Learning to let go didn’t come easily to Georgia artist Janice Rago. In college, a painting professor encouraged her to loosen up, experiment, and move beyond her perfectionist tendencies. Years later, that lesson is at the heart of Rago’s figurative paintings, where female figures, florals and unexpected elements come together in compositions that balance control…
As the son of immigrants, Shareon “Bhare” Blenman grew up in the United States navigating two worlds: the culture, values and spiritual views of his Caribbean ancestry and the individualism that shapes much of American life. Today, the self-taught North Carolina artist explores that dual inheritance in large-scale paintings that examine themes of identity, emotion…
Drawing on themes as varied as cave art and poetry to Gee’s Bend quilts, Atlanta painter Michael Barringer creates abstract works alive with layers of color, energy and emotion. His paintings bring these disparate influences together in a visual language that is uniquely his own. “I think a question which is always present for me…
After decades in advertising, Ken Womack knows the power of a memorable image. Today, the Texas painter and sculptor channels that experience into playful, pointed and often oversized mixed-media works that remix the symbols of American pop culture, inviting viewers to look beyond the familiar. Artist: Womack, who was born and grew up in Houston,…
Language is at the heart of Esteban Patino’s creative practice – even when the words themselves don’t exist. Using an invented alphabet of shapes and symbols, the Atlanta-based artist creates collages, paintings, and sculptures that explore how we communicate, interpret meaning and make connections. “I have always been captivated by how humans create and play with language,”…
For Kate Schultz, inspiration is often found just outside her door. Drawing on the quiet beauty of her backyard, the North Carolina painter creates works that invite viewers to bring nature indoors –and to slow down long enough to notice life’s fleeting moments. Artist: Schultz was born and grew up in Jackson, MS. Her interest…
Bo Bartlett’s figurative paintings often blur the line between memories and dreams. But the stories the Georgia artist tells are deeply rooted in his family, personal experiences and an enduring exploration of the American experience. Artist: Bartlett was born and raised in Columbus, GA. Drawn to drawing and painting at an early age, Bartlett left…
For Melissa Callaway, every flower tells a story. The South Carolina multidisciplinary artist creates dreamy gardens of ink botanicals and handmade blooms that explore both the beauty of nature and the complexities of human emotion. “When I paint a plant, I’m making a portrait,” Callaway said. “I’m drawn to its stoicism, beauty, tenacity, and resilience…
Amy Massey says her contemporary ethereal watercolor paintings are like portals, welcoming the viewer to draw inward and rest within their vibrant, meditative essence. Her works also serve as an anchor for intimate reflection, grounding and growth, said the North Carolina painter. Artist: Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Massey received a BFA from Columbus…
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…