Meet Deena Steward | Artist and animal lover.

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

Hi Deena, what are you inspired by?

That’s an easy one! The beauty in nature has always been inspirational to me. The rolling sea waves during a storm. Snow covered pine trees against a dark blue sky. Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. The variety of colors, sizes and shapes in flowers and other foliage.

Experiencing new places and activities is also huge and makes life interesting. It helps you see the world through other people’s eyes.

I’ve been exposed to a variety of art mediums throughout my life including, drawing by hand, pottery, photography, videography, graphic design, glass blowing, sewing, knitting, etc. It’s given me an appreciation for what it takes, mentally, creatively and the skill involved.

Unique, quality pieces that have a story or make me laugh have always caught my eye.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

During my “younger” years, I worked for mostly small start-ups where everyone wears a variety of hats. Starting off in the office, assisting customer service, gradually moving toward learning and doing graphics, video editing and web design. The more creative and challenging the job, the more I liked it.

Photography (sports, nature and portrait), creating real estate virtual tours and legal videography became my side gigs. In those days, the industry and subjects I covered were very competitive and somewhat cut throat.

Then, in 2008, I worked with a wonderful group of volunteer videographers, editors and producers covering the protests outside the DNC in Denver. The encouragement, shared knowledge, and support within the whole team made a huge impression. After it was all over, we’d call each other to work on other projects.

Fast forward to 2019. After finishing cancer treatments, I decided life is too short to not enjoy what you do. I wanted to make a positive difference, make other’s lives a little happier. On a whim, I learned how to engrave on wood. I love animals, especially dogs and started engraving pet portraits on wood and sending them to friends and family as presents. The appreciation and gratitude I received let me know I was on the right path and the business grew from there. Now I do a variety of wildlife and pets on coasters, plaques, ornaments and drinkware.

At craft fairs and farmers markets, someone will spot an owl or raccoon item and tell me stories about their wildlife encounters. Past clients stop to tell me how an engraving was a hit with their friends or family. It’s very satisfying and encouraging to me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Good question. I’m not big on big cities nor having to dress in anything other than jeans and a t-shirt. My favorite places to shop in Northern Colorado are all locally owned shops in old town Fort Collins, Estes Park and the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. You can find all sorts of unique items that make great gifts.

If you want to see the beauty of Colorado, check out Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the drive you’ll enjoy a variety of elk, wild turkey, marmots, sometimes a bear, moose or bighorn sheep. From Estes Park, take a drive down Hwy 7 where there are places along the way to take a hike and take pictures like at Lily Lake.

Just before getting to Peak to Peak Hwy, there is a tiny town called Allenspark which has the cutest boutique shop called Tree Huggers Trading Company. It is loaded with quality items and many are made locally – and a coffee bar!

Head south on Peak to Peak Hwy. The scenery is breath taking, especially in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. Stop by Brainard Lake, just outside of Ward for another short hike and you may see the local otters!

Continuing south, on the outskirts of Nederland, stop by Mudd Lake. It’s a nice little lake with a few picnic tables and a trail around the lake. If you are there at dawn or dusk, you might even see a moose!

Spend the night at Boulder Creek Lodge in the town of Nederland. It has some very cozy cabin like rooms and is walking distance from everything in town.

Have breakfast at the New Moon Bakery and hike around Barker Reservoir before stopping for lunch at Busey Brews Smokehouse for a late lunch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are a lot of people who have inspired and/or encouraged me throughout my life so that’s difficult to narrow down.

I’d have to say my step-grandmother was the biggest influence growing up. She never let being a woman stop her from trying or doing things and and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. She learned to water-ski at 50! Because of her, I wasn’t afraid to try and experience new places, activities and things.

My husband encourages me to do and try new things. If I want to learn something new, he would either help me learn it or make sure I had the resources to do it. He’s never been threatened by my successes and in return, I’ve done the same for him, enabling both of us to “reach for the stars” so to speak.

My late mother-in-law, who also lived her life outside the box, was a nurse, business owner, brail transcriber, world traveler, and a phenomenal mother to my husband and his siblings. She really didn’t let anything get in her way or let her gender dictate what she could or could not do.

There are many others as well, my family, teachers, friends – Everyone makes an impression on you whether you realize it or not. Thank you to everyone!

Website: https://MooseTrackBoutique.com

Image Credits
Deena and Daniel Steward