We were lucky to catch up with Amber Gordon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Even pipe dreams are bigger in Texas.
It all began when my high school sweetheart (J) and I had a dream of living by the lake….but how would we, a public school art teacher and him an engineer, be able to afford it with twin boys and Bubble Gum, our lovable, but curious Welsh Terrier?
Well, wouldn’t you know it? In the midst of the worst drought central Texas had ever seen, where parts of the lakes were near rock beds, we struck location gold; three acres with a view of God’s green earth, and all the glorious colors of an unobstructed sunset over Lake Travis.
The structures on the property, a 3-story main house and 2-story barn with converted living spaces, were a different story. Old Man Crady, who originally owned this place, was a bit of a dreamer himself. He owned Cypress Acres Mill, and had large logs brought in for his craft. We began to discover all his hidden treasures of hand sawed woodworking in the house, salvaging what we could, and remodeled the inside of our post WWII period 1946 house.
But to say the place needed remodeling was an understatement. After we purchased the property J rented 4 thirty yard dumpsters to clear out the debris left over from years of neglect and hoarders that rented the place. Sigh…..
We became weekend warriors measuring our movements with each sweep of a broom and swing of a hammer. As we worked I couldn’t get the bee out of my bonnet about how awesome it would be to have an art studio here. I found myself planning workshops where ideas become tangible, manifested by paper, paint, and clay; every kind of art I can get my hands on. As we cleared pile after pile I saw light spread across space where friends and family could meet, and for a few hours out of our busy lives, we make art happen.
I kept talking to J about it, who suggested I put a plan together. I dreamed out loud to my childhood best friend and found support from my family. I also work with an AMAZING staff of teachers at Bush Elementary in Steiner Ranch who are incredibly supportive of my new venture. With their support and the love from the families I teach, my heart is filled with overflowing LOVE that pushes me forward.
Slowly we are pulling back the curtains, but all the labor falls on my husband’s two hands, …oh and his crew which consists of our twin boys, and myself. As of this writing, we are planning with workshops for adults, teens and a few weeks for a children’s art camp starting June 2018.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Art is an inclusive therapeutic language that all people can connect with. Art can help us all feel connected to something & someone, including understanding oneself. ArtBarnATX helps people find the joy they have within themselves through the art of making. It’s a safe place to get messy, experience happiness and sometimes catch things on fire. Smashing glass, and then turning it into art is one one the coolest processes to make. I have had visitors from all over the USA come to the studio to make. ArtBarnATX is a by appointment studio, so no need to compare your art with strangers. It’s just a fun place to relax BYOB and make Art! ArtBarnATX.com to find a creative project that you would like to explore
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I have been creating art since I was 3. I have always loved creating and exploring different mediums in Art. I found my desire for Educating art when I studied Studio art at UTDallas. I had 2 really fantastic art professors that helped me explore the possibilities of no boundaries in Art. Professors Greg Metz & John Pomara. I was able to not feel trapped in Art…and really branched out by setting things on fire, then taking pictures of it…now as an Art Educator myself I push the boundaries to smashing, then setting on fire.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Nothing…Because everything you create is a learning lesson. I often leave up my mistakes for customers to view, so I can say…I made a mistake here…really there are no mistakes. However, I didn’t like the way something turned out…but it is all a learning experience and a teachable one to show others…that you don’t have to be perfect in your artistic journey. It is about the process of how you accomplished. How does art make you feel. Therapeutic is an understatement in Art
Contact Info:
- Website: ArtBarnATX.com
- Instagram: ArtBarn
- Facebook: ArtBarnATX
Image Credits
All people in photos give consent of media.