Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Annis.
Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first found embroidery in 2020 through a local pop-op that featured an artist who embroidered on sweatshirts, and I thought to myself I bet I would love doing that. I started to find online classes and just took a deep dive into the art of embroidery. I learned so many different stitches and the ways to properly execute them, but I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do with all of this newfound knowledge. Then, I found Christi Johnson on Instagram and fell in love with her classes, books and her art. She helped me see where I could take my art and that this passion could become more than just a new hobby. I have always loved art, and I have mostly explored my art through dance and movement. I’ve danced since a young age and movement has always been a way for me to express myself. Embroidery just felt like a new movement and new way to connect to myself. It has such a calming and meditative quality, and through all of the challenges of 2020 it was a great source of comfort and safety. In 2023, I officially started my business Earth Angel Works, and I have really just tried to follow my heart with what images come through in my art and what I make, to which events I attend. I have been so grateful to have found friends to collaborate with and communities of likeminded artists that I can share and sell my art alongside. We the Starborne/Cait the owner of the shop have been a huge part of my journey, especially with getting started and having a place to been seen and sell my work.
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?
While there have been some truly beautiful moments and connections, being an artist can be very challenging. I often get down on myself about not making enough, that my work isn’t as magical and healing as I would hope it would be, and that I’m not selling out at events. There are so many factors that go into why things take their time to find the right person, so I try to focus on thinking my art will find the people it is meant for. Embroidery takes time and can be very detailed, so deciding how to price things gets tricky, and can create a barrier for some people to purchase my work. Within the last year I have worked on smaller pieces like necklaces and embroidered hoops that I am able to offer at lower prices. I also struggle with keeping up with everyone else’s timeline and being seen on platforms such as social media. I like to go with the flow my body is most comfortable in and push myself when it feels right, but this doesn’t always help to grow the audience that sees and potentially wants my art.
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 specialize in embroidered wearable art on found clothing, although I do also create embroidered art that can be displayed in the home. I create my pieces with the hopes of making connections and creating healing through images and the energy I put into every stitch. I really love when an image comes to me that feels meant for a piece of clothing and then someone will find it at my booth and tell me how strongly they connect to that image and how it reminds them of something special in their life. I wanted to start this business to share the connection and healing that I get from making this work with others and help people feel something magical and beautiful when they wear my pieces. I have been excited to experiment with making accessories created with scrap fabric from slow fashion brand clothing companies. Using what is already in the world and scraps that wouldn’t otherwise be used to make something new is something that is very important to me.
What matters most to you?
Truly finding peace and love in life, and then sharing that with others has always been what I strive for. I want to share what I learn with others through what I create, in hopes that I can also help them to feel their best in that moment or every time they can connect to my art. I want to empower others to follow what lights them up. I feel that the most powerful thing we can do is find what we are meant to do and what we love to do, and do that thing as much as we can. All of that good will just keep multiplying and healing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @earthangelworks
