We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiera Rahming-Reed a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiera, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Working with tools was new to me when I first started Summer Orchid in 2019. I knew I wanted to create just didn’t know what and how. When I 1st saw the scroll saw on Pinterest I was fascinated and immediately wanted to learn more, so I did what most of us do and searched Youtube. It was very difficult to find many videos on how to use this tool so I ventured on to other social media sites and eventually started learning bits of info from makers who were already skilled at using this tool. Once I purchased the scroll saw, used it once, then left it sitting for months.

I was intimidated, uneasy, and immediately. wanted to be as skilled as everyone else but it was a learning curve. If I could go back, I would have 1-purchased a higher quality saw and 2- continued to practice without the gap of time. Mastering the saw was the skill that I thought was the most important but turns out, each step of the process has an equal weight of importance.
Being the only person in my circle that was interested in learning how to use tools was an obstacle for me because I learn best by doing and having others guide me while I practice. Having a mentor would have sped up my learning process.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Teaching was my passion for a while and art was always placed on the back burner. I loved working with children but I also craved to create in some way. One day I was aimlessly scrolling on Pinterest, I came across a 3-dimensional sign and immediately fell in love. I needed to know how they created it and what did I need to do the same. Hi, I’m Kiera and I create three-dimensional art using wood and other mediums. Each piece is uniquely designed to speak to the heart and soul of the viewer. Although I did not start creating until 2019, art has always been a part of my being. It is my intention to create art that brings peace, love, and joy. During my creative process, I spend a great deal of time on the computer creating and/or searching for what feels right. Black people inspire me the most and are portrayed heavily in my work. The joy and culture of our community is wrapped into what I create.

I am most proud of my willingness to change and grow with my art. When I first started scrolling [using the scroll saw], I was attempting to create what everyone else was creating, nursery signs and family signs. I knew that it wasn’t for me but I did it anyhow because that’s what “made money.” Once I left the teaching profession in the summer of 2022, I gave myself permission to sit in silence, step back, and head in the direction that felt right for me. Now I am currently working on a collection that not only excites me, but feels right.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

African Americans have experienced a lot of heartache and grief for centuries. Our pain and trauma is always highlighted in the media but I don’t want to be a part of that narrative. I prefer to portray the joyful, creative, and loving sides of us. We all go through things, it’s inevitable, but what lesson did we learn from that situation? What joy did you experience from that moment in time? That’s what I want to capture in my art. I want my collectors and viewers to look at a piece of Summer Orchid’s art and be inspired. Whether that inspiration is a reminder to keep going or stop and breathe for a second.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Art takes time. We live in a world where we can order something online and it arrives at our homes the very next day. It’s easy to forget that these companies have multiple people working to get your packages to you but, creators are usually the only ones doing ALL the jobs. Designing, social media, creating, and shipping are just a few jobs that artists have and not everyone is skilled at all of them. Giving artist and small business owners a little grace goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.summerorchidcrafts.com
• Instagram: summerorchidcrafts
• Facebook: Summer Orchid Crafts