HEART OF THE FIRE

INTERVIEW WITH LISEL CROWLEY OF HEART OF THE FIRE


Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Lis-el Crowley and I live in Windsor, CT. I have been creating since I can remember. I make pottery, jewelry and fused glass among other things. I am always trying something new. Creativity is as important to me as breathing. I am also an interfaith minister and lead a meditation group and teach classes in spiritual development and metaphysics. I am married, have three children and one grandchild. My two youngest children are both studying art in college.

Are you a full-time artist/crafter?
Yes, sort of. I run a retail art and artisan gallery where I teach classes as well as selling my work and the work of other local artists and artisans in CT. So I am working full time in art & craft, but not all of that time is spent creating. I love teaching and helping others discover, and develop their creative side. I am a level 1 certified art clay silver instructor and teach metalsmithing, fused glass, wire jewelry, mosaics and more. I also do some shows and am an authorized distributor of Art Clay Silver and Gold. The name of my Gallery is Art & Soul and it is located in Windsor, CT.

What percentage of your income is from "online" sales?
Maybe 20%. I just started on Etsy. I sell supplies on ebay.

Please share why "buying/selling handmade" is important to you...
To me, a handmade item is filled with the love of the artist/artisan for their creative process. It is unique and has life and vitality. It has a soul. This energy adds immensely to the value of the item. Also, creative expression is essential to well being. We need art in our lives. By purchasing handmade items we are supporting artists in their creative process.

What do you utilize most for INSPIRATION?
I receive a lot of inspiration from the materials I work with. The beautiful colors of dichroic glass and the shimmer of silver sugges so many things I can do with them. I am also inspired by masters in the fields in which I work. Nature, art, everything basically can be a source of inspiration for me. Many times it is simply the joy of making stuff that inspires me and the joy on my students' faces when they have created something beautiful and pleasing.

What do you love most about what you make?
I strive for beauty in my work. I love it when what I make is visually pleasing. I especially love it brightening someone else's life in some way.

Do you offer any services such as, wholesale, custom orders, swapping or bartering?
Yes to all of the above. My home is filled with items I have gathered through the years by bartering with other artists/artisans. I am happy to create custom orders and have sold wholesale for years.

What advice can you share with other artists/crafters?
Make sure you love every minute of what you do. Pour that love into your work and it will bless you and anyone else who comes in contact with it.

Do you have studio tips on staying organized, and working efficiently?
Make lists. I'm not the most organized person in the world, but lists definitely help me.
Where would like to be in 10 years?
Doing what I'm doing, in a warmer climate. Making more money and being debt free.

VISIT LISEL & SEE MORE OF HER WORK AT HEARTANDSOUL.COM
& Check out her tutorial on setting dichroic glass into metal clay at SQUIDOO/DICHROIC