Growing up in West Virginia has inspired Aspen Tree to pursue and expand her creative horizon. As a child, she spent most of her time in the woods building forts, making fern skirts, bows and arrows out of ground pine and tree saplings. Her mother named her after the Aspen tree, which is very popular North American tree. Aspen relates to this tree because sees herself growing steady. She is always ready to expand her horizon and travel where the wind takes her. Read our Q&A with Aspen so that you too can get inspired to expand your horizon!

Describe your art
Wire wrapping is my main craft. I have been doing this craft for a year and keep a steady commission by friends and family. This is a passion and the reason why I am so attracted to this form of art is because I believe in the healing properties of crystals. The different types of stones may be used for certain healing properties and I am always learning about these benefits. I love this craft and see myself going far with it. There are so many ideas I have that I can’t wait to share with everyone.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Loving myself for who I am and what I do. I am thankful everyday for everything that comes to me.

What obstacles do you need to overcome to find your creative space/muse?
Before I start working on a piece, I make sure that I eat and drink a cup of relaxing tea. It’s important I am relaxed so that I can have a clear creative mind space. Especially since this is a time consuming project.

How do you find your inspiration?
In everyday life! There is always something that inspires me, whether it’s through music or just walking out side. My artistic ability offers me immense satisfaction. I love everything I create, even though sometimes its not how I envisioned it the first time, it still pleases me. I find that whatever I do with my creativeness it is always therapeutic to me.

What advice do you have for other artists?
There is so much potential out there for everyone. Put your mind to whatever it is that your heart leads you to. The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it’s open. As I tell myself, your obviously happy with what your creativeness can do, so keep creating!

If you would like to learn more about Aspen, we encourage you to meet her during the Wild Edibles Festival at the Hillsboro public library and elementary school on April 15th and 16th. This event will feature wild edibles, workshops and plentiful artists, nature walks, and more! Aspen will have a booth set up showcasing her wire wraps and other jewelry. You can also find this artist on facebook via Aspen Tree Designs.

– LBSPY #76. April 2016.