artist’s statements 526 South elm Street Greensboro, NC 27406 336.275.9844
about elements gallery
Elements Gallery is a growing co-op of local artists exhibiting a wide range of art in different media. Paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass art, wood turning, fiber art and mixed media is for sale.
526 South Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406 USA Ph. 336-790-8703 Hours Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 – 6:00 Friday 11:00 – 9:00 Saturday 11:00 – 6:00 Sunday 1:00 – 5:00
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index
BY LAST NAME
BY FIRST NAME
Archer, III, Vance D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Barbara Conroy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Barrett, Charleea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Brad Caviness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Birdwell, Darlene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bryan Caviness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Blaschke, Izabela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Charleea Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Brown, Ginny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Clara Garrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Caviness, Brad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Crystal McMullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Caviness, Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Darlene Birdwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Christian, Terry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Dave MacInness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Cline, Martha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Debbie Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Conroy, Barbara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ginny Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Cutter, Susan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Izabela Blaschke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Doyle, Jo Anne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Janet Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Elway, Paulette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Jerry O’Donnell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Fenner, Lynne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Jo Anne Doyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Fickett, Maggie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Jun Fukukura . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fukukura, Jun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Karen Lewit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Garrett, Clara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Karen Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Glover, Rhoda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Lorrie Butler Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Lewit, Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lynne Fenner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Little, Debbie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Maggie Fickett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MacInness, Dave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Martha Cline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
McMullen, Crystal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Meg Smither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
O’Donnell, Jerry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mickey Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Price, Lorrie Butler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Paulette Elway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sawyer, Vicki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rhoda Glover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Smither, Meg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Ronda Whitaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Spencer, Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Susan Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Sullivan, Teresa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Teresa Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Wallace, Janet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Terry Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Whitaker, Ronda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vance D. Archer, III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wright, Mickey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Vicki Sawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
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Vance D. Archer III Artablockia
Our interest in Folk Art Decorated Building Blocks comes from a family tradition of commemorating special events and remembrances with decorated blocks. My grandchild now plays with the blocks made by his parents, grand-parents, aunts and uncles. It is a glorious block collection that engenders a wealth of memories and a lasting love of art on the part of all in our family. The best blocks from the collection make a wonderful home sculpture that constantly changes as the tower get built and re-built. Rhoda and I offer the same experience to you and your loved ones. We offer hand decorated Art Blocks, with a wide variety of styles and interests. Some of our blocks are toy like and designed to engage young builders as playthings. Other blocks are stand alone pieces of art intended for those seeking beauty in a unique art form. Much of our work is commissioned. Have us create a block that features portraits of loved ones or animals. Commemorate special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and weddings. Present a house rendering as a unique housewarming gift. For those who wish to explore our unique art form themselves, we a offer blank prepared blocks that allow you to create your own Artablockia memories and sculptures. Starting with standard sized hardwood building blocks; we prepare each surface with Gesso. We then decorate each block with non-toxic colored Inks and acrylic paints. We follow with tough coats of clear acrylic plastic to protect the surface of each work of art. The result is a tough Art Block that will maintain its brilliant color and finish and that can be safely played with and will last for generations. Vance Archer 336.632.9264 vance_d_archeriii@yahoo.com www.artablockia.com https://www.facebook.com/Artablockia
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rhoda glover Artablockia
As a child I lived on an island with little knowledge of the art world. My Mom was creative and painted beautifully and I honor her through my painting. It allows me to freely express myself. My art brings joy to me and people have always bought my artwork and left smiling. Most of us spend our lives trying to be perfect. In my art I can take imperfection and make it beautiful. In the perspective and colors I can create balance out of imperfection. ‘Imperfection’ merely means ‘incompletion.’ Works of art begin by fluctuating between colors or a topic. Whether I am painting on a block or canvas, I apply color and then proceed creating. The picture evolves out of my mind and hands. The paintings and sayings help people re-create the “aha” moment. My art allows spontaneity and a variety of expressions. It becomes a summary of life’s moments.
