We recently had the chance to connect with Stacy Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Stacy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is first coffee and then straight to the studio. This is my truly happy place-full of treasures, chaos and a bit of magic.
What I do each day doesn’t feel like work at all and when I’m not working my brain is buzzing with ideas. I love my crazy, chaotic studio and I feel so lucky to be an artist making stuff every day.
I am currently making beads, components and unique pendants for art jewelry designers and sell primarily through Facebook groups. The group usually features one artist a day and I have a virtual trunk show at least once or twice a month. Not all sales are to professionals but to individuals as well. I have a photo included that shows a finished necklace made by Hummingbird Studio using one of my clay pendants. I usually spend about 6 to 7 hours a day painting the tiny polymer clay components and sculpt the pieces in the evenings. Sometimes I work long hours but it never feels like job. I always know that I’m where I need to be when I become obsessed and can’t wait to get in the studio. I enjoy making whimsy as well as nature inspired elements, beautiful women, little critters and monsters.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve lived all over the country but after 25 years here in Colorado, this is home. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and together we raised 2 fine humans.
My husband, Kevin, has always been a great support for me through the years with always providing me with a work space and lots of encouragement. I was interested in art at an early age and have explored many different mediums. I was in the 6th grade in the early 70’s and couldn’t wait until recess so I could get out on the playground and crochet under a shade tree. I would then sell my little vests, shawls and animals to the other kids and teachers. I guess that was the beginning of my entrepreneurial spirit and the love of creating things that people seemed to enjoy. Through the years I’ve been a jewelry designer, mosaic artist, a painter of murals, creating special finishes for interiors, and a painter on canvas showing my work in galleries for many years.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents were both talented and hardworking. Because we struggled financially my folks would make most everything we needed. My father would make our furniture, take care of all the home repairs and still would take the time to teach us different skills. He had a can-do spirit and passed that onto my brothers and me. He would have me help with the car’s oil change, woodworking and taught me to weld even though I was a girl. My mother was creative in so many ways and worked with her hands to make most everything we needed for our home. She sewed my clothes and even my Barbie’s! She would make the most amazing birthday cakes, taught me embroidery and weaving. We always had a giant table in the garage that was filled with art supplies and projects. I appreciate that encouraging and rich environment for my little mind to explore and problem solve. I think watching my mom and dad gave me the confidence to always try new things.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear of failure and embarrassing myself have always been my greatest fear. I’m over 60 years old now and there is a real freedom in not being concerned what people think of me or my art. I’ve had many failures over the years but I’ve learned that fear can be a friend because we learn so much from failure. When I trust my intuition it can be magical. I have through the years, told my clients “Sure, I can make that happen for you” and then I panic and say to myself “How the heck am I going to do this?” But then I figure it out and that success builds upon even more success.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a hard one. I’m one who needs connection with the outside world but would rather stay in my studio. There is a great quote by D.W. Winnicott “Artists are people driven by the tension between the desire to communicate and the desire to hide.” I think most people would say I’m open, and friendly never realizing I’m an introvert.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I believe that all of us would be so much happier if we were to spend time exploring our creative interests. The world can be too loud and overwhelming at times. When we get lost in creation we honor ourselves and others whether we share our piece with the whole wide world or hide our creation in a closet. It’s an intimate and private experience when we are creating for creation’s sake alone. If we can create without our mind being on the outcome, we are free to play.
One can express themselves by putting their hands in the dirt and creating a garden, preparing a beautiful meal, working with clay, icing a cake, woodworking and so much more. Exploring our interests and looking at them in a new way is really about seeing the world and ourselves differently. Art and creative thinking can save a life. There have been so many times in my life that I have worked through depression by becoming still and exploring something new. Art is definitely cheaper than therapy!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stacyrobinsonart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadebeadsandfindings
