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…
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…
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…
New Orleans artist Rory Linn explores the boundaries of paint and sculpture in her monochromatic carved paintings. Artist: Born in Denver, CO, Linn grew up in South Texas. She spent 15 years in Oregon, where she graduated with a BS in printmaking from Portland State University. Linn also has an AA in photography she earned…
Fascinated by the historical significance of cyanotypes, Atlanta artist Michael Reese employs the blueprint as a metaphor within his work, weaving layers of meaning and symbolism into each piece. Artist: Born and raised in Long Island, NY, Reese moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College. After two years, he enrolled in Atlanta College of Art…
In her multi-media art and installations, Elyse Defoor explores a variety of contemporary themes. In one popular series, the Atlanta artist uses women’s swimsuits as a symbol for our culture’s obsession with outward appearances. In another, Defoor photographs knives and bullet shells to reflect our fascination with objects that can both protect and destroy. No…
Brittan Blasdel uses natural and repurposed man-made materials to make something new. The South Carolina mixed media artist calls her work “elemental excavation.” Artist: Born in Kansas City, MO, Blasdel grew up there and in Rochester, NY. She earned a BFA in photography from the University of Michigan in 1992. Since graduating, she has exhibited…
Stephen Dorsett makes sculptures of miniature landscapes from consumer waste. Then photographs them. The Kentucky native describes his work as a meditation on consumerism and the environment. Artist: Dorsett was born and grew up in Louisville, KY. He graduated in 1999 with a BA in studio art, with a focus on drawing, painting and sculpture,…
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…
Using a combination of digital painting and photo manipulation techniques, Birmingham native Beth Conklin creates work she describes as recycled dreamscapes. Artist: The Alabama native was born and raised in Birmingham. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked as an environmental engineer for ExxonMobil for 13 years. Conklin…