Rhoda Glover 336.632.9264 www.artablockia.com www.facebook.com/Artablockia
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darlene birdwell
Pottery
I’ve always been happy creating with my hands. As a child this involved mud pies, potholders, finger-paints, and tye-dye. I was drawn to being a potter before I ever took my first pottery class. I knew my desire to create with my hands made clay a perfect medium for me. Even with the frustrations of a beginner I found throwing a lump of clay on the potter’s wheel very satisfying. Clay is an amazing substance. It can be extremely fragile yet can also endure for centuries. Clay can respond to a touch and form a beautiful vessel but can also distort or even collapse with another touch. I love working with clay and creating pieces I hope will be enjoyed by others. I plan to be a lifelong student learning everything I can from the masters. But I also want to remember the freedom of exploration I possessed as a child — making mud pies — no instruction needed.
336-554-6701 birdwellpottery@aol.com
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izabella Reichmann blaschke Pottery
I am originally from Brazil, and it was there, 16 years ago that I found myself as an artist. I started to paint porcelain and fayança, making pottery and china surface decoration. My work was always inspired by the bright colours of the brazilian northeast ceramics, the elegant lines of the Marajoara ceramics and the designs of antique chinese porcelain decoration and Iznik pottery. After I had my daughters, I couldn’t find time between being a mother and a full time worker to continue with art, so I took a long break. During this period I lived in Sweden twice and have been always interested in pottery and general art, but never got the chance to restart. While living in Europe, I was exposed to a variety of different architecture lines from the many cities we have visited, as well as the fantastic inventory from museums like The Hermitage and Louvre. Not to mention the flavor of many others different cultures. I got very impressed and inspired by the Chinese porcelain and the Italian and Turquish Ceramics. When I moved to Greensboro in 2010, as soon as I got settled in, I started looking for an art studio dedicated to surface decoration and ended up finding a place to learn how to throw and hand build. I fell in love with clay! I have learned about the importance of pottery in North Carolina arts and culture. And since then pottery is became my passion. I have my own studio at home and found balance in life.
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lynne fenner Clay, painting
From the time I was old enough to walk, art has been a part of my life. At the age of 7 while staying with the family in a B&B in Mildenhall, England (waiting for our house to be completed) I created a mural on the B&B’s whitewashed wall. It was not appreciated at the time and so I was forced to re-whitewash the wall. It did not, however, stop my love of art. As a young girl growing up, my requests for gifts were always, clay, paints and canvas. For me, art is the beginning and the end of every day. Whether it is the creation of a piece of pottery from a slab of clay or a painting from an empty canvas and the application of colour, I find each piece is based on the telling of the story of my love for creating. I hope each piece will touch the heart of an individual and speak to them. My work can be found on FASO and on fennerfineartsandcraftsllc.net I am a firm believer in Picasso’s statement that art washes away the dust of everyday life and it has helped me create untold stories of my adventures and my love for the creation.
Fenner Fine Arts & Crafts, LLC 336-314-0051 Greensboro, NC 27410 www.fennerfinearts.com irishrebel56@yahoo.com
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b.c. clay art pottery
Brad and Bryan Caviness www.bcclayart.com/
The sculptures of B.C. Clay Art are inspired by the archaeology of great civilizations; the artifacts of pottery and architecture that are reassembled from mere shards and rubble found among the crumbled foundations of wondrous structures and cultural sites from around the globe. Following a misfiring of their kiln that resulted in much broken pottery, brothers Brad and Bryan Caviness noted that the fragments were visually reminiscent of the artifacts of archaeological digs. They admired the shapes and shadows created by the cracks, spalling, and missing pieces that exposed the interior of the jars. It is within these revealed spaces that they envisioned landscapes and environments that the vessels inspired. Applying their creative skillsets that include degrees in art and architecture respectively, Brad and Bryan conjure evocative sculptures of important sites and structures that are housed within distressed reproductions of iconic, relevant vessels and jars. The sculptures confront the viewer with a fractured and broken pottery form from which light emanates, beckoning them to approach the vessel in an intimate relationship, and transporting them into a panoramic view of the illuminated world inside.
