We recently connected with Angela Lees and have shared our conversation below.

Angela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I love making Offbeat jewelry out of animal bones, doll parts, and random things found in the street. People always think my house is full of creepy stuff and that I want the insects they trap in their house or the bones from their thanks giving dinner, but ewwww! I have a hard time saying no to these good intentions and jump every time I open a box with a random gifted dead thing. It cracks me up that my neighbors come over to tell me about a fresh roadkill that I might want. I really don’t!

Angela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve always been crafty and creative. I began working at a bead store 25 years ago and that is when I also started selling my jewelry. I love being around other creative people. I used o make chunky gemstone jewelry, but really found my niche when I started incorporating found objects into my jewelry. I often alter these objects and then layer them with buttons, and other bits. My necklaces definitely aren’t for everyone, because they are large Victorian inspired statement pieces. My regulars love to see what I’m doing next

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I always tell people that being creative is great therapy, but it’s not always cheaper. I still have three other part time jobs besides selling my jewelry, but the stress really drives me. I think my goal is to show people how fun life can be and not being stuck in what society seems as normal.

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

I Truly love meeting other artists and hearing stories from customers of what my jewelry reminds them of.. I love it when people get excited about my jewelry

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Sunny_Asylum_Designs
• Facebook: Sunny Asylum Designs