We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Audra Knutson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Audra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I feel fortunate that I am primarily self-taught in all my of crafts. I say fortunate because I was able to carve out my own creative vision. If anything, I wish I had pursued my creative endeavors a little earlier in my life. However, each craft presented itself dynamically. I learned to weave after one evening class, I learned to bead weave after being gifted a loom and then beads years later. I was able to pursue metal jewelry after taking one introductory class and then eventually obtaining the tools I would need for a simple home studio. The only obstacle is the balance of day job and a creative practice. This has tempered my learning process a bit.

Audra, 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 am a painter, weaver, jewelry-maker living in Northern New Mexico. I make egg tempera paintings on paper, inspired by the natural world and my poetry. I make small geometric/abstract wool weavings. I weave seed beads to make necklaces, abstract statement pieces and reflections of wilderness. I work in brass and silver, often using agates and jasper to make rings, necklaces and bracelets. All of my work is meditation. The paintings and weavings are calming to look at. The jewelry rests easily on the wearer, it feels both peaceful and protective. All my work is completely handmade by me. It is unique and very much a reflection of living in the high desert.

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

For me, it is two-fold. It is the grace of being in the studio, being immersed in color or shape, working towards a creative vision which began twenty-four years ago. The freedom and wonder to create objects that will make their way to the world. The second is the conversation / experience of seeing my work in the world- paintings in a museum, someone adorned by ring I hammered, a necklace I wove. The humility and honor in people responding to my work. This delicate dance makes the entire endeavor worthwhile and so rewarding.

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

I think in a world as complex as the one we live in, it is very important to sit still, to be in silence.
My work in many ways is about slowing down. All of it is meticulous, handmade, cracking eggs to make paint, very little use of machines. It necessitates patience and focus and when completed, I believe, emanates a depth of feeling experienced by the beholder. My goal is to make work with integrity and grace, the ideas thankfully keep tumbling in, it is my responsibility to make them manifest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://holymountaingoldenvision.com
• Instagram: @desertshipbuilder @holymountaingoldenvision
• Other: https://holymountaingoldenvision-shop.fourthwall.com

Image Credits

Personal Photo by Minesh Bacrania