Adore April 2022

Paige Guillory MIDCITY Creator

@firebird.wearables

B orn and raised in Lafayette, Paige moved to New Orleans to attend the University of New Orleans where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Public Health. While in school, she explored her artistic side through her jewelry business. Firebird Wearables began from a single pair of earrings made as a gift for her best friend and since its expansion, has become a form of expression shared with a larger audience. Her sustainable and colorful earrings can be manipulated into new shapes, feature upcycled threads and yarns, and can be found in shops across New Orleans. WHAT IS INSPIRING YOU RIGHT NOW? Opportunity, exploration, and the desire for connection. After graduating and transitioning into full time work, I have found it difficult to make time to create. Reminiscing on the friendships I have made through creating jewelry, wanting to get back to contributing to that space, and challenging myself to try something new with my earrings has encouraged me to reconnect with my artwork. WHAT DO YOU DO TO NURTURE CREATIVITY? My art practice is not consistent, so part of my process is to allow it to come and go. When I am inspired, it comes from a genuine place, rather than being forced or coerced. When making earrings, I'll usually look at colors as a way to get into the headspace of creating. Otherwise, it's generally a fluid and highly intuitive process. All of the styles of earrings I have created were made in the moment by playing with the material as opposed to having a formal and formulaic design process. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR TAKING CREATIVE RISKS? Reframe your thinking. Approach creative opportunities as exploration and with curiosity. Ask yourself what you can learn from this instance and how can you apply the outcome to help further your craft.

FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN NEW ORLEANS? Celebration of life. Regardless of the times, I find that the way people show up in this city and find moments of joy is the best part. FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN NEW ORLEANS? 1000 Figs — The food is absolutely delicious. Eating it while hanging outside on the bayou is ideal. FAVORITE QUOTE? "Now, I'm not so focused about 'making it' as I am about making a life." Henah Velez from the article: What If I Never Do Anything Prolific?

ADORE • APRIL 2022

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