Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Harris.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve strangely always been attracted to and had a love for crystals. In Kindergarten, I remember finding the most beautiful stones in our little kindy-garden and on a Saturday, my parents could leave me in the Smithsonian and know exactly where to find me 2 hours later – the gem exhibit. Total crystal nerd! As I got older, I would have gems around me but never really realized it – amethyst, obsidian, jasper – I had lots of jewelry with these items but again, just didn’t think about it. I rediscovered my conscious love for them as an adult on a trip to Colorado about six years ago with my best friend who was and still is very into crystals and wanted to pop into a shop. I was instantly attracted to rose quartz, jade and peacock ore. The shopkeeper instantly identified why I picked those crystals up and I was hooked. It’s true what they say, you’re attracted to the pieces you need in your life at that very moment! The body knows what it needs. From there, I started to self-study about crystals and started making jewelry with them to express my creative side in 2016. I wanted to add more credibility to my craft and completed my crystal healer certification this year in 2018. I love sharing my love of crystals and really helping people heal themselves with what we call earth medicine!
Please tell us about your art.
I make pieces as they speak to me – complementary stones want to be paired with stones of similar vibrations with similar intent. Custom pieces are done in this way too but with even more intent. The intent behind a piece impacts its healing abilities. If I don’t wake up in the middle of the night with an idea but still need to create, I sometimes have to lock myself in my craft room and stare at my table until something happens. Inspiration can’t be forced! I do this work because I find it cathartic but also to help people. Nothing fills me more than when people are instantly impacted by my pieces.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
It depends on your art. Most of my days are spent educating people about the benefits and uses of crystals so it’s tough to make a sale to folks that aren’t already familiar with the concept. Some people do have an increased awareness regarding crystals though, and for those in the know, those sales are quite quick.
I think we can have more vendor/sales events and make sure we’re keeping the pricing low as vendor fees can add up for us, especially if your price points aren’t that high (some of my items are as low as $3). I also think that of the people putting on these vending events, they should be conscious not to oversaturate their sales event with artists of the same ilk. It’s hard to sell when several people are selling similar items – this hasn’t happened to me but it has for some of my vendor friends and it’s quite frustrating.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
www.ofquartzjewelry.com
IG & Facebook: OfQuartzJewelry
You can always see my upcoming events on IG.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ofquartzjewelry.com
- Email: ofqurtzjewelry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ofquartzjewelry.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfQuartzJewelry
Image Credit:
Me! All original shots. Logo designed by Marquis Turner.
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