The Process Their process generally begins by studying architectural reconstructions and choosing sites which have a personal or aesthetic appeal. Once a viewpoint to depict the scene is discovered that is both interesting and informative, vessels are researched that are in keeping with the design, and that have a suitable interior volume in which to ‘work in’ the perspective. After experimenting with breaks and crushes administered by all manner of blows, dropping, and explosions, the Caviness brothers devise strategically-missing shards and openings that are designed to complement the viewpoint of the interior scene. The sculpted foreground draws the eye in through successive forced-perspective layers to wander into the distant horizon. The background is finished with base relief and painting of landscape and sky. All of these considerations are subject to the artistic imperatives of proportion, scale, and placement through jarring juxtapositions of archetypes to affect the desired result. A shaft of light brings the scene to life, transforming the interior into an expansive space, so that when properly lit, the viewer experiences a full panorama as they peer through the portal break. The pot or jar that was the vessel of goods is now the vessel of conveyance, transporting the viewer through time and space to evoke the spirit of these archaeological wonders. Through their portrayal of icons of architectural civilizations, B.C. Clay Art hopes to bring awareness to the fragility of mankind’s works, spark a sense of wonder and goodwill for our World Heritage Sites, while fostering interest in studying and preserving them for the future. www.facebook.com/ElementsGalleryGSO elements Gallery
terry christian Pottery
I am a native of Greensboro and love living and raising my two daughters on our farm in Summerfield! My husband, of 26 years, Greg Johns, has encouraged me to embrace my pottery talents and show some of my wares at Elements. When you buy from a piece of my pottery, you are buying more than a fired piece of clay. You are buying days, weeks and months of experimentations, failures and joy of getting to the final pottery pieces! You are buying a small part of my heart and soul. Terry Christian tlc27358@bellsouth.net
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martha cline Baskets by Martha
Baskets are such fun to make. They can be beautiful and useful at the same time. Many times they are challenging but never boring. Basketry has given me the ability to work in many different mediums. I can work with reed, cane, pine needles or paper. It is an art that has so many ways to grow and it will continue to be the best way for me to express myself. Baskets by Martha marthacline1@gmail.com
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barbara conroy Owner/Designer - Bejewled Creations Handcrafted Jewelry
As early as I can remember, I have enjoyed making things that bring joy to people. I am excited to introduce my line of jewelry! I started making earrings in November 2007, after my younger sister shared the basics with me. I immediately felt that it to be a wonderful avenue to express myself - it came naturally. I began creating unique necklaces, bracelets and other one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. I know how important it is to feel great about your appearance (sometimes it is as simple as a special accessory to add that “sparkle”). I am excited to offer unique pieces of jewelry - all items are handmade and affordably priced. I use quality beads, cultured pearls, Swarovski pearls and crystals, semi-precious gems, gold-filled and sterling silver products in my designs. I continue to offer new pieces, as my personalized “family” designs created in sterling silver and a variety of metals. I currently reside in Reidsville, North Carolina with my wonderful family. 336-342-3624 www.bejeweled_creations.artfire.com also on facebook.
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Jo anne doyle JOyful Ceramics
“Joyful Ceramics” perfectly describes my current passions for ceramics. Each piece is designed to bring joy to me and hopefully to the person who eventually acquires it. My work is hand built and hand painted using white stoneware and commercial glazes that are food safe. Hand building ceramics is different from throwing on a potter’s wheel. Build using stiff slabs of clay, carefully measured, cut, and then put together in pieces. Using this method, I can construct ceramics with clean lines in any shape or form desired. I feel this gives me unlimited flexibility to create. My background is mathematics and IT - influencing an architectural-style to my work. I am inspired by the beauty of nature, Asian themes and the Art Deco period. Both failure and success have inspired me to constantly attempt new ideas and new techniques in an effort to create work that is different from the mainstream. jsmithdoyle@gmail.com
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paulette elway Paulette’s Panopoly, Inc.
