Meet Chia Swinger | Artisan

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

Hi Chia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I feel colors deeply. Seeing them come together to create art touches my soul in places that other ideas and concepts cannot reach. It is like breath and has become something I need. It has penetrated every aspect of my life and serves as a friend, teacher, healer, and has now become a provider.

Growing up I participated in musical arts which opened the door for me to learn about what art can be. What I have learned is that art is everywhere and I can see it in places where no one is looking. I was compelled to allow art to be a vehicle for my journey and it has brought me to a wonderful and exciting business called Lucid Queen, where I get to share how I feel through creating jewelry and accessories.

Freedom is another facet of art. Having an artistic career grants me the experience of freedom. I can create with no boundaries and precedents that determine what can be created. When I incorporate new ideas into my designs, I love the nervousness before releasing them to the public; the thrill is real.

Sustained feelings can really affect the direction in which someone’s life will go. It is important to me to have things around me that will keep me optimistic, hopeful, and ultimately feeling good so that’s what my work does for me. Once I realized the influence that art has over one’s emotions, I knew I had to share this with the world. This is what drives me to creating pieces with loud, bold colors and odd shapes. I want to make people feel optimistic, hopeful, and good.

Art through jewelry and my business gives me an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the world. I can inspire others to be creative and prove to the world that art can provide income. It gives me a bigger purpose while allowing me to be free as I work, therefore making it an easy selection for a career.

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.
The polymer clay jewelry sector is really exciting as new creators emerge to the surface everyday. Although this occurs, Lucid Queen still manages to be set apart by the design selections and color pallets. When I shop, I look for bold, bright colors and unique or odd shapes. That is the style that captures my interest and makes me feel excited about life. This is the foundation of my business so that my supporters will get an authentic piece of my heart and I can stay true to myself. I am inquisitive and obsessed with the unknown so I like to bring that into my work. This helps to create the work I am most proud of.

The more I worked with clay the better my products became. I am very glad I did not give up during challenges or moments of frustration. One of the biggest challenges I had to face was learning how to avoid getting bubbles in my clay products. Trapped air rises when curing the clay so if air is in the clay, you will see it after it’s too late. I researched and watched others clay artist and tried a few methods until I found something that worked good for my business. I am glad I did not give up because now I can provide a quality product.

The best lessons I have learned is to not fear making mistakes and to keep going. Mistakes have been key to helping me discover better and more efficient ways of producing. As the journey progresses the rewards become sweeter and when I hear good news, I always think about what would have happened if I stopped. Always keep going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I could show someone around Atlanta, my one and only home, I would start by visiting Truist Stadium to watch the Braves play a baseball game and I would explore the Battery for food and entertainment. Nearby is one of the best restaurants in Atlanta called Pappisitos, where I order the baja shrimp tacos and a frozen magarita and am never disappointed.

I also love to walk around downtown Woodstock and shop at the boutiques. To end a day of shopping and walking around, I love to stop in Kilwins for chocolate. My two favorite items are the fudge and the caramel apples with walnut sprinkles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My significant other definitely deserves recognition in my story. He has been a solid rock of support since I started Lucid Queen. He was there when I contemplated business names and he saw all the mistakes I have made along the way and not once has ever discouraged me. He always tells me to keep going. He also extends his time to assist with business needs by being present at markets or packaging large orders. He brings the spirit of love to my business.

Website: www.lucidqueen.com

Instagram: @lucid.queen.reigns