1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I have been an artist since I can remember, I knew at a young age that I wanted to make things with my hands. After graduating Stetson University with a degree in fine art I began showing my sculptural work with local galleries in the Washington DC metro area. After several years of working with these galleries I realized I wanted to reach a wider audience with a functional piece of art. I had plenty of scrap wood lying around my shop which otherwise would go to waste and decided to make bowties out of this material. With the success of the bow ties SwitchWood was born and I started creating other handcrafted men's fashion accessories.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

SwitchWood is the first interchangeable wooden bow tie that allows the wearer to remove the wooden wings and switch them with a different type of wood or wing shape. SwitchWood uses recycled and reclaimed materials such as whiskey barrels and skateboards to create a wide range of accessories from bow ties to sunglasses.  

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

I started my career as a graffiti artist and have always been inspired by low brow / street art. It has allowed me to think abstractly especially with subverting materials and using them in unique interesting ways.  

4. What is your creative process like?

I like to jump into ideas and get my hands dirty right off the bat. I find that ideas build off each other and morph into unforeseen directions organically. Final products are not always intentional and can grow from a primitive idea. Doors open and new possibilities arise that wouldn't happen if you sit around waiting for an epiphany.   

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

"Inspiration is for amateurs — the rest of us just show up and get to work" - Chuck Close

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

 I will have a wide range of fashion accessories to include wooden bowties, cuff links, tie clips, earrings and sunglasses. I will also have collection of wooden bar accessories to include flasks, bottle stoppers and bottle openers.  

7. Where can we learn more about you? 

To lean more about SwitchWood and to see our product line visit www.switchwood.com  also check out my artist website www.drewstormgraham.com