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…
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…
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…
Francesca Vitali is a modern-day alchemist. The Texas-based designer, who started her career as a chemist, turns everyday papers into jewelry that is both modern and special. Artist: Grew up in Rome, Italy, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry. She left home to pursue her PhD at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.…
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…
In her Florida studio, Karen Schremmer blends traditional and digital techniques to create her rich-with-color mixed media portraits and sculptural works. The hand-placed rhinestones, resin flowers and high-gloss finish add texture and a touch of glamor. Artist: Schremmer was born in Chicago, IL, but has lived in Florida for most of her life. She holds…
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…