Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location,
affiliations, personal stuff).
Happy Holidays everyone! I’m Amy Johnson, I’m 28 and work as a full-time glass and jewelry maker. I, and two other artists, Jill Cribbin (glass) and Cynthia Archer (goldsmith,) run a retail studio called TANK fire + metal in Toronto, Canada. We all collaborate and thrive off of being in that type of shared space together.
I went to school for glass blowing, but began making beads and flameworking much earlier. I love teaching flameworking and feel quite strongly about being able to pass on my skills; that is also the main reason I work in full view of the public at my shop. We love to engage the people who come in and educate them about our process and methods, and why it is important to buy handmade things. I also teach classes at my shop all the time. I bring in internationally recognized guest artists who do workshops on their glass techniques as well.
At TANK (the studio) I make and sell my work 5 days a week in one of the hippest areas of Toronto, The Historic Distillery District. The Distillery is the largest collection of converted Victorian warehouse buildings in North America, now home to many artists, galleries, theatres, restaurants, and arts oriented shops. I love going to work everyday because I get to play with fire and colour, and being in such an historical environment makes it even more exciting!
I spend part of each year traveling across North America to other schools and private studios, where I teach all levels of flameworking. My most recent project is setting up a satellite studio for teaching and working in Prince Edward County, Ontario with a Restaurateur/Inn & Spa owner. She plans to host one week or weekend retreat style classes in the beautiful Ontario countryside for those who long to get out of the big city!
What is the first thing you can remember making
by hand? How and why did you make it?
I guess you’d probably want to ask my mom, but she’s always said she could never keep enough craft supplies in the house… I did my first craft show in grade 7 selling Fimo beads, barrettes, and jewelry. And I use to do those coloured, knotted hair wraps at festivals when I was a kid.
What inspires you? Where do your ideas come
from?
I have always loved anatomical drawings, especially of the heart, and underwater photography.
I am endlessly inspired by colour and form. I used to make highly detailed surfaces on all my jewelry, but over the last five years my work has become more about less complex form and colour. My production work is usually a combination of the two styles. I make a lot of collaborative work with Cynthia my goldsmithing partner. Our line is called Proper, and we’re crusading to redefine what is ‘valuable jewelry’ and what is ‘wearable jewelry’. Our work often has a humorous side.
What are your favorite materials?
Glass, silver, gold, and the many wonderful beads I have collected over the years to use with the components I make.
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?
I am inspired by selling collectively, and haven’t sold online before. I have a great website but it has been set up more as a gallery than a selling tool. I feel challenged by what I see on Etsy and love he idea of selling collectively not only in person at my shop, but now online. Also I think trying to keep things fresh is very important.
Why should people buy handmade?
Handmade objects always have a story. They have a real character and charm over mass-produced items. Industrialization and mass-production are hurting our planet and all of us. Of course buying handmade is not “the” solution, but it’s one way to feel better about what you are buying. As a culture we are so focused on rampant consumerism -- I try to buy less often, and when I do, I buy handmade… even if it means I’m spending more money. Buying hand made is a basic building block to improving our world, a direct way to redistribute wealth, and sharing power through money is a great way to start changing the economy and the physical environment. I like having a personal connection with the person who made the item too, if it can work out that way.
What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?
A way to organize your items so you can group them together and control what lists first without re-listing the item.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I listen to lots of great music, I love to cook, draw, hang out with people, learn other crafts…
Read any good books lately?
I bought a great book on Vintage Haute Couture Costume jewelry that I have been drooling over lately.
In ten years I'd like to be...
One of my long-term goals is to start a craft school of sorts that promotes and supports artists in a number of ways. It would have a gallery and teaching studios for glass, jewelry, ceramics, metals, and printing. There will also be residencies for artists, and community programs to encourage creativity in kids at risk. Watch my blog and stay tuned in.
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