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,…
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…
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…
Jackson Shaner incorporates elements of body horror and the uncanny in many of his emotional clay works. “I find great interest in the body’s ability to be both beautiful and aversive,” said the South Carolina sculptor. “Working in clay also allows me to explore vulnerable parts of myself in a tangible form.” Artist: Born and raised…
Whether creating porcelain cherry blossoms, wall installations or other figurative and abstract works, Maryland’s Laurel Lukaszewski is always looking for ways to push clay and explore what the material can do. Artist: Born in Kansas City, MO, Lukaszewski lived in Charleston, SC, until elementary school. Her family then moved to the West Coast, first California…
In her North Carolina studio, Dori Settles draws on a French casting technique to craft glass shoes that range from baby shoes and boots to stilettos and sneakers – each one often accompanied by a personal back story. Artist: Born in Milwaukee, Settles grew up in southeast Wisconsin. She moved to Nebraska to attend the University…
Raised in a Chinese family in Hong Kong, Richmond-based artist Vivian Chiu explores themes of migration, identity and transformation in her abstract and optical wood sculptures. Artist: Born in Los Angeles, Chiu emigrated to Hong Kong when she was three years old. Chiu lived there with her extended family until she returned to the United…
Key West’s Helen Harrison transforms pieces of nature and found objects – from palm fiber and calabash to conch shells and coconuts – into sophisticated sculptures with balanced design and unexpected beauty. Artist: Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, she graduated with a BFA from Southern Methodist University. After college she married her husband Ben and…
When Florida ceramic artist Rebecca Zweibel creates her hand-built abstract forms she never knows what the final work of art will look like. And she’s fine with that. “I love the unexpectedness of not knowing exactly what shape I’ll be making until it actually comes to life,” said Zweibel. Artist: The Connecticut native was born…
Georgia mixed-media artist Lori Lejeune is known for her uplifting “Flight” series and her signature, constellation-style wall installations. Artist: Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Lejeune’s drawings and creativity were encouraged by her school teachers. It paid off early. In fourth grade, Lejeune won $20 for a poster she drew. After graduating with a…