Exploring the Artistic Journey With Artist and Entrepreneur, Li (Lily) Harrison
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Li (Lily) Harrison, a talented artist and entrepreneur behind Chronic Baubles. Known for their handcrafted jewelry featuring vibrant origami cranes, unique "earrings in a bottle," and elegant statement pieces made from upcycled vintage stamps, Li shares their creative process, the challenges they face as a disabled artist, and offers valuable advice for aspiring artists.
What do you make and sell, and how long have you been making/creating?
I make handcrafted earrings and necklaces featuring colorful origami cranes, “earrings in a bottle”, and elegant statement pieces made from upcycled vintage stamps! I have been making jewelry since 2019 and crafting since I came out of the womb.
Can you describe your artistic process?
Sit down on the floor in front of my work table, with my back supported, and my service dog on the couch next to me. Sometimes I create because I have a powerful urge to make something, anything. Sometimes I create when I’ve seen something on a walk that inspires me. Sometimes I pick a feeling and make a piece that represents that. Once I’m sitting down it's a lot of intuitive design trial and error - my craft is a very mindful experience for me.
What challenges have you faced with your business?
Being disabled IS my biggest challenge in business. It’s hard to push as much art and product as people who can work 40 hours a week, so it’s difficult to keep up with other makers. I don’t manage half of that, and if I work too much, I go into an illness flare and lose the ability to work for a few days. I’ve learned to manage my time and energy better and better to combat this. Also, it helped to find an artistic niche that isn’t as saturated as the rest of that market.
What advice do you have for other artists starting out?
Make art you enjoy or gives you purpose. If you don’t enjoy the crafting part of being a small business, you’re definitely not going to enjoy the marketing part.
What would you like to tell me about your disability?
I’m (unfortunately) a chronic illness collector. It’s where my business name comes from. I have an autoimmune disease, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, PTSD, seizures, am deeply neurospicy, and more! I use a walker part time for balance issues due to my POTS, and I have a service dog for other tasks (@mollywogtheservicedog). I spend an absolutely monumental amount of time doing physical therapy, being at the doctors, putting ribs back into place, and resting.
Lil and Molly, their service dog, @mollywogtheservicedog
Li's creative journey, resilience, and advocacy for disability awareness serve as an inspiration to fellow disabled artists and entrepreneurs alike. Through their unique jewelry creations, Li combines artistry with a powerful message of inclusivity and perseverance. Be sure to check out Chronic Baubles for a glimpse into the vibrant and meaningful world of their one-of-a-kind pieces.
www.etsy.com/shop/chronicbaubles
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