Meet Abby Miranda | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Miranda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks, to me, are a necessary part of evolving as a person and an as an artist. Without risks, your world becomes small. About 5 years ago, I took a risk moving from Texas to North Carolina. 5 years before that, I moved from New Jersey to Texas. Taking those risks has added many layers to my experiences while influencing and enriching my art. Also, these big risks gave me courage to take risks in my craft. Mistakes may happen, but it’s worth it. I think I’m more afraid of regretting not taking a risk than the risk itself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art is not an easy path. It takes courage to be creative. Art permeates every part of my life. I hold a BFA in Design and Crafts with a specialization in jewelry and metals. Along my journey, at some point I lost my heart. Meaning, I stopped making art and I had no motivation. Perhaps I was discouraged and lost my voice. When I moved to Texas, I started making jewelry again. It was rings, bracelets, pendants and cuffs from silver plated utensils. I started doing markets again at local breweries. Then one day, I walked into a small shop and saw hand painted leather boots and I was inspired. It started with leather boots then leather jackets. I did a couple of commissions too. I then moved to North Carolina taking my art with me. But it’s evolved to hand sewing skirts to the bottom of hand painted denim jackets and jeans, giving them a Bohemian vibe, all the while making the silverware jewelry. I made the decision to stop making that type of jewelry this year after I taught a couple of beginner jewelry classes. I felt the silverware jewelry has run its course. Now I have new ideas about making jewelry with the intention of stone setting. I’ve learned along the way that creativity never goes away like I thought it did. It becomes a smoldering ember waiting for the day when you give it breath to become a fire in your heart. Inspiration is everywhere, just be open to it. At the moment, my business is called Wyld Kismet Designs. It has many names and many incarnations, but I’m happy with it for now. I’m doing markets and festivals again and more frequently, but I’ve learned to be very choosy. That comes with trial and error and finally knowing your own voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is funny because I have a few friends and family members want to come visit! I’m living in Clover, SC and there so many places in the area I would take them. In my town alone, there’s Clover Harvest for farm to table meals. My local drink place in Clover is called the Vault. They have many different artisan beers on tap. They also have music bingo and local musicians. There’s a new coffee shop called Brick and Mortar which reminds me of those little coffee shops up North where you can sit for a spell. If I go up to Kings Mountain there is Veronet Winery which has elegant wines with a gorgeous view of Kings Mountain and Crowders Peak. We can walk around the artsy downtown Rock Hill, SC with its many local shops and restaurants. Fort Mill, SC has one of my favorite breweries called Amor Artis, which I have some a couple of their markets. In June, they have a selection of strawberry inspired beers. There is a tiny town called Cramerton, which is on the Catawba River, that surprisingly has some great restaurants and a wonderful wine bar called The Tannin House. If we want to be very adventurous, heading out to Asheville is always a great time! So many different restaurants, shops and bars it’s hard to chose. The River Arts District is my favorite place out there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have come in and out of my life that have been and still are big encouragers and cheerleaders! Friends, coworkers and family members who have help me along the way, big or small. They are all a part of my journey whether they know it or not. But the one person that has been my sounding board and confidant is my sister, Dalia Miranda. We can count on each other for mental, emotional and artistic support.

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