Meet Melissa Robinson | Jewelry designer and High School Art Teacher

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

Hi Melissa, what inspires you?
I find so much inspiration from the creative process…the ups and downs, the flow, and the unexpected break throughs that come from allowing yourself to just create without judgement, and connect to curiosity and joy. Recently I have also found a great deal of personal growth in pursuing my yoga teacher certification. My Yoga teacher training is at The Be Free Healing Center in Fort Collins. Through the classes and trainings I have taken so far, I have discovered how much creating art provides a mind body connection that can be incredibly empowering and healing. My goal as an artist who creates jewelry or wearable art is to bring this sense of empowerment and connection to themselves while wearing my designs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of the bravery I have gained over the years. When I became a mom and became more involved in my career as an art teacher, I always had a voice in my head that questioned whether or not I could also make my own art and find joy in living authentically as an artist involved in the community where I live and teach. I am so grateful to be surrounded by so many encouraging friends and badass women who have also forged their paths with great courage and resilience. I , like so many others, have risen above challenges such as loss, anxiety, and the demands of what society tells us we should be. I decided many years ago when my son was around 3 that I just wasn’t a mom who would set aside my dreams and goals until my retirement years. I began to make art every day as though it was a ritual, a healing practice. I am so proud of where I am. My brand is named Copper Sky which is inspired by not only my love of the beauty of copper (even after it has been battered and subjected to flames), but of my amazing grandma. I grew up watching sunsets over lake Michigan with my grandma telling me stories and sharing unconditional love. The water would sparkle like diamonds and the sky would turn all shades of red and copper and gold.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness! As a native of Colorado this is easy, but also hard to narrow down the best of times. Red Rocks is at the top of the list. Even for just a hike, I grew up just up the road from Red Rocks, in a tiny town called Pine Junction. My High School graduation was even held there…In the pouring rain, haha! I would definitely try to arrange a trip to Coors field as well. The energy and joy felt there with the views of the mountains is so memorable. Why not do a quick swing through the Denver Art Museum and eat at Casa Bonita? If we could fit it in, I would take a drive up 285 all the way to Kenosha Pass and stroll among the Aspens. So much beauty. Crested Butte would be our peak destination, staying for a couple days to enjoy the music, eat at The Wooden Nickel, and Hike to take in all the views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my success and shout out article to my Family, especially Joe Robinson, who has endlessly encouraged me, my dear friend and fellow artist Jules Gillen, Lacey Gasaway, who invited me to display jewelry at her pilates/yoga studio called The Movement Apothecary, Susan Smedley, owner of Resilient Soul Yoga, Melanie Lighthouser, Owner of The Be Free Healing Center, and last but not least Breanna Harden who inspired my participation in this article.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artgirlmama?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artgirlm77/

Image Credits
Susan Smedley, my husband Joe Robinson