Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn Gibbs.
Hi Jacquelyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Five years ago I saw an image of imitation fairy wing earrings on the internet, and immediatly fell in love with how whimsical and fantastical they looked. I’ve always enjoyed oddities and taxidermy, so I knew that I wanted to recycle something natural to make them, deciding that cicada wings from the summers spent broods would make the perfect fairy wing! Unfortunately for me, I also had a terrible fear of cicadas. What began as a way for me to conquer my fear in order to make something beautiful led me to rediscover the fact that art doesn’t have to be on a canvas. Since I began making art from natural resources, I’ve continued to discover new and fascinating ways to preserve and display the bountiful gifts that nature bestows upon us.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly has not been a smooth road, as most small business owners will agree. Starting a business post-pandemic has presented many challenges, as well as having such niche art in a continuously struggling economy. I began by entering into almost any event that would accept my application for a table, believing that more events would mean more sales. Over the years I’ve learned that my art isn’t for everyone, and that’s totally okay! It takes time to find your audience and figure out what works for you. And even that is not a guarantee that every event will be successful. I’ve had record breaking sales immediately after losses that made me consider quitting, and I’ve learned to humbled by both experiences.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love bright colors as well as making unique art out of remains. I repurpose butterfly and cicada wings to make elegant, whimsical jewelry. I use bones for a variety of unique pieces such as jewelry, shadow boxes, wind chimes, and more, generally with the addition of UV reactive pigments! If I’m known for anything though, it is due to my unique practice of mummifying hearts. Time and time again, I’ve seen wonder and awe light up someone’s face as they take in the variety of amazing pieces. Not only are they fascinating oddities, they replicate a preservation technique that has endured and fascinated people for millennia; Mummification. One feature that makes my preserved specimens truly unique is the addition of a UV reactive pigment, added once the drying process is complete. In this manner I’m able to put my personal touch on my creations and make them truly unique Cauldron Queen creations.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of my favorite things about Kansas City is how much we love art. I grew up hearing that Kansas City was an art hub, and watching people enjoy art over the last five years has shown me how true that still is. As a child, we were often told that we could be whatever we wanted to be, and the art community of Kansas City has helped so many artists, including myself, to realize that dream. It truly inspires me to continue to create, even when I feel uninspired. I have had the pleasure of working with many local coordinators as well as some that are not so local, and I absolutely love how the community shows up to support them and the artists they work with. None of us could do what we love without the support of the community and coordinators that bring us all together. Also, the variety of art in our city is truly inspiring, teaching the community every day that art is not simply something you find on a canvas in a museum.
If I had to discuss something I dislike about Kansas City, it would be the the treatment of homeless populations by the KCPD. I cannot imagine that anyone voluntarily chooses to live without the safety and security of a stable home. There are those in the community and government that seem stubbornly content to remain ignorant as to how easy it can be for just about anyone to find themselves in a similar situation, and their opinions on homelessness clearly display this. Pouring bleach on food donated by the community and destroying someone’s only shelter mid-winter, when they are already struggling is completely inhumane and monstrous, as are those who create, approve of or enforce such legislation. There are more than enough resources to ensure that no person need go without basic necessities such as shelter and food.
Pricing:
- Most mummified oddities range from $25 to $75.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CauldronQueenCreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CauldronQueenCreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauldronQueenCreations
- Other: https://linktr.ee/CauldronQueenCreations
