Check Out Alana Pearman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Pearman.

Hi Alana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m a self-taught artist and the owner of Kindred Artistry. I’m not sure exactly where things started. I’ve just had a creative way of thinking for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t so much a conscience choice, as just a way of being. That’s probably because early-on, thinking outside the box was encouraged by mother (a hobby artist from California). And, I learned to take time to appreciate nature, in order to calm myself, from the example of my father (a rural Wisconsin native). So I ended up being surrounded by both art and nature, eventually combining them. I often say my aesthetic was born from a Southern Californian state of mind and Midwestern heart.

Creative thinking has supported me through every stage of my journey. Eventually, it taught me that it’s okay to make mistakes, not to take myself too seriously, and to challenge the concept of “normalcy”. Otherwise reserved, it’s the way I choose to show my personality. Later, little creative tokens became my favorite way to encourage others.

Most recently, it’s the way I slow down, sit with my feelings, and learn to live in the present. Friends nudged me to push my art past the hobby stage. And then, about four years ago, my brother (John Shearer, talented photographer from SoCal) offered to take that next step with me. We started Kindred Artistry together, deciding to see where it would lead…it has led here.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
((laughs hysterically))

“Owning your own business is not for the weak.” – to quote Jacquelynn Allen @scentsoftaste_catering. I used to be a very planned and organized person. Then, for some reason, I chose to start this small business without knowing what to do or where it would go. Early on I “threw the oars out” and decided to move with the ebb and flow (picture riding whitewater rapids…not a boat floating on gentle waves).

I have relied heavily on my extremely supportive friends (people who can do math and work computers – you know who you are)! My husband has played every possible role to help me do this. He always says, “When it stops being fun, stop doing it!) …but, he always makes it fun! So, here we are! My brother and I no longer work on Kindred together. But, we remain supportive of each other’s creative process. Hopefully, someday things will align again in the future.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in both hand-dyed fiber art and self-care items.

I hope that they can be used to break up life into tiny meaningful moments. With fiber art that’s done by using texture and soothing colors. The abstract design allows the looker to see exactly what THEY need to see.

It’s similar with the self-care items. Their purpose is to pull us in by appealing to our senses, which can help us ground ourselves.

That experience can be woven into the little spaces of our home, our daily bath, and the candle we light at the end of the day…for ourselves or to share with others.

What matters most to you? Why?
I’m most proud of trying and growing. My effort is to connect with others in interesting ways. But also to remind others that it’s okay to take the time to learn to connect with themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kindred-artistry.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: @kindredartistry
• Facebook: Kindred Artistry