Today we’d like to introduce you to Bev Resendez.
Hi Bev, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
If you would have told my five year old self that I would be known for twisting wire later in life I never would have believed you. I’ve always had an affinity for designs that are not the norm. Color, shape, unexpected twists and turns – just being a little off center has always attracted me. I never considered myself to be an artistic person. I can’t even write my name legibly. Many years ago my mother had a Christmas pin that was made of twisted wire and beads. It was so different from any design I had ever seen that I immediately fell in love with it. For decades my mom and I would tease each other relentlessly because she knew I loved it and wanted it. Even though my mom has passed, the memories I have in my heart live on in me, my family and friends. For years I included a Christmas ornament in the shape and style of the original pin in my product line. This year, for the first time, I will be offering the pin in my product line so that other families can build the memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. The intricate twist of wire has always captivated me. I’ve never taken a class or a lesson but somehow the wire tells me how to shape it. My designs include jewelry, home decor, garden decor, and inspirational items. Being a wire artist was and is a necessary part of my work life. My 34 year career as a law office administrator was exciting, rewarding and sometimes very stressful. Having a creative outlet was necessary to create a balance. I am proudly a member of GoTexan which is a program created by the Texas Department of Agriculture to showcase products and businesses that are made in Texas.
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?
As with any work there will be challenges. I always say my designs have to touch my heart. They need to speak to me. Then my head needs to layout the process. Can I do this? How will it fit into my design aesthetic? Is it a dream or will it make it to my hands? Once the design reaches my hands and I actually start working on it more obstacles step in. My biggest product last Christmas was a twisted wire tree. I was so frustrated every time I worked on it because I couldn’t get the wire to do what I wanted it to do. Finally, I threw the whole thing – wire, crystals and tools – into a chair and walked away from it. I’d periodically walk by and see the heap but I knew it would just frustrate me more if I picked it up. One day I stopped, picked it up and started working on it again. Within thirty minutes I had a finished product. Not what I originally intended but more beautiful than I expected. The wire knew what it needed to do and I was too stubborn to listen. Once I listened the product was born. Obstacles are temporary. Push through.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In addition to my legal work and my artistry, I have taught community education classes. Teaching is incredibly rewarding. Since I have no artistic training I teach my classes as though I was the student. The joy in my heart when I hear a student say they are not creative. Joy because I give them the tools to believe in themselves and the understanding that even if a project doesn’t turn out perfectly….sometimes it’s not supposed to. In every class each student left with a finished project. While I can’t teach the intricacies of what I create I can give a foundation that will take them through any wire project they work on. My products are not ordinary and that sets my work apart. There are a lot of great wire artists in the world and we all have our own way of twisting wire and that makes each of us special in our own way. I have been a volunteer in adult literacy. Again, teaching which is so rewarding but with adult literacy you are giving the student the tools to better their lives. It makes my heart smile knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
There are two major risks I have taken in my creative process. The biggest risk was believing in myself. I have always collected earrings. At one time I owned several hundred pair and I wore all of them at one time or another. My youngest sister said I should make some since I liked them so much. I told her I couldn’t. I had no idea where to start, materials to use, etc. She said “just make a pair.” And I did. And I wore them to work. And someone bought them from me. That happened over and over again until I realized I just might be able to do this. Over the years I honed my craft and expanded my product line. I started out doing a single table at a church event or small show. I never paid over $100 for a table. After about ten years my product line was expanding and I felt the need to do larger shows. But larger shows meant more money, time and commitment. Was I ready for this? I made the plunge. I decided that I would do shows with large show promoters. I gave myself one year. If, at the end of the year, I had not seen a sizeable increase in sales and visibility I would go back to smaller shows. That was ten years ago and I’ve never looked back. Two huge risks that made such a difference in my life. What is the worst thing that could happen? You fail? We all fail at one time or another. But, what if you succeed? Take the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TopangaCanyonDesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bevresendez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopangaCanyonDesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bev-resendez-2a9557150/
