“Spotlight Q&A” — Shirra Wall — Artisan  

One of the many purposes of our “Spotlight” is to introduce you to some of Canada's talented artisans and craftspeople.

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing, Artisan, Shirra Wall. Shirra's studio, "Shining Sun Gardenworks", is located in Parksville, on beautiful Vancouver Island. For those who've had the chance to visit the Island, you'll likely have noticed many a talented artist and crafter in your travels there.

Shirra's artistic journey has been an interesing one. Primarily a metal artisan, her works are as varied as they are unique and funky. She sees a sheet of steel as her canvas... She loves working with natural materials, and taking old rustic things and making them into contemporary creations and practical works of art.

Our interview reveals Shirra's down-to-earth, straightforward approach to life and her art. And needless to say, she also gives readers some good practical advice, too. Enjoy!

DS:

Tell our readers about your start as an artisan. You came from an artistic family... When did you know you wanted to become an artist?

SW:

I have always doodled, sang, played music, made jewelry, pottery, etc. I knew I wanted to make art a career. Having an artist mother who managed to raise us through her art, went a long way to planting the seeds of confidence. It is not an easy path. Many times the idea of a pay cheque and that stability that comes with it seemed very appealing. I’m so happy now though that I persevered and have made this work. It’s very rewarding.

DS:

Tell us about the kind of art you create today. Why metal art?

SW:

Metal art kind of happened through my passion for gardens and garden art. Living on the westcoast, we have such mild winters that people are able to be out in their 'outdoor rooms' all year round. Since that is the case, we love to decorate these 'rooms' as we would any indoor space. I thought taking a welding course would be beneficial for my art but also as a tool to fall back on in case I need a 'real job'. Once I welded two pieces of metal together, I was hooked. It is the most fun and exciting thing I've done!

DS:

I know that you lead a very busy life… How do you balance being fulltime with your art versus spending time with your family, and any other interests?

SW:

That is the hardest thing. This is very much my full time job. I’m very lucky that way. I do have two young boys, though, and a husband that all want my attention. I make that a priority. Family comes first for sure. We are so fortunate that my husband works for me and the family business exclusively, mostly working on my website and administration. So, between the two of us, we can get everything done and spend quality time with the family. I don’t believe in working so hard that you don't enjoy yourself. Life is short. I am painfully aware that it could be over at any moment and I truly try to live everyday with joy and excitement.

DS:

Do you work out of your home? What sort of workspace or studio arrangements do you have for your Shining Sun Gardenworks?

SW:

We bought a house with a separate shop and almost an acre of land. We got into the market in Parksville (on Vancouver Island) right before the prices went through the roof. We have a lovely spot and having my 600 square foot shop right outside my back door is pure bliss. I get to run in for lunch, tend to the kids or grab a kiss from my man…..

DS:

What has been most influential in your art work?

SW:

I'm constantly looking with an artist's eyes at the world around me. I love using nature as a theme. Suns, stars, moons, bugs and plants are a huge influence in my work. The image of the sun is very powerful for me. Sun is life.

DS:

Has there been anyone in particular who has been your inspiration? A mentor, perhaps? Or like some artists we've talked to, has there been any key moment or flashpoint, looking back, that you attribute to bringing you to where you are today at this point in your life and artistic career?

SW:

My mother died when I was 17 years old. It was very difficult for me to get through. As I look back now though as a mother myself and through as many years without her as I had with her, I know that I would not be the person I am today had that not happened. I needed to learn strength within myself. I feel very strong today and able to take chances. That single, tragic incident has helped me become who I am. It’s a very strange process to feel grateful for the most painful moment in my life, but I am. I feel I can take chances and things will work out. Going out into the world and showing my art is a scary thing but what's the worst that will happen?

DS:

Talking about inspiration… Living in Parksville has GOT TO BE very inspiring. Is that reflected in your approach to painting and your art style or subject matter?

SW:

Living on Vancouver Island is extremely inspiring. The beauty of my surroundings is awe-inspiring. We love to hike and camp and explore the vast and endless incredible spots virtually at our back door. People travel from all over the world to see this place. We been blessed to live here.

