FEATURE ARTIST
HAPPY SPOKE DESIGNS – AMY BUCHAN
Born and raised in Toronto , Ontario , Amy Buchan left her hometown in 2006 to travel and explore the world . After criss-crossing Canada and exploring many small towns she settled in Fernie in 2010 .
Buchan learned the art of stained glass from her father who had picked it up as a hobby in his retirement . He passed on his skills and inspired the teenage artist to explore the craft and make it her own . Drawing inspiration from the environment around her , she endeavours to reduce waste and reuse materials in all of her work . While employed in bike shops in Fernie she saw an opportunity in discarded bike parts and began to incorporate chain links , cogs and anything that was no longer needed into her work . Ongoing repairs supplied her with plenty of materials , and enthusiastic customers appreciated the ethical art inspired by mountain biking .
Buchan is passionate about mountain views and bold colours and incorporates them into all of her designs . Beginning with smaller suncatchers and jewellery items , more recently she has expanded into filling larger reclaimed window frames . A recent piece of the sun setting over the mountains and illuminating the sky in beautiful reds , yellows and oranges reflects her talent for capturing Fernie ’ s beautiful landscapes .
Buchan works from her home studio in downtown Fernie where she enjoys the company of her pets . Shy dog Marley was adopted as a two-year-old and is getting bolder every day from the influence of best friend Splinter the cat . Find Happy Spoke Designs at local events this summer , including the Sunday Mountain Markets in Rotary Park . Buchan also teaches glass art classes when conditions allow , providing attendees the chance to make their own suncatcher and learn her techniques for making beautiful art .
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