we’re really excited to bring you guys another artist spotlight- this time we are featuring a college pal of mine, sabina kennedy. she is an artist, entrepreneur, jeweler, sculptor, and maker located in downtown phoenix. she’s someone i met my sophomore year of college through our good friend, haylee. when i think of us three i remember us bouncing around to frat parties we never really wanted to be at. always just chasing a good time with friends and trying to meet new people.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0016-2-1024x512.jpg)
we were what most of ASU would call a “geed”- slang for G.D.I = god damn independent. (which meant we were some of the few people in our partying circle that weren’t in greek life) looking back on this now is hilarious. and i will gladly be called a god damn independent these days LOL. it’s been so inspiring to watch sabina’s journey unfold over the years. we never got to connect much about our school work, but i was always fascinated by what she did. i feel like she is one of those people that perfectly encapsulates southwest themes in her art while also creating her own style in the process.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0015-3-1024x767.jpg)
who are you and where are you from?
hi, i am sabina kennedy. originally from lynchburg, virginia.
been a desert dweller since 2014.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0005-2-1024x686.jpg)
tell us about your journey
i graduated from arizona state university in 2017 with my BFA in sculpture, from there i went on to work as a florist and then a fabricator before taking the leap to live off my craft. my first job after college was at camelback flower shop and it was there that i truly realized my entrepreneurial spirit.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0013-2-1024x512.jpg)
from there, i took a 3 month temporary position with a fabrication company building an installation for LA comicon. but i wasn’t satisfied working for someone else, i wanted to work for myself. i transitioned out of that position by beginning to sell my work at craft fairs and online. i am grateful to say that i have been working for myself ever since.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0012-1-1024x767.jpg)
what inspires you?
my cat, cheese, because he reminds me to slow down and rest. i am also deeply inspired by plants, flowers, being outside, and animals always seem to find their way into my work. connecting to my higher, self-clean lines and graphic design are also huge sources of inspiration for me.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0007-1-1024x686.jpg)
what is your passion?
right now it’s jewelry, but it will always be creating
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0017-1-1024x767.jpg)
what are you most excited for?
short term, i am most excited for the upcoming events i am vending at. long term, i am excited for the rest of my journey to unfold.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0003-2-1024x686.jpg)
what is most important to you?
mental health – if that isn’t solid, nothing else will be. it’s important to me to make sure mine is in check.
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0018-2-1024x767.jpg)
want to check out more of sabina’s work and see what’s available for purchase? check out her website here.
interested in catching her set-up in person?
sabina will be posted up at phoenix festival of the arts december 13-15
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-12-09_0001-685x1024.jpg)
i was lucky enough to get one of sabina’s fuctional roller-ball necklaces and i am so happy i jumped on the opportunity when she dropped them.
her instagram can be found here for those of you that would like to know when she drops specialty items!
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-05-at-2.14.35-PM-1-1024x1020.png)
words written by: hannah
photos by: brookklyn photo
aesthetics + illustration: sabina / @lefthandedmfg
![](https://desertiris.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-11-26_0010-3-1024x686.jpg)
spread inspiration,
the desert iris team