Harry Underwood, a self-taught painter in Tennessee, creates scenes of everyday people on vacation or enjoying themselves in his nostalgic, outsider-style works. “My paintings look like postcards from a better world” said the soft-spoken artist. “But if you read them, you find more depth than that. “I think that people dream of wealth and identify…
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,…
Tennessee fiber artist Rena Wood employs vintage materials and elaborate hand stitching to create artwork that honors textile histories and past makers. Artist: Grew up in St. Louis, MO, making arts and crafts and encouraged by her creative parents. Wood’s dad is a painter and retired professor of art. Wood’s mother was skilled in sewing…
Daniel Lai transforms discarded books into narrative wall sculptures that explore various themes – from humor to social issues – in everyday life. Artist: Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lai came to the United States in 2000 to attend college. He earned a BA in linguistics and an MA in art history from…
For Michael Anderson, wood is the ideal medium for his bowls and sculptural work. As a sustainable and renewable resource, wood compels the Tennessee artist to approach its use with respect and thoughtful design. Artist: Born on Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, Anderson moved frequently since his father was in the Air Force.…
Tennessee-based sculptor Kyle Cottier combines traditional textile and woodworking techniques in his mindful practice. Artist: Born and grew up in Louisville, KY. In a high school magnet program, Cottier began spending a lot of time in the art annex. Often, he was in in the darkroom developing film, or in the printmaking lab preparing silkscreens…
Tennessee sculptor Raymond Padron carves hyper-realistic wood wall reliefs of familiar and often meaningful items from your past. Artist: Born in Maryland, Padron grew up in the North Virginia suburbs of DC. He graduated with a BA in art from Messiah College in Grantham, PA, and moved to Chattanooga, TN. In 2011, Padron received his…
After starting a career in industrial design, Keavy Murphree migrated back to her first love: ceramics. The Nashville artist now makes decorative and functional clay works that are equal parts minimal and modern. Artist: Born in Chicago and raised north of the city, Murphree moved to Cape Coral, FL, halfway through high school. She headed back…
Nashville textile artist Emily Brown uses leather to craft her modern, puzzle-like wall art. Artist: Born in Birmingham, AL, but grew up mainly in Chicago, IL. At age 13, Brown began working with leather textiles and crafted her first leather handbag. In high school, she participated in fashion classes and competitions. Despite an interest in art,…
Tennessee artist Jan Burleson says the making of collages plays a double role as a meditative practice and as a study for her jazzy and vibrant paintings. Artist: Burleson spent her early life in Johnson City, nestled near the hills of Upper East Tennessee. Long before completing her BFA in painting and drawing at the…