Interview with "The Spirit Dancer" , Amy Riddle

                        

                          Soaring to Success

                         Interviews of Artists, Writers & Photographers

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                         Interview with "The Spirit Dancer":                           

                                            Amy Riddle

Amy Riddle

Please enjoy my interview with inspiring, Amy Riddle...  

Hi, I'm Amy Riddle...some folks call me The Spirit Dancer. I live in Asheville, NC...my hippie-healing dream town. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Alternative Medicine and have taken several herb courses. I love my garden and I make my own medicines. Right now I'm working full time as an assistant to a holistic physical therapist. When not working, I'm working on my creative biz, Spirit Dancer Creations. I create necklaces with spiritual flair and recycled intention candles.

When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?

I remember in 3rd grade at school we had to draw on a giant posterboard what we wanted to be when we grew up. I drew a picture of me painting and said I wanted to be an artist. As I grew up, I forgot about that. I am taking a painting course this year and I'm quite stoked. It's all new to me!

Was there an influencial person or an event that helped you realize you must follow your passion?

We would have to go back in time to the year 2001. What started out as what I thought was the worst year ever, ended up being my best year of self discovery. I went through a divorce which caused me to dive head first into “me”. I took a spiritual development class, discovering what was important to me and who I was. During that time my mom came to visit. She taught me how to make jewelry. I loved it because I could make whatever I felt drawn to. I started creating my own necklaces to empower me with this new found spiritual energy. Candle making followed a few months later. Through the years I've picked up other crafting passions like knitting and creating purses from old cigar boxes. I also create my own herbal remedies and flower essences. Painting is new to me, I started dabbling this past year after I picked up Kelly Rae Robert's book, Taking Flight. www.kellyraeroberts.com/book

What are your fears? How have you faced them?

The only fear I really have is the fear of never having my own business. I want to work for myself. I want to be my own boss. I'm tired of taking out other people's trash. I want to just be responsible for my own trash.

What makes you different...unique from others?

I'm a Reverend and I bless all of my creations. I feel each necklace, every candle has its own unique energy and I tap into that. I believe I give each piece an extra magical oomph.

https://www.facebook.com/spiritdancercreations

http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Backtomywings

http://www.indiegogo.com/AmyRiddle

Any secrets to reveal about the tools you use or your techniques? Tips or tricks?

My biggest secret is in my candle making. I use such a simple tool and I'm constantly amazed that folks can't figure it out. “How do you get those holes in your candles? Did you carve them?” The answer: ice. Here is my blog on how I create my candles...http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-i-create-cool-candles.html.

Amy's candles with her favorite star mold 

If I really want to dig deep into my inner muse, I throw on my Sarah McLachlan DVD and it gets me going every single time. Some of my best inspirations have come from having that DVD on. Sarah brings out my creative goddess.

What are your goals and inspirations?  Where will you hope to be in 2 years? 5 years? 10 years?

Right now my main goal is to become a Life Coach. I am so happy and relieved I've finally figured out how to bring all of my passions and talents together. I am in the middle of an Indiegogo campaign right now to raise funds for the tuition and trip costs. I'm so excited about this. Please check it out... http://www.indiegogo.com/AmyRiddle . The campaign ends on January 14. Please share on your facebook, twitter, and any social networking sites. The more folks who see my campaign, the better chance I have of reaching my goal. I am manifesting my reality!

In 2 years time I see myself having my own business with many clients. In 5 year-10 years I hope to keep adding more of my passions to my Life Coach career. By then I would love to be teaching, in person and e-courses.

Butterfly tattoo representing her transformation

Where is your creative space or studio?

Ahhh! I don't really have one. It is driving me crazy. I have to use the living room for my creations. I have one table that I hide my supplies under and keep current projects on top of the table. I plan on moving to a bigger home this year and having my own craft room.

How much time do you devote to your work?

Hard to say. Since I'm still a full time employee, it varies. I go through kicks where as soon as I get home from work I'm working on my creative biz. Usually through the week, I don't have the time and energy. Fortunately, I have weekends off and sometimes I don't leave the house. I stay home and blog, update Etsy, plan, plot, create....

What are your “whispers” or callings begging you to do? What made you decide to take this e-course with Kelly Rae Roberts? What do you want to achieve?

As I mentioned earlier, I am going to be a Life Coach. I will also eventually teach. I took the Flying Lessons course to learn more about the creative biz aspects...I need my own website and I need to learn efficient time management. My surprise from taking the course is the community we now have. It's amazing and I can't stop raving about knowing so many crafty supportive souls.It has been a true blessing! That's how I met you!

I agree with you, Amy.  It was a pleasant surprise to find a wonderful community full of artistic, talented girls (that quickly became friends!!) giving advice, ideas, and support! That was my first online course, and it was a very good experience for me as well!

Do you keep a daily journal or sketchbook, or write in a diary?

Oh yeah! I love my journal. I always have it with me and colored pens. I encourage everyone to journal. It's super cathartic. My journal is one of my best friends. I can tell her anything and everything.

How do you market yourself? How do you plan to get “the word” out there? Is it working? Are you selling?

I'm always pimping myself out on Facebook...my business page...my personal page...my blog. Right now I'm researching craft shows for 2013. I LOVE doing shows and I need to put myself out there again. I used to do shows quite frequently when I lived in Florida. I've been in Asheville, NC for 3 ½ years now and it's time to get involved!

What type of music do you listen to when you create?

Chick voices inspire me the most. I love to listen to Florence + The Machine, PJ Harvey, Amy Winehouse, Sarah McLachlan, Delerium, Aimee Mann, etc. Lately, I've been listening to a mix of Muse, Radiohead, and Air.

Who is your favorite artist, photographer, author? Who do you admire and look up to?

Favorite artists...I'm attracted to faeries so two of my favorite artists are Brian Froud and Jasmine Beckett-Griffith. My brother, Lucas is an incredible artist, too. He has been drawing since he was old enough to pick up a pencil. I've watched his talent soar higher every year. He recently showcased his work in a comic book shop in our hometown, Metropolis, IL. (Yes, home of Superman..I'm so not joking.)

Favorite photographer?  Two of my friends..Kim Comer Jackson and Jen Coates.

Favorite author?  My favorite author is Charles de Lint. He writes fantasy and created two of my favorite charcters..The Crow Girls.

I admire anyone that lives their life passionately and with gusto!

Are you encouraged to follow your creative path by your family or friends?

Absolutely. My mom has always told me I could do anything.

More jewelry created by Amy

How do you come up with titles for your work?

I name my necklaces. The title either pops into my head as I'm creating it...or after I hold it, close my eyes, and it comes to me.

Do you work on one project at a time? Or have several going on at a time?

Way too many going on at once! I'm looking forward to the day I have my own craft room. Then I'll be able to spread all my projects out!

Thank you so much Joan!

Peace, Inspiration, and Love,

~Amy

The Spirit Dancer   Let me inspire you.

"The Spirit Dancer"

spiritdancercreations@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/spiritdancercreations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Backtomywings

http://onajourneybacktoherwings.blogspot.com

http://www.indiegogo.com/AmyRiddle

Amy, thank you for doing this interview with me!  You are a very talented and inspiring artist.  Your story and goals are ones I’m certain you will obtain and more! I am thrilled to get to know you and wish you the absolute very best with your career in life-coaching and may all your dreams come true for you!   Joan