Conversations with the Inspiring Olwyn Scarbeary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olwyn Scarbeary.

Olwyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been drawn to the world of art for as far back as I can remember. I was just one of those kids, the art kid. It’s been very odd being in that niche my whole life. Sometimes I wonder where I might have headed if I hadn’t been so heavily encouraged from the start, but I got addicted to it; the positive reactions I received when I created. It also helped that I started in a small pond. I am a nine-year alum of Stanley British Primary School, and attended Denver School of the Arts for high school, focusing on Visual Arts. I went on to attend Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), in Baltimore, MD. Originally, I was accepted with a merit scholarship for my Illustration work, but very quickly shifted into the Fibers department, focusing on soft sculpture, weaving, woodworking, sustainability and social practice. I graduated from their undergraduate program in 2018 and spent four months traveling and WWOOFING to decompress from eight years of art school. For the moment, I’m based out of Asheville, NC, working service industry part-time and figuring out just what it means to be a freelance artist.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m only 23. I’m still not very far down my own road, and anticipate many bumps to come, although choosing to be an artist has never been easy. I’ve always known that this path would pose a financial challenge, but it’s very different when you are 13 and have stars in your eyes about being a “starving artist”, then being in your 20’s, in debt from your degree, and relying on your café job for half of your meals.

MICA was trying, especially for what I chose to study. I was sleep-deprived for four years, developed anxiety, constantly questioned myself and what I was doing. No matter how many peers and friends I had pushing and supporting me, it’s so hard to turn off that inner voice – we are our own worst critics. I think women are especially hard on themselves, and I know friends and womxn of color experience ten-fold those barriers that I do. You must remind yourself to listen and accept the support you do have, and use the critiques to keep pushing yourself – but don’t push too hard. I was so work focused in school I wasn’t taking care of myself. Around senior year, I hit a wall, strained my lower back bad, and had to deal with some serious chronic pain for months.

I had a teacher I respected deeply that I confided in once, I broke down and told her I felt like I hadn’t done enough. She calmly looked at me and told me she knew so many incredible women who say this all the time, who are so self-critical. She said she wished, so much, that these incredible women would take a moment to celebrate themselves, all that they had achieved. You can never turn off that inner voice completely, but my advice? Do your best not to believe the voice, and please, please, please, remember to stretch regularly, to drink water, and to take a night off every once in a while. You deserve it.

What should we know about HemHum? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Officially I am a freelance creative – textiles, woodworking, ceramics, and sculpture artist, a maker and designer, an illustrator, upholsterer, writer, gardener, and I still have somewhere deep down that wants to add musician to the list. I’ve always been more of a Jack of All Trades. It can be beneficial to hone in and focus on one thing, to deeply grow one skill or one business, but I have accepted that this is just not realistic for me. Staying fluid has been working well. My coffee shop job recently asked me if I could do photography, and I just said yes. I never studied it formally, but I had to learn how to document my own work in school. I said yes and now, I am a freelance photographer. I also started painting all the company’s chalks.

Since I’m just getting started in the world of freelance, it’s been a lot of faking confidence, saying yes, and figuring it out as I go. I’m currently working with my friend Saige Hopkins on forming a creative collective called HEMHUM to encompass this. Our goal is to release a website and online shop by the new year, but until then we are open for upholstery and clothing commissions. We are also both available to hire for freelance design.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Showing interest in what somebody does can go a long way. Find somebody who is doing something that you like. Send them an email – or better – write them a letter. Stop by their shop if they have one. Ask to get coffee to hear more about what they do, or visit their studio to learn more about their process. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions about how they got to where they are. Offer up your help if you can, express a desire to learn. Some people will never email you back, or have too much going on, but being genuine, complimentary and inquisitive generally elicits a positive response. Even if they don’t have the time, follow their social media, subscribe to that newsletter, it never hurts to stay in touch. People, especially artists, are usually happy and eager to share their lives and work with others.

Although this has worked for artists I admire, the relationships I have developed with my teachers while in school have been even more valuable. While it can feel intimidating, all the above applies to your college professors. Forming these relationships are even more vital because they have the added benefit of knowing you through the context of their class – your interests, your drive, and your methods. At some point, a colleague, business, company, or publication might reach out to them, and going the extra mile can help in being one of those names that gets passed on. Talk to your teachers.

Pricing:

• $20 an hour for Garment, Sewing, & Upholstery
• $25 an hour for Design & Media

Contact Info:

• Website: olwynscarbeary.com
• Email: olwynscarbeary@gmail.com
• Instagram: olwynscarbeary, littlearthworm

Image Credit:
Jeremy Jones (1st photo)

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.