Hello!

My name is Allison Hetzell and I am an artist based in Cincinnati, Ohio creating paintings and wood-burnings with a focus on nature and wildlife.

I began sharing and selling my artwork and other handmade pieces online in 2012 under the name ‘By the Rock and Weed’. Today I primarily work with gouache and acrylic to create paintings but you’ll find wood-burned pieces, painted leaves and river rocks, and other wood slice art among my work as well. If you’re interested in seeing what I have available just visit my shop here!

In 2018, I co-authored a book called Nature Art Workshop which is filled with nature-themed tutorials, including a section on pyrography and wood slice painting by yours truly!

If you want to keep up-to-date with what I’m doing, follow my Instagram page – @bytherockandweed – where I share my most recent pieces, works-in-progress, and lots of nature-filled photos!

So, why the name, “By the Rock and Weed”?

Well, for one thing, I love seeing a dandelion bursting through cracks in blacktop or pavement. The persistence of weeds (and nature in general) is just inspiring! It also seems that artwork and handmade items, along with rocks and weeds, can sometimes be seen in a less-than-savory light – but it’s all about perspective! An unsuspecting gray rock can be full of crystals, millions of years old. And that so-called ‘weed’ is actually quite delicious, and has a variety of medicinal and culinary benefits, in addition to being freely and widely available. In a similar way, I feel that art and handmade pieces, though not made with machine-precision or available at a low price-point, are rather filled with soul, with a person’s natural or developed skill, and are precious in both their quantity and quality.

Sourcing my Natural Materials

I run ‘By the Rock and Weed’ from my home in Cincinnati, Ohio where I source the leaves that I press and paint as well as the wood for some of my wood slice art from free-fallen branches and dead or damaged trees. The rocks for my painted stones are also collected from various rivers and creek beds in the area. I try to create pieces that make their owners feel connected to the earth – pieces that bring joy to their keepers. The appreciation and preservation of wildlife and of all nature is what motivates my work and encompasses the subjects of most of my pieces.

I am incredibly grateful to all the lovely people who have made a purchase and supported my business; who have simply sent me some kind words or shared my work. I wouldn’t be here without you!

Thanks for stopping by!