Meet the MakEr behind Creative Dexterity

I’ve met some of you lovely people in "IRL" (in real life), some via the virtual realm during these past 18 (!!!) years I've been in business.

While I use my sole proprietorship name on various social media platforms, I consider myself an artist (over a  brand) and I’ve (tried to) keep the posts authentic to who I am as a person. Preference of realism over “bull-pooper” (ok, realism with frequent sarcasm).

So if it’s been a while, 👋🏽 I’m Lauren Anabela, a queer artist whose primary material of choice is metal and recently random videos occasionally featuring my dog(s). 

I was born in El Salvador during a civil war then later immigrated to the US via transracial adoption. Not knowing much about my biological history led to my curiosity in history and the arts (especially the correlation of experienced storytelling and documentation).

I’ve been an artist as far as I can remember; it’s a great way to express yourself, reflect the times through advocation and lived experiences (something AI could never do).

Why jewelry tho? Jewelry wearing is self expression, a conversation starter, wearable storytelling, AND my creations being modeled then (hopefully) generationally cherished. Plus recently finding out my bio-father worked in a sheet metal factory back in the homeland was the definition of serendipity to me. 

I’m an always-learning craft educator who has taught various in-person and virtual workshops throughout Massachusetts.  Always open to collaborate or teach, spreading the importance of arts and crafts.

Capitalism CRAPitalism: If I have one recommendation on support the arts is also support artist directly or through their provided preferences.

🌺 You may currently purchase my work on my/this website - If income is tight I have sales from time to time and if you’re a fellow artist I am always down for an exchange!

🌺 Support independently via contribution funding via Venmo @laurenanabela and/or via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/CreativeDexterity  (swear I'm going to get better at updating that).

🌺 Support by helping me/my art grow through reposting, tagging, leaving a product or teaching review AND of course wearing my creations.

🌺 I’m an (always-learning) jewelry/metalsmith craft educator who has taught various in-person and virtual workshops throughout Massachusetts.  Always open to collaborate or teach. One of my missions is educating the importance of arts and crafts.

🌺 I'm always open to consignment, especially with local small business!  I currently have work at Craftland (RI) and Sip413 (MA), two amazing local small queer friendly business that sell handmade and support the arts! 

With Gratitude,

-Lauren Anabela