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,…
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…
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…
In her vividly colorful and structured geometric compositions, Georgia-based artist Helen Ziga strives to give visual form to thought. Artist: Born and raised in Warrington, PA, a Philadelphia suburb, Ziga graduated with a BA in art from Albright College (PA) and earned an MFA in Art from Ohio University. Ziga said she had an incredible formal…
Shaped by his Alabama roots, Atlanta-based photographer Jerry Siegel uses his camera to tell stories of the ever-changing South through its landscapes, culture and people. Artist: Born and raised in Selma, Siegel attended the University of South Alabama in Mobile and later graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta. He worked for five years with…
Stephanie Henderson uses simple geometric forms and playful color combinations in her abstract paintings. The Atlanta-based painter says that her art is about color and how colors speak to each other – and affect you. Artist: The Georgia native grew up in Thomasville. She graduated with a BA in English literature from the University of Virginia…
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…
In his “dreamscapes” rEN Dillard combines paint, collage and precious metals, like gold leaf and silver, to explore themes of memory, belonging and the anticipation of a better future. “The reflective surfaces act as mirrors, inviting viewers to see themselves within the work,” said Dillard, a Georgia native. “And to consider their own process of…
Using a combination of oil paint and gold leaf in her contemporary works, Georgia artist Gwen Wong features hummingbirds in detailed and dynamic poses, capturing their delicate beauty. Artist: A fourth-generation Chinese American, Wong was born and raised in Augusta, GA. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in scientific illustration. She also…