Needlework has always fascinated me, especially crochet. What wonders are created with some type of string and a hook. The Crochet process is not only a passion but “maybe an addiction”. It is something within that urges the creativity, makes the vision and finally is executed as my work. When I’m working I strive not only to create something smart, stylish and simple but a work that shows the skill and care taken during the process. I aspire to help validate crochet as an art and keep the skills alive for future generations. Nothing gets my creative juices going than some luscious yarn (mostly cotton or wool) bright vibrant colors or dark tonal shades. When starting something new, I think in shapes, like squares, rectangles, circles or maybe take apart a flower and look at how it is constructed. I study the birds that come to the feeder on my patio and visually dissect their body shapes. I envision the finished work and plan backwards, for instance if I want to add a flower I must plan for placement and crochet accordingly. Then, I take hook and yarn in hand and start to develop my work. I like basic construction with always a bit of flare. Crochet started my journey into working with fiber. I know how to work with different mediums but I always gravitate back to crochet, my first love. It is how I express my creativity best. My current work is more fluid and more vibrant than my prior work. I’m concentrating on accessories, the things that add that extra something to an outfit or a room.
336-301-4087 paulettespanoplyinc@hotmail.com www.paulettepanoplyinc.net
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maggie fickett Maggie Fickett is a native of South Portland, Maine. She received her art training in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked there as a commercial artist for many years, taking fine art courses and painting on weekends and holidays. She moved to Greensboro, NC, in 1979. Maggie specializes in watercolors and pen-and-ink drawings. She enjoys the challenge of painting on location, and often uses Old Greensboro’s buildings, railroads, parks, and homes as subjects. She is frequently commissioned to do paintings of specific houses and other buildings. Maggie has exhibited her award-winning work in galleries across North Carolina. She is a member of the Greensboro Visual Art Center, the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, and the High Point Fine Art Guild.
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jun fukukura KALON, Hand-made jewelry
I became interested in metalsmithing when my now husband and I got engaged and we started looking into engagement rings. It was important to us that we knew exactly where the metal and stones were coming from, so I figured I would just make the ring myself! What began as a hobby is now turning into a real passion. I am mesmerized by how silver and gold move and have become fascinated by the strength, brilliance, and many colors of sapphires. www.etsy.com/shop/KalonJewelry
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karen lewit Potter and fused glass artist
I have enjoyed the art of fused glass for many years. It was my interest in the area of stained glass which directed me into the world of creating fused glass. Fused glass is also commonly referred to as kiln formed glass. Each piece created by the artist is an original. My goal as the artist is to incorporate individual expression in each piece I create. Prior to moving to North Carolina in 1999, I was a glass instructor in a retail glass store in Wisconsin. I bring with me 30+ years of experience in the artistry of glass. Since relocating to North Carolina 14 years ago I came to realize that I had located in a region rich for its pottery. Having not done pottery since college I felt a calling to revisit this medium. I had always enjoyed pottery and surrounded myself with it in my daily use. With my husband’s encouragement I enrolled myself in pottery classes offered thru Art Alliance of Greensboro located in Greensboro and the rest is history. Today my appreciation and passions for both of these mediums has allowed me to gravitate back and forth between the two. From an artists-creators perception my hope is that I am able to bring pleasure and interaction between you as the user from me as the maker in each piece that I create. 336-317-0279 elewit@triad.rr.com
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debbie little Pottery, Hands In Clay Studio
