Meet Iz Wyrd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iz Wyrd.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I feel fortunate to have been born into a family of art & music. Originating from a town of only 400 folks in Iowa, I grew up with rolling fields of corn, spending a good amount of time in nature somewhat alone within myself to explore my inner world of stories, imagination & mysterious wonder. My childhood was an interesting mix of country home life & Christianity juxtaposed with the sounds of Led Zeppelin blasting from my Dad’s stereo & paintings of Picasso hung by my Mom in our home. My folks are artists & musicians & thankfully they exposed me to the good stuff… blues, jazz, classical. They held their day jobs but also played in rock ‘n roll bands, worked as fine artists & are still creating today. My brother is also an amazing talent. So, somehow despite the isolation of rural Northeast Iowa, I was filled with inspiration to be a creator myself.

I played piano religiously for most of my youth & threw myself into music as a healing outlet. Artistically, I dabbled around but it wasn’t until my post-collegiate days did I finally start to tap into my artistic gifts. I have my husband to thank for that! He is an insanely talented artist & tattooer & he helped bring my inner artist out to play! I taught myself how to embroider, began drawing more & sewed weird stuffed creatures out of fabric. I started selling my art locally & was surprised at the overwhelmingly positive response! We then moved to Arizona so I could study Herbal Medicine, Sound Healing, Yoga, Nutrition & Spirituality. Since diving into my healing work here in the desert, I’ve continued to evolve my subject matter, allowing for my inner realms of curiosity to become tangible in the physical world.

Please tell us about your art.
I love to make & create, in general. I’m also a Mother & wear many hats in this life. As a Sound Healing Practitioner, my art can show up as channeling vibrational energy through sound for others to explore their inner healing journey. As an Herbalist, I teach, transmit & prepare botanical elixirs & experiment with alchemy. I practice Yoga & am always digging into my body & mind to find inspiration on this wild journey of life! As an Astrologer, I tap into the psycho-spiritual functions of humans & connect it to the Cosmos. I try to live & breathe creativity in all of my work. Spirit moves through me.

In terms of artistic mediums, I tend to work with textiles, embroidery, acrylics, watercolor & ink. I gravitate to striking design, patterns, symmetry, bright bold colors & a distinctive style that can really only be recognized as my own. It’s hard to put into words but you know when you see someone’s work & you instantly know who made it? That’s what I’ve always strived for… to carry a personal style that is uniquely my own. I have no desire to duplicate anyone else’s work & I’m no good at reproducing! Of course, I’m constantly inspired by everything around me & the number of artists out there who are doing great stuff is endless! It gets me excited to express my own version of whatever it is I’m feeling.

I’m drawn to the weird, occult, natural world & the psyche. I often weave themes into my work such as eyes & yonis which are magical gateways into the unknown. My intention is to take deep topics, observations & explorations of the subconscious mind & make them into simple, easy to read pieces. I hope to make the art that pulls you in from the across the room due to its power & presence. What the viewer interprets is really their own awesome connection! That’s part of the fascination of it all. I know how I feel deep inside with what I’ve made. But only the receiver of the art can travel into those places for themselves to see what they find.

I don’t always have this highly refined artistic process. Sometimes I have a distinct plan & other times I simply get this lightning bolt of creative energy & I must make! Create or Die! I don’t always quite know what’s gonna happen until it’s happening! It just is what it IZ!

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
The world is in a crazy state of flux right now! Collectively we’re going through massive change & that change is highly uncomfortable. Even though we’re waking up & freeing ourselves from the shackles of patriarchy & repression, we still have to keep checking in with our center & look deep inside ourselves to really know what’s true & real. It might seem cliche but we have to be the change we want to see in the world! Making art is a powerful channel of that process. Artists all over the globe are being called to create as a way to inform, inspire & educate from the inside out! It’s amazing how much information, logically & intuitively, can be conveyed by the preparation of art. I feel that the current state of affairs is nudging me to keep making, even if I don’t always understand the details. I know that my soul craves it as a form of evolution, & I encourage others to do the same. It’s a cathartic process to create, of tapping into our bodies, minds & spirits of hidden wisdom.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can follow me on Instagram! I go by IzWyrd.

You can view my work in person in February. I’ll be showcasing some new original pieces at “Happy Healthy Horny High Herbs” downtown Tempe on Mill Ave.

You can support my work by commissioning me! I would love to sew you an awesome patch for your denim jacket or make you a piece of art. Perhaps you are needing Spiritual support & may consider contacting me for a Sound Healing Voyage, info on Astrology or for a custom Herbal Elixir.

Contact Info:

• Email: izzwyrd@gmail.com
• Instagram: izwyrd

Image Credit:
Amanda Shea Photography, Grace Marcellino Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.