We recently connected with Stevan Morris and have shared our conversation below.

Stevan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

For all of its ups and downs, I don’t think I would trade being an artist for another “day job”. For all of its ups and downs, the good days are that much sweeter knowing that you earned them and created the opportunities for yourself. As scary as it can be that your paycheck isn’t consistent, I love the feeling of accomplishment knowing my power to create sustains me and even allows me to thrive. I don’t think I could ever settle for someone else, a “boss”, writing my paycheck ever again! I wouldn’t trade that stability for this feeling of accomplishment. There is a unique sense of satisfaction with every creation that is sold.

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

I’m the founder of Hamsa Handpans and I’ve been making handpans for over 10 years now. Aside from building them, I also play Handpan and am an avid performer. I’ve recorded a few albums over the years as well! But I find my greatest passion towards building them nowadays. Making handpans takes a unique combination of skills. It’s very intensely physical labor, most of my day is spent hammering metal. Yet there is also meticulously intellectual side of handpans to tune them. Many many hours of dynamic fine tuning and balancing to create a perfect sonic vessel. Compared to other brands, I try to stay as connected to the process as possible. I am a one man show, and shape and tune all of my handpans by hand invidvidually. They all have that special touch that you can only get from a handmade custom product!

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

Be conscious of how you spend your money. Since becoming a business owner, I have become hyper aware of what it means to spend my money with intention. I will gladly pay an extra few dollars to support a small business over a corporation. I try not to eat at any chain restaurants, support vendors at events and street vendors, and purchase art and handmade goods over “consumer products” at every step of the way. It’s an effort to grow the art ecosystem, the small business ecosystem. To keep the funds in these communities and not trickling up towards some CEO. That has become a hugely important perspective for me. When someone supports me it means the world to me and my family, and I want to keep that feeling going to other families.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ripple effect. Knowing that my work will continue to have a positive effect on the world once they leave my shop, inspires me to continue to create. Each of these instruments has the potential to change lives, and I am so honored to get to create from this place. It’s such a funny thing to spend weeks, months making something, just so have to say goodbye to it! But knowing the power it has to do so much good for others on its journey has me hooked!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hamsahandpans.com
• Instagram: HamsaHandpans
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hamsahandpans4292?si=Tkyq_qw9cSydujHK