From my first clay class in my youth I was captivated! Clay was something I wanted to do, it spoke to me. The clay asked me what I wanted to make, what it would be used for and who would I share it with; the ideas were endless - my mind, and more importantly, my hands were stimulated! That voice of the clay has compelled me to this day. As a ceramic artist, hand crafting vessels that people want to touch, converse about and find useful inspires me. What makes my work unique is one of my decorating techniques; it suggests movement and a lovely flowing line for the eye to follow around a piece. My glazes have a depth and dimension that draws an admirer closer. All the elements of creating my work meld to convey a quiet beauty and yet all the better, they are utilitarian. My process starts with a ball of clay, my hands, just a little water and my old friend the potter’s wheel. I make many forms on the wheel that I alter or decorate, giving them uniqueness and character - no two are the same. A few of my favorite vessels to create are serving pieces - especially bowls and platters. To these pieces I apply a thick slip to the rim and manipulate it to create a draped, undulating texture that appears to flow. My satin matte blazes pool and break around this texture as they melt in the kiln, crowning them with vivid color and vitality
214-557-2975 debbie@dlittlepottery.com www.dlittlepottery.com
From ancient times vessels have been crafted from clay to fill functional needs, specifically in and around the home. It is important that I carry on this tradition by creating pieces that sustain and are a part of gatherings - bringing people, families & friends together around the rituals of food and drink. I want a platter or bowl to be worthy of a master Chefs culinary creations or simply feed my nephew his morning cereal. There is no greater compliment than to have people decide they want to live with and use one of my creations. I feel blessed to honor this ancient craft, particularly in today’s mass produced machine-made era. It is the impetus for opening my studio door each day and once again listening to the clay.
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dave macinnes Wood and Glass
Since I was very young I have enjoyed working with wood. Now that I am retired I can work full time on wood turning and furniture making. Recently I’ve learned a number of new ways to shape and decorate wood and really like seeing my plans come alive. I feel good turning a piece of wood into something I can be proud of. For me, the tree speaks through its grain, color and texture. Your senses will combine the shape of a piece, its weight and fine finish to reveal what the tree is saying. By listening to the tree I can find the shape that is hidden in the wood. As a bonus, sometimes what the tree says will bring out a hidden memory for you. When I began to turn wood I tried to learn the techniques, tools, finishes, shapes and all the little tricks you must master. It stopped being an intellectual exercise when my teacher made me close my eyes when turning. This connected me directly to the piece through just the tip of the tool as it pared away the wood. I also learned to be flexible and open enough to fix any mistakes so the piece would come out whole. My intellectual needs were met by carefully planning and designing the piece before I started – a practice which very few turners follow. While the result isn’t always exactly what I had envisioned, it usually is something I am proud of. Working with wood gives me great satisfaction. Since retiring I learned that I really am a wood artist who can turn, saw, glue and sculpt wood to have meet any shape or function. Since I have begun selling my work, I find I enjoy making things other people will like and buy. My ultimate goal is to have people see the tree in my work.
dmacinne@guilford.edu
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crystal mcmullen Mixed-media artist Enchanting the Flame
I have always loved being creative and expressing myself through art. One of my artistic role models growing up was my grandfather, who was revered in my family as a great artist and painter. I remember showing my elementary school scribbles to my Dad who proudly (and kindly) stated I was going to be an artist when I grew up, just like my grandpa. My grandfather passed away when I was very young but his memory still impacts my life to this day. My teenage years were filled with travel that took me across the country from Missouri to Nevada and Colorado, where in the wake of 911, I inexorably enlisted in the US military. During my service to country much of my art became admired and sought after for tattoos, family portraits and unit emblems. It was in the armed forces where I met the love of my life, my husband and best friend, whose love and support remains a great inspiration throughout my work.
My husband’s past military service has taken us on travels from Texas, to Kentucky, and Georgia. As a result, I love incorporating nature and locally grown or produced items into my art. For the pursuit of finding unique materials, I have gone to the coast to collect seashells and pearls, hiked through the woods to harvest bamboo, honeysuckle and grape vine. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I have included my children on adventures to farms and apiaries across the state to collect North Carolina grown gourds, beeswax and ostrich eggshells, to be used in my art. Among my many discoveries I uncovered a love for pyrography. I desired to make my canvases more authentic and personal, so I began to research and studied the art of woodturning at Rockingham County Community College.
