We had the good fortune of connecting with Betty Busby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Betty, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’m too abrasive to work for anyone else

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of my earliest memories from kindergarten is being reprimanded by the teacher for drawing a purple squirrel. I was never one to conform to expectations, and was determined to be an artist for as long as I can remember.
Over my parents’ objections, I went to art school and majored in ceramics.
I founded a ceramic tile manufacturing firm after college, ran it for nearly 20 years, and sold it to move to Albuquerque.
There was a non compete agreement with the buyers of the tile firm, so I became involved with textiles instead.
Creating the processes and machinery to make the tile involved much research into new materials.
This interest has carried over into my textile work, there is a tremendous variety to work with, as well as new inventions that are continually appearing on the market.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m in Albuquerque- There is the Sandia Peak Tram, Petroglyphs on the west side of the city, and historical, natural history, and art museums.
We’re an hour from Santa Fe, which is one of the premier tourist cities in the country.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve shared a house in Albuquerque with my sister Kitty for many years. Her continual support has been a major factor in enabling my full time occupation as an artist.
There is always an influx and out flow of projects going on, raw materials everywhere, and frequent traveling to put up with.
As a physician, Kitty has worked long hours for many years and has dealt with life and death on a daily basis.
My appreciation of the fragility, and paradoxically, the enduring power of art in our lives has been intensified by her carreer.

Website: bbusbyarts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbusbyarts/

Facebook: Betty Busby

Youtube: @nosniveling

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