Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Jones.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I considered myself to be an artist by the age of four; however, by the age of eleven I had been stunted into believing it was a profession that one should not persue (if money were to be of any consideration). So I planned on becoming a lawyer; settled on advertising communications by college; and managed to squeeze in a minor in photography to suppress my artistic desires by the end of my bachelor’s degree in 2005.
Luckily, I met my husband along that particular misguided journey and spent the next few years having a ton of fun and learning what life was all about. We pursued our master’s in business administration, and by graduation I was itching to do what I loved. I began to build two creative businesses in 2011 but wasn’t able to fully focus on them until 2018, after having my daughter and leaving my full-time retail position.
I am a painter, photographer, sculptor, writer, dancer, and more. I love many types of creation, and I’m finally able to embrace all the awesome dimensions of my artistic passions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely took the beaten path to get to where I am today. I always knew I was meant to make art and never questioned what I would “do” in life until a very close family member told the teenage me that I’d never make money as an artist and to find something else to do with my life. My dream was *temporarily* crushed by one thoughtless conversation.
I was back on track by 2011 and tired of being miserable in my career. While I started building two creative businesses, I wasn’t able to actually focus on them until I had my daughter and left my full-time job.
Raising a daughter while also raising two small business babies has its major ups and downs. The lack of balance has been intense; the flexibility has been exceptional; and the sacrifices, at times, overwhelming.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make all sorts of colorful creations for all types of awesome individuals. I currently specialize in sculptural polymer clay, abstract photography, and functional mosaics.
I am also extremely passionate about drawing and painting in general and have been recently exploring both digital and nondigital forms.
I’m known for my sculptural spirals, wavy bowls, and abstract incense holders. Everything I do is made with love, intricacy, and lots of pride.
I’m proud to make works of art for everyday life. My entire process also includes an eco-conscious mindset and recycled/reused materials as much as possible.
I’m most proud of my work ethic and overall desire for quality. I want my items to be the best. I pride myself of continuously improving and always making quality items that can be enjoyed forever. Items that last; items that can be passed down; and items that will never see a landfill.
I love art; I love to create; and I love making things really well. Art is my still place – life slows down and my creation fills the void.
My very first polymer clay necklace series, Peaceful Balance, was made as a daily reminder to balance our lives by being still and living in the moment. That is the joy that I want to receive from making each piece and hope to share with each one of my creations.
Each piece is special and absolutely unique. I create everything by hand and truly enjoy every step of the process.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
1) Do what you love. PERIOD.
2) Practice, practice, practice.
3) Perfect your skill BEFORE you start selling it.
4) Enjoy the ups and downs because there’s something awesome in all of them.
5) Pay for help.
6) Have some frikin fun.
Contact Info:
- Email: amyawesomenesstx@gmail.com
- Website: www.amyawesomeness.etsy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/AmyAwesomenessTX
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmyAwesomeness
Image Credits
Amy Images Jessica Rockowitz