Enchanting the Flame www.enchantingtheflame.webs. https://www.etsy.com/shop/EnchantingTheFlame Follow me on Twitter! Crystal McMullen@EnchantTheFlame 20
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After several requests from co-workers and acquaintances to purchase my art, my family and close friends strongly encouraged me to make my art available to the public. I look forward to expanding my skills and capabilities and bringing art to our community using homegrown, local farm and materials found in nature. It is my great pleasure to share with you my explorations, expressions and love through my art. Commissions are always welcome!
Clara garrett Clay
I have always created. I have worked in jewelry making, western tooling and hand sewn leather, silk screening, woodworking and now pottery. Although I have created in other mediums, clay has always been my favorite. My boyfriend in college showed me a piece of pottery he had made and I was so impressed. It was then that I decided I wanted to learn to make vessels out of clay. During the summer I worked in the pottery lab every day, learing from the other students in the lab. The following year I started taking pottery class. I later got my master’s degree in Industrial Arts where I started pottery. When I started graduate school, I became the graduate assistant keeping the pottery lab running smoothly. In the summer of my last year, I apprenticed with a potter who lived in Penland, NC. I was responsible for wedging all the clay he used. In return I learned what it was like to be a production potter. This experience was one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life. I stopped making pottery for 25 years when I became a single mom. I started back 5 years ago. Creating with clay has always been my passion. I love throwing on the wheel, creating pieces that I feel have a personality of their own. As I continue, I am always amazed with how much more there is to learn. As I continue on this journey, creating one of a kind pieces I am providing people with pieces that they can use and enjoy for many years to come.
Clara Garrett techlady5@gmail.com
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jerry o’donnell Silas Marnar’s Younger Brother MAN-Made Fiber Craft - Felting, Weaving and Fiber Manipulation From Fiber to Creative Fabric A driving need within me to be creative and to explore fiber, has led me to the joy of experimentation by breaking the rules of fabric construction. My work of changing fiber into fabric brings together color blending, texture mixing, and tactile emotion, of the ancient craft of felting. Several felting techniques are used in my work, mainly Nono, wet, and needle processing. The felting of fiber into fabric is the simple process of teasing opened the scales of fiber to cause them to blend and adhere to themselves and each other. This is done with heat, pressure, and alkaline solution, applied to natural furs and hairs, such as wools, alpaca, camel, cashmere, silks, etc. To me, the value of my pieces lies in their ability to change the observer’s idea of what cloth fabric is. Our everyday world takes fabric for granted. I want it to be seen as the unique manipulation of the ancient cloth making tradition. Silas Marnar’s Younger Brother MAN-Made Greensboro, North Carolina godonnell3@triad.rr.com cell: (336) 501-0413 22
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Jerry has been a fiber person since the mid 1960’s when he learned the craft of loom weaving in Western New York State during the mid-century Arts and Crafts Revival, under the tutelage of a master weaver. He came to Greensboro, NC, in 2000, where he was invited to become a member of the Local Weavers’ Guild. Since then he has retired from his employment as a Registered Nurse, and has had time to further explore the use of fiber. In 2010, he met local Fabric Felt maker, Victoria Clegg: under her inspiration, and hands on experience, he is now exploring the manipulation of fiber felting materials, and using an admiration for the works of late artist, Mark Rothko, he can now explore color balance without the constraint of linear construction demanded by loom weaving. His earlier work can be found in private collects in Buffalo, New York City, Hollywood, FL, Niagara Falls, Arlington, TX, Long Island, the Hamptons, Paris, and Manila.
