We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Cashaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.
Alright, Leah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My most meaningful/ favorite art piece I made is called “Armor”. I started it in about 2019, took a long break and finished it in 2023. This piece is an embodiment of how Art therapy principles have influenced my art. I started this piece after a difficult break up. The plaster represents me building my emotional armor to not get hurt as badly again. The jewelry pieces represent me keeping busy and distracting myself with being productive. The felt heart peaking out represents that even though I was building up armor I’ll always be a softy.
My most meaningful ongoing project is my jewelry business Vadose Orchid Jewelry. I have been creating jewelry, selling online and going to markets for about 8 years. I have enjoyed interacting with many amazing customers and vendors at various markets. It has led to many great art connections and opportunities. About a year or two ago I created an Instagram group chat full of vendors and creatives. This is where I send market applications and open art calls. Members can also send opportunities to other members as well. I think the best part of my business is the support of my family and friends! My mom and brother come with me to almost every market. They have greatly helped with problem solving and organization. My dad has always supported my hard work. My friends have also tagged along for markets, helped with photoshoots and production. I definitely would not be as far as I am without them!
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.
For most of my life I’ve defined myself as an artist, art teacher and entrepreneur.
In 2018 I received my BA from Mount Mary University where I majored in Art Therapy and minored in Business Administration. During my time as an undergrad I was introduced to and grasped the usage of a variety of art materials and techniques. More importantly, I learned how art can be used to help translate complex emotions into a tangible form. My art therapy courses greatly influenced my relationship with art materials. I found mixed media particularly exciting because it embodies my love of symbolism and diversity; it also spoke to my preference for re-using and upcycling materials as an act of sustainability. Originally, I was going to pursue my Masters Degree in Art Therapy. Unfortunately, it was not feasible at the time due to financial barriers and conflicting responsibilities. After attaining my BA, I held several full-time and part-time positions that involve art, community, or altruistic endeavors..
During this time, I also started my entrepreneurial journey by building my own business—Vadose Orchid Jewelry. Vadose Orchid Jewelry helps aesthetically-imaginative and bold fashionistas stand out in the crowd with one-of-a-kind jewelry. I create unique, lightweight and upcycled jewelry crafted from wood, acrylic paint, newspaper, book pages and a variety of other materials. I’ve also been known to design and produce earrings and necklaces of various shapes and sizes. Due to the upcycled nature of my jewelry, some pairs cannot be easily re-produced, making them somewhat one of a kind. I manage Vadose Orchid year round selling jewelry, art prints and stickers on my website, Etsy, consignment stores and at markets.
Lastly, I have been an art teacher for the last 4 years (K4 through 8th grade). In 2020, I fell into teaching through my parents’ neighbor who taught at a small Catholic school in Wauwatosa.
My first year of teaching occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was especially challenging. Thankfully, it also solidified my newfound love for sharing my appreciation of art with children.
Outside of the actual teaching, I spend many hours after class cleaning, organizing and preparing the art room to be the best possible environment for my students. I am currently working towards optimizing my work/life balance so as to not become prey to the burnout that many teachers sadly deal with. Fortunately, many students are ready and willing to help with necessary tasks, of which I am greatly appreciative. Working with lots of kids of various ages, skill levels and conflicting needs tends to create art waste. It is my mission to save as much art and art supplies as possible to be reused.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to have my own art gallery and studio that focuses on accessibility, upcycling and reducing art waste. As an artist I want my own formal space to make and create art. Right now my studio is my dining room and living room table. I would love to have a big space to make bigger pieces and to display them. I also want to create a space where other artists can create and exhibit without gate keeping and obstacles.
As an art teacher I see how much can go to waste (nameless/ unwanted projects, scrap paper, extra paint, brushes, broken crayons, etc.). It is important to me to instill in my students to not be wasteful. I remind them that they can always erase or use the others side before grabbing a new piece of paper. Instead of pouring paint down the drain or in the garbage I have them set it aside to make painted paper out of scrap paper. Instead of throwing art away I have them recycle it in the scrap bin or I’ll use it as an example or I’ll give it to younger students as a treasure. I often joke that my creative brain can be a gift and a curse. I jokingly call it my squirrel brain or crow brain. Admittedly, I have spent many hours after school doing things like making painted papers out of extra paint to be used for extra projects. I find myself sorting through papers that can be reused again for collage or painted over. I’m hoping over the summer I will have time to use some of the upcycled materials I have accumulated.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Create more art spaces! Buy more art! We need more community art workspaces, accessible galleries and murals! I have recently been looking into renting out art spaces and the prices and availability vary greatly. I feel like there are many artists like me who are looking for affordable art spaces to create. Creating with fellow artists in a space creates community and inspiration. I also feel like there need to be more formal galleries and impromptu galleries. Small and big businesses alike should display more local art (either bought or on commission).I love seeing murals around the city. Every time I see a large blank wall I wish someone would put a mural there.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vadoseorchid.com
- Instagram: @vadose_orchid
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VadoseOrchid
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-cashaw-57597013a/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VadoseOrchid