Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Davis.
Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve worked in the glass industry for 18 years, much of which I designed large-scale architectural stained glass. Monster Dance was born from the need for an offbeat yet elegant gift. I designed a set of quirky hand-drawn dinosaurs inspired by vintage Sinclair Oil signs and etched them in between sessions of teaching sand carving classes at a local shop. They were a hit, and soon I was selling more and more of my fun and unique glassware.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my biggest struggles was overcoming my DIY “I got this” nature and recognizing when I had overloaded myself. I enjoy drawing and designing, but you have to untrain what’s been ingrained in us as a society and learn to see it as important work, just as valid as keeping the books and making the products. I was trying to do it all, and the art that is the foundation of the business was being pushed to the bottom of the to-do list, along with my health and family. When I finally got the courage to admit I couldn’t do it alone and hire an assistant, I hit the jackpot. Now I can only see Monster Dance Designs with her! With her help, I can focus on what I love most – the creative side and customer service – and still be present for myself and others.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I’m most known for is my quirky and offbeat style. I’m continually drawn to woodblock and linoleum carving – I love the stark contrasts, negative spaces, and the organic, unfinished quality of the lines. Glass is always smooth, polished, and uniform, which is why I love combining it with some oddness and noise to throw the conceptions a bit sideways. Once I have a sketch, I carve it into a block and make an ink print. That inkprint is then scanned into the computer to make patterns I apply to the glasses. Each glass is then sandblasted by hand and cleaned, resulting in a permanent engraving with texture and durability. No lasers here – this is the traditional old-school way to etch!
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
The best fortune I have had is in the family and friends around me. They have been my supportive cheerleaders from the beginning and have helped me up when I’ve fallen. Austin has such a vibrant community of small business owners and artists that are open to sharing their knowledge and are active in uplifting the next generation. Only some creatives have access to the emotional and practical support system I stumbled into, and I would only be able to grow as an artist with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: monsterdancedesigns.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/monsterdancedesigns
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/monsterdancedesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydavismdd/