lorrie butler price Pottery/Ceramics
I believe that each of us can create art. For a couple of decades I poured my creativity into raising my three sons. As the last one went off to college I took a pottery class and was hooked. There is no end to what you can create with clay. My favorite things have been my Purse Pots, that are functional teapots that look like pocketbooks. Also my vintage lace doilies impressed in clay and made into a more durable form. And trees, anything with trees on clay, carved into clay, formed out of clay or painted on clay...I love trees...their strength, their resilience, their peace.. I’m still discovering the endless possibilities of clay and am constantly learning new things to try. I also dabble in glass, stained glass and fused glass and many other mediums. I love knowing that other people form an attachment to pieces I have created, and want to take them into their homes. I feel honored to bring a bit of joy to people through my art. I am espcially proud to have founded Elements Gallery and to have brought together such an incredible group of talented local artists. Lorrie Butler Price lbpgoddess@aol.com
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charleea barrett Southeastern Mudd Eclectic Pottery
My pottery expresses my love for natural. Eclectic due to the ever changes in my life
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vicki sawyer Pottery & fused glass
I have always been fascinated by glass – the way it picks up even subtle textures and how light travels through and can transform, and be transformed by, glass. This interest was further fueled by a visit to the renowned glass studios on the island of Murano during a trip to Italy. After my daughter started school, I decided to take a fused glass course and fell in love with the medium. The artists I met through this course were also potters and they encouraged me to work with clay. I enjoy exploring the interplay of light, color and texture through both glass and clay and am interested in experimenting with combining these mediums. I believe that the products we use in our daily life should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, so I strive to create everyday items that can bring a sense of beauty and pleasure to the user’s day.
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Meg Smither Artist
I have painted off and on all of my life. I did hang up my brushes for a few years after college, but I picked them back up several years ago and haven’t looked back since. I opened a studio in downtown Raleigh for a while and about 4 years ago build a private studio and work there at all hours of the day and night. The mediums I use most often now are the textiles (silk painting and batiks). I have also started working with “Paper Painting”, which involves dying my own papers and then tearing them up and making collages with them. It is so much fun - painting with paper instead of brushes. I love to try new things, so I am always experimenting. When someone asked me what my style is I shrug and just say COLOR; or professionally called FAUVIST. It seems I have come a long way in the past few years, but one thing I know for sure - Art is my Passion - and how many people get to say that they can get up in the morning and love to go to work. I can and I thank God and my family for that. Experience Deco Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
2012 - Present
Harbor House Gallery, Swansboro, NC
2012-2013
NOFO Market and Cafe, Raleigh, NC
2012-Present
The Collectors Gallery, Raleigh, NC
2010-2012
Elements Gallery, Greensboro, NC
2011-Present
Works of the Heart, Raleigh, NC 2003-2011 Wild Orchid, Raleigh, NC
Oct.-Dec. 2005
Fleurs & Finds, Raleigh, NC
2005
Portco, Raleigh, NC
2005
April & George, Raleigh, NC
2005
Borders Books and Music, Raleigh, NC 2005 Cody’s Restaurant, Raleigh, NC 2005 1508 Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607 919.271.3319 smither.meg@gmail.com www.megsmither.com
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Karen Spencer Mixed Media Artist
I am a mixed media artist, living in Greensboro. I love to experiment with materials to see what ‘happy accidents’ might occur. Usually I start my pieces without any real image in mind. I create a ground by layering various materials in bright colors and then watch to see what images might emerge. Sometimes I start out using cold-wax medium and oil paint on wood panels. This process is called ‘oil paint and cold wax’ technique. I apply layers of different colors onto a wood surface. Once these layers ‘set up’ a bit, the fun begins. I scrape through these layers and the various colors show through. As a focal point begins to emerge I further define what I see by adding various paper bits, metallic pigments, and more paint. This process creates highly textured images.
My work is available at: Elements Gallery 526 South Elm Street Greensboro, NC (336) 790-8703 The Creative Center 900 Sixteenth Street Greensboro, NC Studio 310
Tissue collage is another technique I use that allows me to use bright colors in interesting ways. Using colored inks on the tissue surface, I create an environment for the color to run or ‘bleed’. Again, I watch to see what forms take shape and develop those further. To add more texture and color, I incorporate handmade paper or distressed magazine pictures in many of these paintings. Sometimes these images are abstract and sometimes they are realistic.
