As Seen On : David Bush
[introduction + interview by kayla doyle]
This is how the story goes:
Two people meet, and initially, starry-eyed, all they see is what they have in common: “We’re both creative.” or, “We share a love of puzzles and board games” or “We love the same music” and “We’re into athletic, outdoorsy activities”. We grab onto these similarities as a sign: “Ah yes, the creative couple - great match!”
As time ticks by, these same two people can come to see all the ways in which they differ:
“I’m the planner, she’s spontaneous” or, “He’s slower, more methodical with his process, I’m faster, much more impulsive” and, “He’s more solution-driven and practical, I can’t be bothered!”. “I’m a Cancer, she’s an Aries (gasp)!” These two similar people have somehow arrived at a place where they mostly see how different they both are from the other. After all, claiming or naming our differences from another person helps us define and hold onto what makes us who we are.
Generally speaking, it can start to become easier to spot the differences than the commonalities and similarities. These differences can sometimes cause hiccups, but a little polarity might just be mutually beneficial, helping us expand our way of thinking, doing, or creating with another person. If we can relax into the contrasts, accept them, understand them, and find playfulness in them, doesn’t that make that relationship more fun and interesting?
David Bush and Amy Vander Els find themselves happily partnered together. From learning more about David, one could say, they’re both “the creative type” yet David and Amy enjoy, find interesting, and appreciate their differences and their unique ways of creating. They both knowing that their relationship, built on similarities, has grown and thrived because of their contrasts. In kindly, softly understanding one another, they’ve found new ways to help each other flourish, to truly admire each other, and to see each other’s goodness.
It’s a curious kind of loving,
-Kmd
How did you and Amy first connect? Your first “meet-cute”(as they say in the movies)?
I first met Amy at Amesbury Open Studios 2015. She was sitting at her desk as I turned the corner into her studio. She smiled and said “hi”. We talked about her art and how she was an art teacher and what brought her to Amesbury. Amy has no recollection whatsoever of this encounter.
david, decordova museum
There is a particular workbench that Amy sits at, as she hammers, shapes, and files in her studio. You built this bench. Can you share with us the process? What were your hopes as you crafted and designed the tabletop for Amy?
One thing I love about Amy is how she makes things work. And she was really making her old workbench work. It was small and warped and wobbly, yet it didn’t prevent her from making beautiful jewelry. I wasn’t sure if the bench had been a gift or made for her by someone close so I delicately asked her if she would like “more room to work”. She was really excited about having a bench designed just for her. We then got started working on the plans.
my jewelry bench
You seem to be, in many ways, a renaissance man. Would you say this is true?
I remember when I was six or seven years old, my dad put a bathroom in the basement of the house we grew up in. He framed the walls, did the wiring and the plumbing, tiled the floor—basically, everything. I was too young to think much of it at the time, but when I got a little older I thought “how did he know how to do all that?” There was no internet, no YouTube. I wish I took the time to ask him while he was still alive because it’s still a mystery to me. Anyway, I guess I’ve always aspired to tackle things myself. But even with YouTube, I’m not sure I could pull off most what my dad did.
What do you appreciate and value in Amy?
That would be a very long list but simply put, Amy is good. She is truly good and that is at the heart of everything she does. Good emanates from her, follows her and comes back to her. It really is amazing to see and be around.
us
You have spent much of your career in the graphic and visual design spaces. Has this translated to or impacted other areas of what you enjoy or gravitate to?
Design has always been a practical thing for me—a solution to a problem. When Amy introduces me to people they inevitably ask “Are you an artist too?” and this question always makes me hesitate. Technically I’m considered to be a graphic artist, but I guess I think of myself as more of a visual engineer than a visual artist. I think that’s why I like to build physical things—like Amy’s workbench. Everything I create professionally is digital so I’m grateful that I have the ability to also create things that can be held and used.
You have also helped Amy with the design of her banners, signage, and her displays. I’d love to learn a little bit more about how you concepted these things. What did you keep in mind as you designed these for Amy? What did you feel was important as you thought about her style and jewelry work?
Amy is extremely intuitive when it comes to how she sees and promotes her work. She orchestrated the photoshoots that capture the essence of how she wants women to feel when they wear her jewelry and connect with her brand. I try to be very careful to not get in the way of that. I help Amy with the mechanics of it all but the vision is entirely hers.
Two creative people, together, can both independently benefit from watching the other create and share in the creative process together. Has Amy’s process of creativity shaped or changed yours?
Amy and I couldn't be more different in how we approach our work. I’m a planner. I need to fix mistakes in the plans, not the execution. Amy is fearless in her work—she just does it. I have so much respect for that. If I only had the ability to allow myself to be that free…
In your relationship and friendship with Amy, what have you learned?
I’ve learned how to be a better person. Really.
Do you wear or hold close any of Amy’s work or designs?
Amy made the silver ring I wear. It has a message on the inside from her. It also has dings and dents on the outside that are from the time I spend together with my boys in my shop or out working on mountain bike trails. I hold it close because it’s a reminder of how lucky I am.
Thank you so much for reading our latest installment of As Seen On, and please be sure to check out davidbushcreative.com to see a selection of David’s work., discuss a potential project, or just say ‘hello'‘
ASO readers, please enjoy 20% off David’s favorite AVE styles, the Rae Necklace and the Carnelian and Pyrite Tension Earrings. Discount is automatically taken at checkout.
If you or someone you know wears Amy’s pieces and is interested in being featured in our “Ode to the Wearers", please reach out to us. We’d love to learn more about you and what you wear.