DS:

What challenges did you face in the beginning as a new artisan? How did you deal with them?

SW:

My very first show was so nerve wracking. I had very little product but was excited to display it in an attractive way. That's so huge… the packaging of your product is 50% of the sale for sure. I think it worked and I sold every single piece I made in those first days… not at that first show, though. I think I only sold three pieces. I was quite upset but got a lot of really great feedback. In fact, I was commissioned to build a decorative railing for a house in Comox. I explained that this was my first show and hopefully got across that the learning curve would be great! It took twice as long as I thought it would. It cost me three times what I thought it would and in the end, I had to go onsite four times to fix and mend and alter the railings. It was such a nightmare but in the end, the customer was happy and I learned a huge lesson. No more railings! I love to create beautiful things that you hang on walls or place in the garden but if it's too functional or engineered, it's not my thing.

DS:

You have such a diversity in your art work... How has your work evolved since you first began your craft?

SW:

My work has totally changed since I first began. I originally used oxy-acetylene for all my cutting and welding. It creates a very organic edge and look. It takes a lot longer and is much more unpredictable a method. I was told about plasma cutters and it changed my world. A plasma cutter uses an arc and compressed air. It’s so fine a cut that you use it almost as a paint brush. I’ve gotten very adept with this tool. Everyone should have one! My style now is still organic at times but I can also create very modern, contemporary pieces. I love that look as well, especially in architecture. I’ve become quite enthralled lately with modern art and buildings and am translating that into some pieces… More grinding, less rust. It’s different than the pieces I started out making but I get bored easily and couldn’t do the same thing forever.

DS:

What about the typical artist “growing pains”? What are yours and how do you handle them?

SW:

The hardest thing about growing is knowing how fast to do that. Growing too fast is easy to do. Once you have some success, it’s easy to jump right in. But finding that happy medium place is key.

Staff is a huge issue. Working too hard, as well, is something I’m aware of. Finding help that is reliable and can assist you without having to be told every single thing is very important. I found someone that is so wonderful to have in the shop. I feel very fortunate.

Listening to your heart is very important. Not making rash decisions is also very important.

DS:

Good advice, Shirra. So, tell me... What do you currently enjoy most about being an artisan?

SW:

I love working for myself and having the freedom (and tools!) to go out into my shop and make whatever is coming to me. Having an artistic outlet is very important to me. I would go crazy quite quickly if I had to work in a cubicle for a boss, doing the same thing day after day.

DS:

How do you determine what your next art or craft piece will be? Do you have a theme or purpose beforehand? What’s your intent?

SW:

I get inspiration from the world around me. It comes from everywhere. Nature, magazines, other artists… I love using metal in a totally new way.

DS:

If you had your “druthers” about anything in your artistic journey, what would you like to have changed or done differently and why?

SW:

I wouldn’t change a thing.

DS:

Being an artist requires not only creativity but it also takes a lot of ongoing hard work… Do you ever experience burnout? How do you handle it?

SW:

Once in a while I feel burnt out. I simply take some time. A few days won’t change the world. We love to go camping and often a few days in nature fills me up again. You need to step away from time to time to gain perspective.

DS:

I couldn't agree with you more. I'd almost say it's an art to know when and how to "take time" for yourself when you really need it. The great outdoors has a way of refreshing some of us like nothing else can.... Shirra, what about “procrastination”? I hear a lot of artists voice this problem… is this ever a problem for you?

SW:

Yes, I can procrastinate along with the best of them. I just go with it. Again, taking a ‘mental health day’ will not put you out of business. Once I relax and allow myself some time off, I feel better equipped to get on with business.

DS:

What about “getting started” on a new work or piece… is this a challenge or issue for you? And how do you handle this?

SW:

There are some projects that just don’t seem to work right from the start. I’ve done a lot of custom works and occasionally you get one that is just so hard every step of the way. I’ve wanted to quit many times. Often, leaving it for a day or so and then diving in works well. Once you’ve started something, it isn’t such a huge mountain to climb. Keep it in perspective. A few hours or days off something that’s hard is not going to kill you.

