Artist Spotlight: Cassandra Lueck
“The road of being, or becoming, an artist will be filled with naysayers and folks who think that a path more practical and safer is the way to go. Be smart about your decisions, of course, but at the end of the day, do the things that make you feel impassioned and true to your own self. After all, it’s your path and your art, no one else’s. ”
Following a cross-country move from Wisconsin to Alaska, Cassandra Lueck became enamored by the artwork she discovered created by Alaskan Natives. Years later, after life guided her back to Wisconsin, she took this newfound passion with her. Read on to learn more about Cassandra’s entrance into the world of jewelry-making, as well as what she wishes her younger self knew about being a burgeoning artist. Follow Cassandra and her art at HeartStormsStudio on Facebook and Instagram.
1.) Tell us a bit about your “art origin story”? When did you first fall in love with your art?
My passion for creating, primarily jewelry, began in 2001. I was in high school at this point in my life, and embarked on a life-changing journey with my mother – we uprooted and moved across the county from Wisconsin to the entirely amazing and beautiful state of Alaska. Here, we were welcomed with majestic mountains, pristine blue waters, and exquisite art by Alaskan Native’s, whom are known for their intricate seed beading. For my mom and I, it was love at first sight. I spent countless hours stringing necklaces and making simple daisy chains, while my mom took on the much more challenging world of glass lampwork beads. Many years and lots of life later, I made a promise to myself that I would create a platform for selling my creations and allow my passion come alive and thrive. Now, I’m back in the Midwest — back in Northern Wisconsin — and I’ve kept that very promise. Nowadays, I can't go a single day without being creative in some way. I'm always making something, writing something or researching something to do with art. It's a lifestyle, and I love it.
2.) What role have teachers played in your development as an artist? Any one stand out?
Much of what I do is learned through the "guess and by gosh" method, and some is learned from books and YouTube videos. I haven't had many teachers in my creative life, with the very large exception of my mother, who is an amazing artist in her own right. If I could go back to my adolescent years and immerse myself fully into the arts, I would, as the creative bug wasn't as strong for me then, as what it is now. I'd take advantage of every high school art class possible, and soak it up like a sponge.
3.) What advice would you give to young folks thinking about pursuing an education or career in the arts?
My advice is this: to thine own self be true. I grew up hearing this from my mother -- a self-employed artist— and it stuck with me. The road of being, or becoming, an artist will be filled with naysayers and folks who think that a path more practical and safer is the way to go. Be smart about your decisions, of course, but at the end of the day, do the things that make you feel impassioned and true to your own self. After all, it's your path and your art, no one else's.
4.) Describe how you use art and creativity in your craft as well as your everyday life.
My biggest passion is creativity itself, combined with nature and positive energy. Through my jewelry and other creations, I am able to offer lasting treasures that combine all of these things, and this makes my heart happy. As I mentioned above, being a craftswoman and a maker is more of a lifestyle choice for me. Even though I have a full-time job outside of the arts, this is what I do for me; it's essentially my method of self-care, and I embrace that in my everyday life.
5.) How can art make the world a better place? Can you share a personal example?
Art births emotion, and emotion is a very human experience. Emotion allows us to be expressive and communicative, and in my mind that equates to more shared experiences, more understanding, and ultimately, can help to make the world a better place. Art is also diverse, and very individualistic. We can learn from each other, and about each other, through art. Sometimes, art can speak the volumes that we may not be able to speak, ourselves. Art inspires; it fosters creativity and promotes awareness. I think the escapism that can come from art is also important. As someone who understands the lows of depression, creating art is an outlet, an escape, for me. And, I know I'm not alone in that feeling. The expressive qualities of art, alone, make it contribute to the world being a better place.