this risk, I finally had a moment where I brainstormed what I wanted to come out of this life. Who I want to become, and what I want to put into this earth to be able to share and appreciate with others. I wanted community, love, conversation, education, art, fantasy, divinity, nature, friends, and a safe place. I wanted to create the place of my dreams to share with others to express their authentic selves and passions. To be able to share a love of where we are and the gifts, we are able to co-create with the earth. Beauty, femininity, to live without question or judgment. That is where Ethereal Terraria begins. To become closer as a community by sharing mutual love for the earth through handmade creations.
Now Ethereal Terraria is a place only beginning. Open for all, but especially the ones who are searching for a place to feel at home in their inner authenticity and magic. Through embroidered clothing and jewelry reflecting the images of creatures that roam the world around us. Stitched with the intention of being in a dream. Where the thread is able to tell stories of what is to be released or let in through tangible textiles and wearable art. This is the place where we can combine art with our deepest selves and feel the beauty of this earth on our skin, walls, or however you feel fit to tell your story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path I have been on has not been smooth. There seems to always be another fork in the road or a tempting shortcut to take to get to where I want to be. Most of my struggles start with my own limiting beliefs. It is so true that your mind can be your own worst enemy. Taking the turn to be an artist this year left me facing a lot of doubt. I listened to advise that did not ring true for myself, and I fell into traps that left me questioning my path and the road I was on. I started to cut off ties that left me questioning my choices. I stopped listening to people who have no idea what I am going through, or who do not understand my vision or drive to be an artist.
To be honest, I still am learning how to navigate the world as a creator while being authentic to myself. I have struggled a lot upholding my vision because of how badly I want to be stable. I quickly learned that the life of an artist (for me at least) is anything but stable. That is something that is both terrifying, yet extremely rewarding. The small ‘wins’ really do outweigh the heavy feeling of doubt or fear that chirps when times get tough.
One of my biggest challenges was making the decision to pursue this lifestyle. I have been told time and time again that this path is not for the faint-hearted, and is rare for success. Many people close to me do not take me seriously, or think this dream will burn out soon. There have been many days when I do want to give up, or give in to the idea of what the people think I “should” be, or “should” do and just play it safe. Thankfully, every time I am about to throw in the towel, my stubbornness draws me back and I feel the urge to keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a textile artist from Idaho who is currently based in Denver, Colorado. My work is free-spirited, intricate, and full of color. Nature drives my creativity through whimsical embroideries that are both magical and wearable. My creations are meant to co-create and connect each individual to the natural gifts and creatures of this earth. As an embroidery artist and someone who is often going from one thing to the next, my work is fluid but carries the same theme of being whimsical, ethereal, and wearable.
I specialize in embroidering intuitive messages translated through string. I do this by connecting myself to the people and places around me using symbolism of plants, animals, and objects in nature to tell a story.
Currently, I am known for my embroidered moth and butterfly earrings.
I am most proud of broadening my skills and beginning to create custom embroideries to translate messages and stories for other individuals. My latest project was for a Drag Queen, Virgo Moon, who wanted a gown that was embellished with symbolic images from their lifestyle and interests. Together was mended a story-like illustration that I embroidered on a vintage dress. This was a monumental moment for me, being able to co-create a vision and embroider a wearable art piece that was true to my art style and their story.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was growing up, my family and I would go camping or on road trips every summer. One summer, we went to Yellowstone National Park. We camped in one of the campgrounds on the park, and the campsite we were at was riddled with squirrels and chipmunks. I was sitting outside on a chair by the fire with my family and there were a few chipmunks scavenging the campsite for food. I was snacking on almonds, and of course, the chipmunks were running past me, and because I was young and an animal lover, I tossed a few almonds at them. One of the chipmunks started eating the almonds and eventually ran closer and closer to me. I wasn’t scared because they were so cute and I had fed chipmunks before. However, this particular chipmunk was upset I stopped handing out almonds and it ran up my leg, all around my chair, in search for more almonds! I was terrified at the unexpected exchange with this chipmunk and bolted back to the camper. The chipmunk then stood post outside waiting for almonds, and I was so shocked by the sheer will of chipmunk to get what it wanted. Moments like these shaped a lot of who I am now through my love of animals and nature. I was always getting into trouble like this to connect myself to the world around me. I am so grateful to have these memories and bring them into my work today.
Pricing:
- Moth Earrings are between 50-65$
- Embroidered Pendants 30-70$
- Ceremonial dresses $300+
- Custom embroideries available and priced per piece
Contact Info:
- Email: etherealterrariaa@gmail.com
- Website: https://etsy.com/shop/EtherealTerraria
- Instagram: ethereal_terraria