DS:

Let's change direction here for a moment... How did you get started selling your work? And Where? How did it go?

SW:

My first show was a bit of a bomb. But talking with other exhibitors, I found out about different shows that would work better for me. One led to another and so on. Other artists are the best source of information. Selling online was a great thing to do, too. I know I have a leg up with my husband being such a talented online marketer. Having a website lends credibility. This is a new world for shoppers. They love to be able to see something in person and then surf it later.

DS:

That's definitely something we believe here at A&CNet, too. You and your husband have been very adept at taking advantage of the inherent benefits the Internet offers. There's still many artists and crafters who have yet to realize what a tremendous help this can be for them... Indeed, it's a much bigger new world for shoppers that most realize.... Is there a particular kind of art or craft lover who buys your work? Who is it mostly appealling to?

SW:

I realized my target group are women between 29 and 55. They are people that love to have unique things and will seek them out. Talking and researching great art shows and markets was key for me. The shows I do now are very high caliber. Doing every little community craft show can be very tiring and not get you anywhere. Sometimes, you get what you pay for and spending the time to apply and the money to pay for better shows pays off.

DS:

How do you market your work and what goes into considering how to price your art?

SW:

Finding the price that works can be very difficult. Originally, my pieces were way too expensive. Then I swung the other way and was undercharging. It’s harder to raise your prices than lower them. Simply speaking, I feel you need to be very accurate about what your work costs you in hard terms and what your hours are worth and work it out that way.

SW:

How do you decide which art or craft events to participate in, or studios or galleries to exhibit your works in?

SW:

Talking with other exhibitors, trying out shows and even going to them as a customer is important. Be discerning. Your time is valuable. Never underestimate it.

DS:

Has the above been a successful means for you to market and sell your art? Do you have any thoughts or comments on what you may feel is lacking or missing with the traditional marketing means and sales venues?

SW:

Once I find a great venue, I treat it very well. Doing the same shows and bringing new items is great. People love to see you again and again as long as there’s something new for them to see.

DS:

I know that you do have a website and you're using it very effectively. What about other online marketing means, too? What's the biggest advantage of selling online, as you see it?

SW:

Having a website has allowed me to live in a small community and yet reach a huge number of buyers. Getting traffic to your site is key. Learning about search strings and keywords can really pay off. You could have the best, most beautiful, expensive website in the world, but if no one goes there, does it matter? Using Ebay has been very good for us too. Staying on top of your items and questions is very important. Email has changed the world, it needs to be given respect and time.

DS:

Can you offer any creative advice to artists or craftspeople who are aspiring to sell their work?

SW:

Find someone that can help with internet sales. This is a wonderful store! It allows one to have many images of works without keeping the stock on hand that you'd require for a physical store. Once something is ordered, then you can make it. Inventory costs a lot and avoiding that situation is key.

DS:

And finally, but very importantly, what, in terms of business insight or some tips for readers, or upcoming artists and crafters, have you learned to do or not to do over the years?

SW:

People love to see your work in more than one location. Don’t be afraid of showing work in a gallery or store and then also doing a local show. Some store owners don’t like that but I believe in the theory that most people need to see something two or three times before they buy it. It all feeds to help sell the product. Not over exposure, but enough.

DS:

Good solid advice, Shirra. What would be the one most important thing you would like to say or pass on to those in the art & craft community that you believe would help them, or that you’d simply like to remind them about?

SW:

Do something you love. If it’s boring to you or frustrating, don’t give it the time. Once you find something that feeds you spriritually, emotionally, or what have you, stick with it. Someone else will love it too.

Editorial Comment:

We'd like to thank Shirra Wall for sharing a bit of her story and her experiences with us. Every artist has something to say, some good advice to pass on. It's not always profound, but it's invariably something we can all relate to, confirm, or learn from. We're pleased to showcase some of her unique metal art works on our website. We also encourage you to visit Shirra's website at www.shiningsungardens.ca

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