Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Summers.
Abby, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I actually got my “serious” start in the art world clear back in high school. My initial interest was in jewelry making, later transitioning into sculpture and ceramics. I typically worked with uncommon materials to create wearable art, thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Chris Vidgart, my art teacher. At the time, I actually hated when people would refer to my work as fashion, it’s funny to think about now. I decided to continue my education in Fine Arts at Columbus State University, where I initially stepped away from wearable art. While there I felt like I was always experiencing artist block; I decided to step back into this idea of sculptural fashion in my junior year. I was met with what seemed to be scrutiny by my sculpture professor. Looking back, I just don’t think that he understood that fashion is more than what you wear, fashion is truly art-one of the most widespread and communicative versions of it. It was actually the encouragement of the photography professor there that lead me to transfer to SCAD, he believed that SCAD would have more to offer me and my art. It took some convincing, but a week after my junior year wrapped up, I called my mom and spontaneously told her I was transferring to study fashion. She was really excited for me despite the fact that I hadn’t even applied for transfer yet!
I took a leap of faith and boy did it pay off, I started at SCAD in Atlanta the following September and it was honestly the best decision I could have made. I’m one of the lucky ones, I have a truly amazing support system behind me. It’s a big reason I was able to push through the all-nighters and tough projects. When starting my senior collection, I was inspired by my Grandmother’s prewar atlas. I had no prior experience in weaving but decided I wanted to weave my own textiles for the collection. I got a floor loom off craigslist, read some books, watched some videos, and taught myself how to weave my own fabric. I didn’t sleep a whole lot over the last eight months, and I have a collection made entirely of handmade textiles to show for it! I’ve had quite the artistic journey to get where I am today, but I’m so thankful for everything I’ve learned from it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road. However, I wouldn’t say that it has been horribly bumpy either. Some of my biggest struggles stemmed from not having enough confidence in myself and my work. A lack of confidence, especially in the creative world can be crippling. Being a young woman comes with plenty of its own challenges-without adding lack of confidence in yourself and you work. My biggest advice for young women in any field is to follow your passion, surround yourself with loving and encouraging people, and take chances. I think it’s especially important to look to the women around you that you’re inspired by. My boss, Nicole, taught me so much about being an empowered and unique young woman in today’s world. My mother was the biggest inspiration for me. She taught me so much about standing up for myself, pushing through the hard times, and chasing my goals. Like most mothers, she told me I could be whatever I wanted, and she truly meant it. She never once questioned my dreams or my crazy ideas. Without her, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today, I owe her everything. My favorite quote since I was 15 is “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” by Henry Thoreau. I keep this quote on my bathroom mirror to remind myself to always follow my dreams. I think that in today’s world, it is so important to remind women that we can do whatever we put our minds to, we are more than capable of whatever we dream.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Right now, I’m knee deep in loom weaving! I would say that’s probably what I am best known for at the moment. However, I have always loved learning new techniques and ways of creating, so maybe I’m also known for that. I am kind of an art chameleon in that way, I love to take traditional techniques of creating and morph them to create my work. I have taken a lot more pride in that as I’ve grown. Knowledge is so valuable, one of the most empowering things for me is to teach myself new skills and techniques. I think my diverse background in art is something that really tends to set me apart. I often have a different way of viewing things, and I’ve really only recently learned to own that.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Keep an open mind about where your skills can take you. I think the worst thing you can do is pigeon-hole yourself. It is really important to view opportunities and experiences as opportunities to learn. As young women in 2019, we have a duty to constantly be better than we were yesterday.
Contact Info:
- Email: asumm.design@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asumm_design/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/amsummers/
Image Credit:
Victoria Watkins-(personal photo), Damian Aching-(two photos of model with short blonde hair), Hannah Cohen-(all other photos)
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