Bonita Martin sees her figurative sculptures as more than objects. They are companions, pieces that hold space. “My background as a maker, mother and lifelong observer informs a practice that bridges fine art, functional art and emotional wellness,” said the self-taught Atlanta sculptor. Artist: Born in Georgetown neighborhood of DC, and grew up in Alexandria,…
Anna Gregory uses the inherent beauty of locally sourced woods in her functional and non-functional woodwork. “I have a desire to connect with the natural world through the lens of architectural form and structure,” said the Kentucky sculptor. Artist: Born in Georgetown, KY, Gregory went to the University of Kentucky. In 2008, she received a master’s…
Lee Ko’s earliest artistic influence came from her grandfather, a war veteran who collected traditional Korean ceramics. Sitting beside him as he cleaned and cared for the pieces, Ko listened to stories from his life – moments that left a lasting impression. Today, the North Carolina artist draws inspiration from the quiet beauty and balance…
The Georgia husband and wife art-making team, known as Yvonne and Stefan, take found vintage materials, such as maps, photos and sheet music, and turn them into fresh new compositions and layered collages. Artists: Yvonne Miller: Born and raised in Atlanta, Miller studied drawing and painting at Georgia State University. In 2003, she started sharing…
For more than 20 years, Charity Hamidullah worked as a professional tattoo artist, creating intricate designs on an intimate scale. But over time, her artistic vision grew. The Atlanta artist turned to mural-making and public art in search of something larger and bolder. “I wanted a bigger canvas,” said Hamidullah. “And to tell bigger stories…
North Carolina metalsmith Annie Grimes Williams creates colorful enameled jewelry inspired by patterns and textures in nature as well as Mid-Century Modern designs. Artist: Born in Winston-Salem, NC, Williams grew up in Welcome, NC, a suburb. She graduated with a BFA in metal design in 2003 from East Carolina University. After graduating, she worked as…
Asheville metalsmith Elizabeth Walton is drawn to the intimacy of jewelry and its ability to facilitate interactions between the maker, wearer and viewer. Artist: Born and raised in Asheville, NC, Walton moved to Boone, NC to earn her BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry design from Appalachian State University. After graduating, she returned to Asheville to…
An artist who works across a variety of mediums, Tina G. Vincent is best known for her “Women of Color” paper mâché sculptures. The North Carolina-based artist stresses that her artwork embodies the beauty of everyday women, celebrating their shapes, skin tones — and unique differences. Artist: Born in Zimbabwe, Vincent lived there until age eight when…
Across all media, the Atlanta-based artist LeylisMR seeks to reshape reality, inviting viewers into psychological and poetic spaces where the familiar becomes fluid and open to reinterpretation. Artist: Leylis Burnette, a Peruvian-born visual artist goes by the name LeylisMR. She established her artist name in Peru, where she earned her BA in art education with…
As a child, Michael Enn Sirvet had an obsession with drilling – and holes. “The desire to excavate and open space where none had existed was intoxicating,” said the structural engineer turned sculptor. That fascination endures today and defines Sirvet’s architectonic work. Artist: Sirvet was born and grew up in the forested suburb of…