Today we’d like to introduce you to Montana West.
Hi Montana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an artist started at a very young age, although I didn’t know it back then. It wasn’t something I was taught I could pursue or do for a living, yet I still I found myself drawn to the excitement of creativity as a very young girl & that interest continued to grow throughout the years. I never had a set “thing”. I had a strong urge to be surrounded by nature & music as often as I could! Which I know many of you relate to. I always appreciated how it was all such a magical form of art. I began writing, refurbishing old furniture, painting, making crafts. I noticed that so much of my art reflected just that, music & nature. I had a deep desire to capture it and bring it to life on a canvas or with any type of 3d art piece. Once I was aware of that I then intentionally focused it. I love creating pieces for a home/individual that evokes that feeling of peace, beauty, and magic that we feel when we hear our favorite songs, a live band for the first or 50th time, feel the perfect breeze, gaze at freshly bloomed flowers, or walk amongst our favorite trails. I truly hope to bring joy & a range of feel good emotions to anyone who supports my business by finding their perfect piece.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say smooth! But the best roads are typically the unpaved. Sometimes I daydream about going back in time to pursue art school. Somewhat of a “if I had only known!” moment. However, I believe my journey has unfolded exactly as it was meant to. I’m grateful that I’m able to be creative in my free time & make pieces that authentically come from the soul. It is a struggle some days feeling like you are meant to do this while also having a career that is completely opposite from it, but I’m blessed in both. In some ways, there is more freedom in the path I’m on now. I am open and appreciative of whatever unfolds in the future of my artistic endeavors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say I specialize in 3D mixed media. I remember sitting in my loft one day thinking of how much I love music and string lights (stay with me) and how in the world could I combine that? A few hours later I saw this picture in my mind of a glass guitar full of lights! So I googled “how to make a mold”, went to the store for caulk and baby powder, and got started making an absolute mess. A couple of days later I had completed a mold from my guitar. I still had absolutely no idea how it would turn out! I spent days layering lights, resin, fire glass, and adding details. It was so tough to wait for the final unmolding but I will say, it was a moment I’ll never forget. That was just one of several epiphanies I had from daydreaming. I also began to cut out certain shapes from wood and create other molds for 3D pieces. I believe that’s what stands out or sets me apart. People always comment on the layers and textured/3D aspect. I also hear they love the colors! I love putting aesthetically pleasing colors and patterns together. It is such a rush to watch the layers slowly come together & create something fun or joyful to look at.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I also play guitar & write music! For now it is just for me, but perhaps someday something that I share with the world.
Pricing:
- 15-300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowBluesCo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowbluesco
