Meet Lizzi Willis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzi Willis.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always wanted to be an Artist ever since I could remember. Originally my dream was to be a famous Oil Painter. Clearly, that didn’t happen haha. I got really into oils and went to school to study fine arts. As my art was starting to pick up, life happened for the better, and I had my first son Oliver. I gave up Oil Painting due to the lack of time but that dry art period was short lived. After not creating for only 2 or 3 months I came across a Quartz Crystal at a street fair and knew right then I wanted to turn this beautiful specimen into jewelry. I learned how to wire wrap through books and videos and began wrapping Gemstones, Sea Shells, and even animal Bones. I found lots of snake bones from hikes and road kill, hence my brand name. After wire wrapping for a few short months, I got bored and decided to take that big leap into Silversmithing. I became extremely invested and knew this is what I wanted to do forever. Three years ago I taught myself how to Silversmith, by utilizing YouTube and Metalsmith books. I started an Etsy shop and began participating in local craft fairs.

Please tell us about your art.
I mainly work with Sterling Silver but recently introduced Red Brass into my work. I make anything from Rings and Bolo ties to Rollerball Necklaces. These days my workload consists of only Rollerball Necklaces. They’re these little glass vials I designed into a necklace to hold your Essential Oils or Perfume. I incorporate semi-precious stone such as Quartz, Malachite, Turquoise, Amethyst and so many more. They’ve become a staple in my Brand and a big part of my Metalsmithing career.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I would say its subjective to both sides. I think if you’re doing well you might say artist have it easier in this age of free social media but I can also see how that can make it harder to be noticed. Customers have so many artists to choose from. Getting lost in the vast internet shops can make it difficult. I think pop up shops that don’t charge an arm and a leg can help out local artist flourish in their own communities.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I exclusively sell online. I use Instagram as my main marketing platform and Etsy as a vessel for transactions. Every Friday I update my shop with 7 to 20 new Rollerball Necklaces.

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/shop/roadkillgems
• Email: roadkillgems@gmail.com
• Instagram: @roadkillgems
• Facebook: @roadkillgems

Image Credit:
Lizzi Willis

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