Welcome to the Art House…
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our art house, here you can learn about our mission and dive into our unique blend of artistic expression, spanning jewelry, gemstones, glass art, stationery, and beyond. Shop online or come visit us at one of our in-person sales, details of which can be found on our social pages.
Every piece we craft is a story waiting to be told. Take a moment to read our artist bios and learn more about how we channel passion and our own personal philosophy into the things we create.
With love from Lubbock, Texas,
The Desert Willow Arthouse
Photo: The members of DWAH at the Downtown Lubbock Farmers Market. (June 8th, 2024)from left to right: Robert, Verajalen, Kassi & Isaiah
Isaiah loves to talk to others about all things jewelry as well as discuss Wiccan faith and other new age topics. He also takes commissions for custom pieces! Reach out to him directly at:
isaiah@desertwillowarthouse.com
About Isaiah…
Where are you from? How does that relate to your art?
“I was born and raised in West Texas, which is steeped in a lot of traditional values— reflecting on my upbringing I can say that being a gay man in the bible belt truly shaped my identity and strongly influenced the things I believe in. In that same way, being raised Catholic inculcated me with an intense fascination with theology and I became enthralled with the power of the unseen. Today, as a practicing Wiccan, I try and walk the line between my Hispanic roots and my Mescalero Apache heritage, which both heavily define my artistic philosophy. Through my art education at Texas Tech University I discovered jewelry design and metal smithing was a passion for me, and there, my world of occult knowledge and theology collided with metalwork. After nearly 4 years of training as a bench jeweler and stone setter producing fine jewelry for the bridal market, I found that I was ready to make my contribution to the world and instead make art for myself and my community.”
What is your artistic philosophy?
“My artistic philosophy leans towards an outward veneration of the invisible powers of the universe that express themselves in unseen ways, and the way that we as humans can attempt to find the divine in our every day experience. My artworks pay homage to the human mind who seeks to understand the beauty of nature, and tries to remind the viewer that they belong to nature and through that, have power. My metal works are the product of my relationship with gold and silver and I do try and stay aware of my spiritual relationship with my materials, as I believe that in the way the leaf and branch of the tree are living, so to are the gemstones and metals I move to produce my work.”
Why are you doing this?
“I created the Desert Willow Art House with my three friends because I found that my job in production jewelry took the life and soul out of my craft. I wanted to make what I wanted, and feel good about the things I created with my hands. I see myself connecting more directly with the people who’s lives I have touched and look forward meeting the people who buy our products. Our goals are set on community outreach and connection, and I hope that through the Desert Willow Art House my friends and I can make our personal dreams become become artistic realities. “
About Verajalen…
Who are you? What made you an artist?
“Hello! My name is Verajalen! For as long as I can remember, I have loved creating things and working with my hands. This included making my own journals, bookbinding, or even fandom related items. Doing such hobbies gave me so much joy that I dreamed of having my own business where I can pursue all kinds of hobbies. “
How did you become a fandom queen?
“My family and I soon moved to the US to start a new life. Shortly after moving, I was introduced to the fantasy genre. I began reading and watching movies and tv shows that were in this genre. It instantly grappled my attention and I wanted items from these fandoms. Since many were very expensive, I decided to start making my own items that were inspired by them. It became such a big part of my life that I constantly created art to deal with any sort of stress or change that was happening in my life. I went to university to study psychology. Although that subject truly fascinated me, it did not give me much joy as creating art. One day I was in the art building at Texas Tech University looking at the exhibit done by metalsmithing and jewelry students. I saw what they were making and was instantly intrigued. I found a skill that I have not tried nor thought about. I decided to take that class and instantly loved it. I was back to creating art with my hands. As the world was in lockdown, I was saddened to no longer be metalsmithing. However, I continued to make fandom related art and I began learning some new ones. I learned how to make my own paper, journals, and bookbinding.”
What made you want to create a business?
“Once the world began to open up again, I was jumping from job to job and never really found happiness in what I did. When I graduated, I was able to find a job working as a jeweler. Even though I loved what I was doing, I found that there was still something missing. I realized that I did not like working in a corporate setting. I wanted to finally start my own business. For a while, I have been mulling over having my own sticker and stationery shop. I voiced my opinions to two of my closest friends and I found that they felt the same way. They, too, wanted to own their own business creating art. Alas, Desert Willow Art House came to fruition. It allowed us to make our own individual art and to traverse this business life together instead of being on our own. “
Verajalen is reachable for inquiries and is always looking for other stationary fiends to befriend. She is ready to talk custom book binding and all things journaling. Email her at: verajalen@desertwillowarthouse.com
About Kassi…
How did you become an artmaker?
“I feel like being a craftsperson was something that ran in my blood—growing up I have lots of memories of my Mom sewing together our Halloween costumes, and spending long hours into the night helping my sister and I perfect our school projects for the next day. I was also being told I was great with my hands (that might have been for free shoulder massages, but, we will never know!) and I just ran with it. I was teaching myself how to draw and doing weird crafts around the house as much as I could. Throughout high school my main outlet was band, then I went to college and found art school. I wasn’t having to teach myself poorly how to create anymore. I was able to try almost every media of art and my eyes were wide open. I couldn’t believe i could have a major that was fun and fulfilling.”
When did you decide you wanted to be a business owner?
“As a kid I would always get in trouble for making and selling things to other kids. I made jewelry, bookmarks, t-shirts, you name it, I probably tried to sell it to my classmates. I have always been an entrepreneur and I am so happy that I get to pursue that dream with Desert Willow Art House…
How hard can it be?”
Kassi is always ready to take on her next big project! Reach out to her for custom resin art requests, special candle orders, or to talk glass art. Write her at: kassi@desertwillowarthouse.com
Robert is enthusiastic about lapidary, gemstones and jewelry. Connect with him for special stone requests or just to talk about shiny rocks. He can be reached at: robert@desertwillowarthouse.com
About Robert…
Who is Robert, anyway?
Robert is incredibly mysterious and hasn’t responded to our interview questions yet, but as soon as he does, we will place his answers here. Thank you for reading. :)