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

Deva, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have enjoyed making things since I was a kid. My art teacher in high school was very encouraging. She offered resources, and guidance, but let me work at my own pace. She first introduced me to paper sculpture- a medium I still enjoy. I also helped her teach art lessons to elementary school students, which was very rewarding to me.

Deva, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve followed a winding path to become an artist/entrepreneur. I dropped out of college twice- to travel, and to learn Spanish at a language school in Spain. I went back to finish my degree in my early twenties with the intention of becoming an art teacher because it seemed a reliable way to work in an art-related job. I fell in love with metal and became a silversmith from the very first project of the introductory class required for my teaching degree. I was accepted to the BFA program and graduated with both a teaching degree and a fine arts degree in metals/jewelry.

After college, I got married, moved to Scotland with my husband, and started a family. 13 years passed before I had the opportunity to begin working in metal again. With three kids in school, I started my handmade business, buying tools as I could afford them, and selling my work at local art fairs.

I’ve learned a lot as an entrepreneur. I’ve done things that seemed very daunting when I first started- like building a website to sell online, developing wholesale items, and becoming a first-time exhibitor at the Made in Montana trade show. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved even though I am still a one-gal operation.

While I was in art school, I used to wonder if I’d be lucky enough to keep making things after I graduated. Unlike many other career options- there is no set path for artists. It is down to your skill, but most importantly- it is down to your ability to persist, through every rejection and disappointment. It helps that I’ve found my purpose- and that doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Making jewelry is the most satisfying thing I have done in my life- aside from my role as a mother. It is nice that I’m able to sell my jewelry, and that people appreciate the thought, and care I put into my work. I like to think of handmade items as a small record of time that was well spent.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

You have to be very brave to make things and take them out for the world to see. People passing by at art shows and fairs occasionally make comments or ask questions that devalue the efforts of the maker. They may not understand that our handmade things represent who we are, and what we find beautiful, inspiring, or important. We sit in our canopies at a show with all of these precious pieces of ourselves, on display- to be judged. Most people never risk making themselves vulnerable in that way. An artist’s bravery deserves respect- whether the non-creative likes the actual work, or not.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a creative person, nothing has been more discouraging than my trials with social media. It may be a widely accepted necessity for anyone looking to find their ideal audience, but it has taken me a long time to accept that. Everyone likes to see what you post, but many people are not supportive. I am naturally secretive, so I don’t enjoy the voyeuristic aspect of it. Making content is also very disruptive to my work process. I’m still not great at it, but I have learned to limit the time and energy I put into a post. Most importantly, I have changed the way I think about being on social media. I’ve kept a journal since the third grade. I like to think of Instagram as a record of my progression as an artist, and entrepreneur. From all of this, I discovered that a monthly newsletter is my favorite way to share new products, and behind-the-scenes stories with the people who are interested in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.slaytonsoriginal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slaytons_original_artwork/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlaytonsOriginalArtwork