I find myself staring at string art in amazement at the lines and paths that the string takes throughout the design. It’s almost hypnotic to try to follow the individual paths of the string with your eyes, and when you take in the whole piece, it becomes one cohesive picture. I love Amy’s designs, and the way that the string almost becomes a solid fill in her work. Meet Amy of Bernal Burrow and check out her things at some of the local boutiques in San Francisco, or online!
~Angie~
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Amy Perrier, I’m a crafter of many things, but what I enjoy doing most is string art. I grew-up in Folsom CA, which was made famous by the Johnny Cash song Folsom Prison Blues. I have been living in San Francisco in Bernal Heights for the past 6 years.
What do you make or do?
I make string art, light-up letters, recycled art and furniture.
Where can we find your creations?
I sell my items online at www.etsy.com/shop/BernalBurrow. I’m in a couple of boutiques through out the city : Local Take and SF Art Attack, you can also find me at some local craft fairs, yelp and wedding events.
Is there an interesting story behind the name of your business?
It took me a long time to come up with my business name. I didn’t start creating any art until I moved to San Francisco, so the city in general was a huge influence and motivator. I wanted something that payed homage to my inspiration. I’m absolutely in love with my neighborhood Bernal Heights and it’s where I make all my creations. I was working one day non-stop in my art room and the time flew by. I was thinking how I feel like a little rabbit working away in my burrow, thus the name Bernal Burrow came to me.
How long have you been creating and is it your full-time job?
I started making and selling my crafts 4 years ago, I quit my full-time job a year and a half ago. I do work part-time as a legal assistant to bring in some extra income.
When you’re not making things, what do you do?
When I’m not making things I love riding my bike and exploring the city. I love taking drives along highway 1 and stopping at all the cute coastal towns.
Is creativity a luxury or a necessity for you?
Creating art has become a necessity, sometimes I have ideas in my head for years, but just don’t have the time to pursue them. When I do finally get to them and they turn out amazing or sometimes not so good, I feel like I can finally move on to the next project. It is a luxury that I am able to afford to make art and live in San Francisco. Luxury or just lucky…. maybe a little of both.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to lead a creative life?
I didn’t tell my parents for over a year that I quit my day job to pursue my crafts. I didn’t want them to worry and I didn’t want them to be disappointed in me. They still give me grief about not having a full-time job or benefits, but I just ignore it, because what it comes down to is that I’m happy doing what I’m doing. Now my biggest obstacle is competing with the big box stores. It seems like everyone these days sells some sort of light up letter, so business has slowed, but that just pushes me to come up with new ideas.
Did someone in your family, a friend or teacher introduce you to your creative side or have they helped you along the way?
My grandfather started making string art in the 60’s and never stopped until his death in 2014. He lived in NYC and on the weekends sold his art in Central Park. Unfortunately, he wasn’t that close with my family, but I was always in awe of his art work. My parents used to make Christmas Crafts every year and sell them at the local craft fair. I loved the whole scene, it was so much fun helping them and selling. I looked forward to it every year.
What would be your perfect day off?
My perfect day off would be not having any orders to worry about and creating something that’s been on my mind for quite sometime. Then taking a walk up Bernal Hill and getting a bite to eat on Cortland.
