We recently connected with Alison Stern and have shared our conversation below.

Alison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have always supported me, without question. My father was a fine artist whose canvases and sculptures were all around me. For sure his design sense was very influential. My mother had an eye for beautiful, fine and simple things. As a young child, my mom would have me feel soft and elegant textures. Her taste in jewelry was phenomenal- and many of my designs reflect some of her early pieces.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I happened upon jewelry making. About 25 years ago I saw a simple knotted necklace that I decided I wanted to make. I had no idea how to go about it and didn’t have You Tube to refer to. After going into a bead shop and inquiring, I bought some cord and beads and worked it out. There were many details between then and now, but that was the beginning. After about 15 years of knotting necklaces and participating in farmers markets, craft fairs, and local events, I decided it was time to light the torch. I took a few rounds of metal smithing classes, learning the basics, and was 100% in. I’m mostly self-taught from that point forward, and pop in and out of online classes and demos.

It’s very fulfilling for me when someone falls in love w a design of mine. I thrive on the human connection and building relationships w my customers. The most gratifying thing a customer can do is to tell me what they’re interested in, and leave the project to me to create for them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Honestly, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is the relationship building piece. I’m a people- person and I really value the friendships I’ve made along the way. Many of my customers and I have watched each other grow and adapt. My mom works alongside me at shows, and my family often spend time w us at events. My customers know a lot about what’s important to me. In return, they share their own stories. Many of my customers and I have formed very strong and real bonds over the years. It’s pretty amazing.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think people should know that most of us aren’t out there printing money. There is so much that goes into creating and the costs are very high- financially, physically and emotionally. It takes a lot to put ourselves out there- from applying to shows to marketing ourselves, to selling our work and our talents, to the physicality of setting up and breaking down. And it’s quite expensive, especially now that costs have gone up with all materials. The days are very long and the weather is always a big question mark. Most of my customers are nothing but awesome, but all it takes is that one person who challenges our pricing or our techniques or our authenticity… and it can really take the wind out of our sales. Fortunately thats a rarity, but it hurts. I the other hand, our community is very tight. Many of us have known each other for ages, and we travel the circuit together. So we have a strong and supportive network of likeminded people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.alisonblairstudio.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/alisonblairstudio

Image Credits

Shawna Pitts