Whether hiking a forest trail or exploring a new town or gallery, Audrey Laine Sawyer is always observing. The North Carolina metalsmith and jewelry designer draws on those experiences to create wearable and sculptural pieces that explore the intersection of nature and modern design. Artist: Sawyer grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and received her BA in…
North Carolina’s Jason Lord rarely has a design or object in mind when he starts. Rather, the hyper-interdisciplinary artist begins with a question and “lets it bloom, through process, material exploration and iteration.” “I like to work with what is readily available,” said Lord. “If I wanted to be specific at the risk of sounding…
In North Carolina, Sarah Mosteller uses knitting in an unexpected way – working not with yarn, but with steel wire to create sculptures that focus on the feminine body and identity. Artist: Born and grew up in Mobile, AL. At the College of Charleston, Mosteller majored in studio art and art history. She later headed…
If you saw from afar what Shae Bishop creates – cowboy hats and other garments – they might not stop you in your tracks at first. But look closer and you’re sure to be surprised. They’re all made of ceramics – both carefully formed shapes and interlaced ceramic tiles. “I’m interested in the stories told…
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…
North Carolina metalsmith Annie Grimes Williams creates colorful enameled jewelry inspired by patterns and textures in nature as well as Mid-Century Modern designs. Artist: Born in Winston-Salem, NC, Williams grew up in Welcome, NC, a suburb. She graduated with a BFA in metal design in 2003 from East Carolina University. After graduating, she worked as…
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…
Asheville metalsmith Elizabeth Walton is drawn to the intimacy of jewelry and its ability to facilitate interactions between the maker, wearer and viewer. Artist: Born and raised in Asheville, NC, Walton moved to Boone, NC to earn her BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry design from Appalachian State University. After graduating, she returned to Asheville to…
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…
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…