We were lucky to catch up with Danny Blacker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danny, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned to create jewelry by taking the risk in the first place. I saw a type of earring I wanted to wear and jumped at the chance to create it. The environment around me has always played a big part in my inspiration. I wanted to create jewelry that connected the customer with nature and represented the free spirit of the wild west. I love incorporating elements of the environment into my work, such as locally sourced antler sheds, feathers, and leather. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken even more risks to speed up my learning process. When you create jewelry with unconventional elements, there is no textbook to follow. Every process is trial and error that has continued to evolve over the years. The two most important skills that have helped me with my jewelry making have been taking action and thinking outside of the box. I have always been a person who enjoys figuring out how something is made and how I can make it myself. By taking this trait and combining it with my most important skills, I am able to create whatever I consider possible. Time has always been an obstacle for me. With a constant ambition to create, I have had to learn that it takes time to hone in your skills. The process of creativity is full of mistakes that turn into masterpieces.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Danny and I am the designer and creator behind West + Wyld. I live in the western mountains of Wyoming and draw my inspiration from my surroundings and the free spirit of the wild west. I create jewelry with leather fringe, recycled bullet shells, hand cut antler sheds, beadwork, feathers, and natural gemstones. I started to make jewelry because I wasn’t able to find anything like what I make where I live. I started with a pair of feather earrings and time and time again friends wanted me to make a pair for them. This process snowballed into the business I have today with a wide assortment of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. This business has continued to be my creative outlet over the last 9 years and allowed me to sell my work at art shows, music festivals, and boutiques. Respectfully representing nature in a sustainable way is very important to me. I enjoy making wearable art for others to express themselves with items from nature. My materials are either found, given to me, or bought locally from other outdoor enthusiasts. Not only does my work represent nature but, it also represents that sense of wonder, adventure, and grit that you find in the West.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
A thriving creative ecosystem is dependent on the consumer supporting artists and creatives. I truly think society is beginning to realize how important it is to vote with your dollar. If you as a consumer find it important to have that locally-owned boutique in your small town that supports other small businesses and creatives, then you need to put your money where your mouth is. In this new online world with free shipping, it is easy for the consumer to purchase online. However, that is the quickest way to destroy local businesses. I believe the pandemic really shined a light on this and it has given me faith in the consumer by watching them support small businesses and creatives. I feel conscious spending is on the rise and I hope it continues to grow.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is the joy I get from creating something out of nothing and seeing someone fall in love with it and wear it. I know I enjoy what I create but there is just something truly special to witnessing others enjoy it as well. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.westandwyld.com
- Instagram: @westandwyld
- Facebook: @westandwyld
- Other: westandwyld@gmail.com