(336) 617-3328 336.643.0754 kospencer@triad.rr.com https://www.facebook.com/ KarenSpencerFineArt
The flexibility of materials allows me to explore my two favorite elements ... color and texture. This open-ended process keeps me on my toes and just plain makes me happy! I hope you find my work interesting. Maybe it makes you happy too.
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teresa sullivan Pottery
My first introduction to ceramics, I was drawn to the beauty of the vessel, as well as those artists who create them. I began collecting beautiful pots, both to use and treasure, appreciative of “how” they were made and the new friendships they evoked. I came to an understanding that pots are a reflection of their creator, sharing the same history, the same joy; successes and failures. When a pot is created, there too, is the potter. Three years ago, I started creating my own vessels. It is my hope that others see some reflection of me and my love of the clay in my work. I gain much pleasure in knowing that my pieces find a place in others’ lives. I am an avid student of ceramics, so much to experience and learn from the wisdom and innovation of many. I currently have work at Elements Gallery in Greensboro, NC, and in private collections in Leone, France and Old Lyme, CT. Some of my pieces found homes with friends in the beautiful NC mountains and along the coast. I am a native of NC, and reside in Greensboro, NC with my husband, Bill.
Due Mani “Two Hands” 336-209-6562 tsullivan2hands@ att.net
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janet wallace J.Designs Handcrafted Jewelry
A long-time interest in art has become a passion for me over the last several years. I have taken classes at Penn Foster, Scranton, PA, William Holland in Young Harris, GA and Warm Glass in Clemmons, NC. as well as classes with local Greensboro artists. I have admired other artists’ work and now that I am retired, I have the time to pursue my passion. My skills include wire sculptured jewelry in sterling Silver and 14K Gold Filled Wire and kiln formed glass. I also enjoy knitting, crochet, felting and Zentangle. Elements Gallery has given me an opportunity to exhibit my work for others to see. I hope you enjoy my work and find your own inspiration. Presently my home is in Greensboro, NC with my husband of 37 years and our cat “Jackson”, whom by the way thinks he is king of the house.
336-803-1834 Greensboro, North Carolina JDesignsNC@gmail.com
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Ronda whitaker ZilverArte
A native of High Point, North Carolina, I make hand-forged, mostly copper artisan jewelry. My love of nature and geometric shapes inspire my designs. The warm, welcoming color of copper and its ability to take almost anything you do to it, makes it the perfect platform for the natural, organic and geometric shapes I love so much. Whether hammering out a nice texture, torching for beautiful colors, hand-etching an image or covering with enamel. I love it all! The main components of my work are hand-forged, starting with a single sheet of copper or spool of wire. I cut, saw, shape, torch, hammer, file, burnish, etc., and it easily submits to my desires. I make my own sterling silver ear wires or use surgical steel pre-made wires. Unless the chain of a necklace is the focal point I purchase my chains, else the time spent in making pieces would not be economical for my customers or myself. As a professional graphic designer art of all forms have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve explored various forms of jewelry making for nearly 20 years and finally came to find my bling-love with instruction at a local art center through their wonderful teachers and artists. I also enjoy metal clay and acquired a jewelry kiln not too long ago. Once I master how to use it I will be adding bronze, copper, steel and other metal clay to my repertoire and will continue beating metal into submission. What great therapy!
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Ronda Whitaker / ZilverArte zilverarte@triad.rr.com www.zilverarte.wix.com/zilverarte www.facebook.com/zilverarte www.zilverarte.wordpress.com
ginny brown Fiber and paper artist
336-457-0221 4613 Norsaw Court ginnyalex80@aol.com
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susan cutter Pottery
Brown Summit, NC scutter@triad.rr.com
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