Betsy Bauer Studio - Wrappedrockz



Betsy Bauer Studio - Wrappedrockz

About The Artist

Betsy Bauer • Santa Fe, NM
Mixed Media • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

Inspired by the drama of the primal rock landscape of the Southwest and my Zen Buddhist practice, I make sculptures and jewelry in my Santa Fe studio. Using stones I collect and wrap in natural cane, I fuse ancient Japanese basketry knots with contemporary design influenced by New Mexico, where I have lived for 3 decades. I love using natural, sustainable materials to make smaller objects of art available to bring nature, simplicity and joy to a larger audience.



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Q&A with the Artist

Tell us how your work is made.

I use rocks and natural cane. Many of the rocks I have collected over years in New Mexico, where I live and on my travels. Friends gift me rocks, too. With my painting and drawing background, I am constantly doing drawings for my designs and study Japanese basketry knots and naval knots. I soak the cane and wrap the rocks in my studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For some designs, I custom dye the cane. Some days, I quietly fall into a meditative state wrapping rocks. Other days, I am full of energy and bounce between drawing, designing new styles and experimenting with new ideas.


What makes you passionate about the medium you work with?

The natural, organic qualities of shape, size and texture of the rocks never cease to amaze and inspire me. Each rock has its very own character, energy and story. The fact that they are infinitely older than we are is humbling and opens up a soulful creative energy for me to work with from the start. Some nights I go to sleep just seeing different rock shapes and forms and wake up excited to begin a day in the studio with the rocks.

What is something unique about you or your practice?

My Wrappedrockz are often collected and given as gifts. People gift them to friends and family for special occasions, for meditation, prayer or healing and to remember loved ones. I often get feedback about the calming and comforting qualities of my work. As gifts, they seem to hold a deep, meaningful energy that connects people together and with nature. The new Wrappedrock pendant necklaces are intimate, wearable art that keeps the rocks close to your heart. The shared stories of healing and connection from collectors inspire me and bring me great joy.