Meet the artist Audrey Allen
What do you like about living in Chippewa Falls?
I have always been a country gal by heart. I find pleasure and contentment in the simple things that life has to offer. I thoroughly enjoy and am awed by Mother Nature and the spiritual outlook on life that she and the Creator present.
If a young person asked you to share advice, what would you say is your outlook on life?
Always listen to your heart, gut and inner most thoughts. Let them be your guide. Do not allow others to mold you into their image…always allow your own inner light to shine through. When I have a hard decision to make, I always visualize a forked path in the woods…I will sit by the side of the path…listening to and watching my surroundings until I decide which direction to take knowing that I can always turn around.
On success?
Passion…passion…passion! Always let your passions lead you and you will find success. I feel so strongly about this, that one day this quote came to me and I wrote it down as a reminder. "Passion is what happens when you let your Spirit take over and your Soul shines through."
What would you say is the best advice you've ever gotten?
To be true to myself and to not be compromised by others
What are your favorite beads?
I really do not have any favorite beads…I love them all, but I have a special spot for natural gemstones, especially the ones that I find myself.
How long have you been working with beads?
I only use beads as accent pieces to my wire wrapping.
What is your jewelry making style? And what attracts you to this style?
I love wire wrapping as the possibilities are endless. I love the feel of the wire in my hands. I was drawn to wire wrapping because over the years, I have been an avid rock collector. I needed to find something to do with my collection.
Do you have a favorite technique?
Not really…I like to challenge myself and continue to learn new techniques.
What are your favorite metals to use?
Copper is my favorite metal to use. I love the color, warmth and grounding abilities.
Do you have favorite tools?
Guess I would have say my round nose pliers and I love making swirls.
Have you always been an artist?
Ever since I was a little girl I have been involved in arts and crafts. From a very young age my parents instilled that homemade gifts were gifts of the heart.
What is your advice to those just beginning to make jewelry?
Breath and jump right in! Don’t let fear of failure hold you back from cutting that first piece of wire!
What is your favorite color palette?
A palette of natural colors from Mother Earth.
How did you begin creating jewelry?
As I stated earlier, I am an avid collector of stones and I needed to find something to do with my collection. I am also disabled so I needed to find a way to subsidize my income and to find a new way to keep myself occupied.
What is your favorite stringing medium to use?
At the moment I only use wire.
Other artist/designer(s) you admire?
There are many talented artisans that I truly admire, but I would have to say that it is Dale Cougar Armstrong who inspired me to attempt the art of wire wrapping.
Where do you want to be in 5 years from now?
I have never been one for setting goals or looking to the future. I am a day to day kind of gal.
Favorite time of your life and why?
To have given birth to my two amazing children! I delivered both of my children with natural childbirth with the assistance midwives. To be fully in control of my body while welcoming new life into the world is indescribable!
What else would you like to try creating? In life?
If I could have one wish granted in life, it would be to see the universe full of love, light and happiness.
Favorite book? Or movie?
Favorite Book: Earth Dance Drum by Blackwolf Jones
Favorite Movie: Avatar
Favorite childhood memory?
Gathering around with my three siblings on my Mother’s bed for stories and discussions.