In his street-style paintings, Vando Davis includes his signature motif: BK2O (Be Kind to Others). The self-taught Atlanta artist says the message adds a deeper layer of meaning to his creative work. Artist: Born in Memphis, Davis grew up in Wilmington, DE, where his dad worked for DuPont. After high school, he attended the University…
At times, Carlos Solis doesn’t understand the mystery and meaning of his dreams. Yet they intrigue — and inspire — the Georgia artist to create surprising and unexpected imagery in his surrealist paintings. Artist: Solis was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In 1990, he moved to the Chicago area, where he studied graphic design and illustration at…
In her figurative and abstract paintings, Atlanta’s Paula Henderson examines social dynamics. In one direction, her work explores how the impact of the beauty industry shapes women’s lives. In another series, Henderson utilizes shoe patterns on the ground to explore ideas of shared space and social unity. Artist: Born and grew up in the Boston…
Douglas Miller’s drawings and paintings of wildlife may appear unfinished. But that is exactly the Kentucky artist’s style and intention. Artist: Born and grew up in a family of teachers in Evansville, IN, until he moved to Florida to attend Ringling College of Art for two years. In 2001, after a stint in Seattle, Miller…
In her abstract and representational encaustic paintings, Atlanta mixed-media artist Deborah Llewellyn draws on her 20-plus years as a professional photographer. Artist: Born in Montreal, raised in Connecticut, Llewellyn attended SUNY Purchase in New York as a dance major. After a semester at SUNY, she received a full scholarship to the Alvin Ailey School (Dance…
Georgia-based artist Courtney Khail produces abstract floral watercolor paintings and murals using pools of bold color and layers of gestural lines. Artist: Originally from Augusta, Khail studied visual arts at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School for eight years in her hometown. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007 with a BFA in…
Virginia native Matt Lively is a sculptor, painter and muralist whose love of movies, invented themes and unconventional materials influence his work. Artist: Born in Richmond, and graduated with a BFA in sculpture from Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, he lived in Louisville and Atlanta before moving back to Richmond. Company/studio: Matt Lively, based in Richmond, VA,…
Atlanta’s Anderson Smith combines photography, painting and imagery from pop culture in his abstract works. But Smith doesn’t just create art, he also displays it at the two galleries he owns. Artist: Born and grew up in Chicago. After high school, Smith went into the military and later graduated with a sociology degree from Barber-Scotia…
Atlanta-based artist Melissa Sims is known for her fun, pop-art paintings that look like glossy photographs. Artist: The Georgia native was born and grew up in Conyers, GA. After taking a photography class in high school, she wanted to learn more. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a BFA in photography and a…
Atlanta native Sachi Rome explores a metaphysical world of safe and sacred spaces for Black people in her abstract paintings and mixed-media works. Artist: The Atlanta native received a BA in art education with a concentration in painting from Morris Brown College in Atlanta. She also earned MAEd degree from Lesley University (MA). In addition…