Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandi Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brandi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I am a self taught bead artist but have learned the pattern making and sewing aspects of the craft via college. I learned metalworking skills through a technical program taken in New York City at Studio Jewelers Ltd., and the subsequent work experience that followed. I don’t think I could’ve done anything to quicken the learning process, as I try not to question God’s timing in my life. Of course funding is an obstacle for any independent artist but I am no stranger to hard work and time management, balancing full time employment with pursuing my passions.

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?

My artistic journey began at a very young age, learning to sew as a child. I knew right away that I wanted to be a fashion designer but following my post-secondary education I found that I was more enamored with the accessorizing aspect of putting together an outfit. I was taken with jewelry and the science of it all almost immediately. Following college, around 2013, I took some time to apply my knowledge at different jobs but was unfulfilled and began pursing a side hustle of making waist-beads, anklets, and bralettes made of glass beads. After a few years of this, I decided I want to learn the metalworking process in order to fabricate my own findings for my beadwork. I moved to NYC, went to a trade school for this, and entered the workforce following my certification. After working for many big names in the jewelry industry I launched my own business in 2021 offering RTW jewelry pieces, engagement and wedding rings, and custom beadwork and findings. I still offer these services, with a focus on collaborating with my clients while staying true to the aesthetic that I am best known for. That aesthetic encapsulates my love for hand crafted and high quality goods, inspired by nature, specifically tessellations and the animals that create them—bees. I am proud of the brand image that I have created and all of the jewelry colleagues I have accumulated through the years. I am most proud to be an inspiration to underrepresented jewelry artists who may not think it’s possible to enter an industry that is historically not diverse.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to take a creative idea from my brain and use my hands to make it into something tangible. To be able to take a flat piece of metal or a bowl of beads and build it into a wearable piece of art is a blessing that I do not take for granted. Sharing these works with others is just as rewarding, regardless to if they are purchased at all.

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

In order to support a thriving creative ecosystem, we must first cease cutting funds for art programs in schools. I can attest that one of the main reasons I showed up to school everyday was for art and FMLA/sewing class. Providing funding to artists that does not require a competition structure would also help propel a lot of artists forward without the pressure and anxiety that comes along with essays, entry fees, etc. I was recently a recipient of a grant for artists provided by a private charity program that gave a monthly stipend for 18months which didn’t have any hurdles as far as grant writing and deterrent steps that would keep a lot of qualifying artists from applying. It truly helped my artistry, especially with acquiring equipment and tools that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. All artists deserve that level of support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buzzbijoux.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buzzbijoux?igsh=MTVpbjBkMjN4cG1zdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits

Brandi Walker
Jessica Page