We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Wood a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose emerges from a process of healing after a traumatic experience. Within my art a therapeutic space became where I could confront fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of trust. Through this process, I began to recognize beauty within what is often considered broken.
Imperfection plays a huge role in my works; the flaws and imperfections within each piece are not corrected, but embraced. These moments of fracture often become the most meaningful aspects of my work. By allowing the broken pieces to remain visible, I aim to honor both the process and the emotional history embedded within each artwork.
Ultimately, my work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with brokenness—both in objects and within themselves—and to find beauty where it may not be immediately expected.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently organize and plan multiple artist markets throughout Grand Rapids, Rockford, and Ada, Michigan. I have partnered with City Built, Third Nature, 7 Monks, and Gravel Bottom Brewery to showcase a wide range of local artists throughout the year.
In my planning, I focus on creating opportunities for artists to connect with the community while also supporting local businesses. These markets provide not only a space for artists to sell their work, but also a welcoming environment for first-time artists as they step into the market experience. As I wrap up my second year organizing events, I look forward to 2026 with the goal of expanding both the artist community and the spaces in which these events take place.
Shattered Works has also grown into new concepts and ideas within my personal practice. I am currently exploring more elaborate pieces, moving toward glass-based work and learning new processes, including soldering, to further expand my current work.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience allowed me to continue creating and organizing even when the process felt uncertain or emotional. Art and event planning both involve setbacks, rejection, and moments of doubt. Learning to keep showing up—to the work and to the people involved—made growth possible. For those early in their journey, my advice is to give yourself permission to move at your own pace. Sometimes its better to take it day by day then to try to see the whole picture.
Embracing imperfection has been key to both my creative practice and my overall life. Allowing flaws to exist in my work helped me develop a more unique self and let go of unrealistic expectations. Early on, it can help to experiment freely and resist the urge to overcorrect. Treat mistakes as information rather than failures—they often lead to your strongest ideas.
Community-building has been such a wholesome experience. Collaborating with local artists, venues, and small businesses strengthened my work and expanded its reach. Learning how to communicate clearly, listen, and create inclusive opportunities has been just as important as technical skill. For those starting out, I recommend getting involved locally—attend events, support other artists, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Within each person you meet you may gain a new avenue to pursue.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always open to learning, and I believe growth comes from learning through example. I am eager to collaborate with someone who has successfully organized artist markets, as I would like to better understand their marketing strategies, how they discover and engage artists, and the avenues they use to build and sustain successful events.
I continue to work through challenges such as identifying the right locations, selecting effective dates, and expanding my artist clientele. Learning from experienced organizers would not only strengthen my approach but also help me create more impactful and sustainable markets.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ShatteredWorks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShatteredWorks
Image Credits
All images were taken by myself, no image credit needed
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
