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,…
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…
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…
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.…
Debe Dohrer says her jewelry line is not for the meek. “It’s unapologetic, attention-worthy jewelry,” said the Nashville designer. “And it always makes a statement.” Artist: Born in Salt Lake City, UT, Dohrer moved to Scottsdale AZ, when she was 10. Dohrer graduated from Arizona State University, where she studied art and merchandising. After college,…
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…
For North Carolina metalsmith Erica Stankwytch Bailey, it’s the smallest details that count, whether in nature or in her architectural jewelry deigns. Artist: Born and grew up in Fayetteville, NC, where she knew early on that she wanted to become a maker. Bailey graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and…
Growing up, Windell Dobson was drawn to art and athletics and pursued both in college. The Atlanta multi-media artist feels the discipline and spirit of his athletic past help shape his abstract and layered creations today. The artist: Born in Jamaica, Dobson was raised in an environment where art and athletics were twin passions. He…
Keith Holt spent 17 years running a gymnastics center in Maryland before he turned to art. The experience in the gym strongly influenced his wood forms and sculptures. Artist: Grew up close to where he lives now in Forest Hill, MD. In school, Holt took art classes every year and had a teacher who took an…