We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Hoyt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have explored art in one form or another for as long as I can remember. I have always loved sketching, painting, sculpting, and exploring new mediums. Making jewelry is a way to create art that people can wear. I began beading eight years ago as a hobby and sold my work just to keep myself in beads. I’d had some serious vision issues in 2021 and after surgeries and a long recovery I decided that I wanted to pursue my love of creating art and jewelry as a career. In spring of 2022, I took my first metalsmithing class and fell in love with the medium. There are so many ways to manipulate metal, so each day is a new exploration of technique. In September of 2022, I decided to leave my office job and began metalsmithing full time.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I destroy plants. It is with great shame that I admit that every plant I have ever owned or touched has died. Therefore, I decided I would recreate all the plants and flowers I love in metal. The majority of the jewelry I make has a botanical design. I love making dainty hydrangea earrings or detailed gingko necklaces. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring different designs and I am always drawn back to botanical designs. After leaving my job in 2022, I spent six months experimenting and practicing techniques until I developed what felt like was my style. I’ve learned that as a creative, I need to practice my craft and create pieces that I love. It can be easy to get caught up in the anxiety of worrying about whether or not something is going to sell or if it will appeal to enough people. Not everyone will like your work and not everyone needs to like your work. For every person who does not like your work there will be someone who loves it. So as a creative, I just focus on creating pieces that I love.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Lyons so my first stop would be Rocky Mountain National Park for an incredible drive and hopefully some wildlife. The next stop on my list would be lunch at MainStage Brewing on Lyons Main Street to enjoy their beer garden, historic building, and delicious pizza. Whenever I have friends visit, I love taking them on local art tours. My favorite spots include Aspen and Evergreen in Estes Park, Red Canyon Art and Western Stars Gallery in Lyons, Lincoln Gallery in Loveland, and B Market and Firehouse Art Center in Longmont. To cap off the day, we would have to stop at Spirit Hound Distillers in Lyons for a cocktail.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout goes to my husband, Eric, who fully supported me quitting my office job to pursue an art career. He has also helped me set up and run my booth at so many art markets in the past year. I also would have had a much harder time learning metalsmithing without Boulder Metalsmithing Association. Their selection of beginner and technique intensive classes have helped me learn new skills and techniques.
Website: www.briannahoyt.com
Instagram: @brianna_hoyt_jewelry