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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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The Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide is a seasonal release. Find more local artist spotlights, as well upcoming events, featured articles in every issue.
