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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Meet Nadia Krasnoperova Brown


Nadia Krasnoperova Brown joins the Starving Artist Expo for the third year with her beautiful oil paintings. Nadia is helping coordinate the Spotlighted Artists this year and assemble everyone in their places at the event. You have to see Nadia's pieces in person to appreciate their depth and texture. Read on to learn more about her beautiful art.

Nadia Krasnoperova Brown, Atlanta, GA
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?
I was born and grew up in Saint Petersburg, Russia - a beautiful city built on the bay of Finland, permeated with the fresh spirit of rivers and canals, decorated with unique architecture and inhabited by amazing people. The only thing I was always missing there was sun and warmth... So I am very happy now to live in the South and be able to wear short-sleeved shirts and swim suits more often than twice a year.

As I was growing up, I was able to see five generations of my family. I was blessed to have my great-great-grandmother read stories to me, my great-grandparents to take me to the countryside for mushrooms and berries picking, and of course my grandparents to teach me cooking, building and other useful life stuff.

My native language is Russian. I also fluently speak English and Spanish, and have a decent level of French. My dreams are always in color and in English.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I chose oil as my medium, but trying to capture the variety of the world, I always look for interesting formats, unusual techniques and unique color combinations. Palette knife, raised paint, split, round and oval compositions are some of the methods I like to use. Bright saturated colors help me better represent the mood I am generating on the piece.

Most of the time, I am not pursuing the goal of being realistic; I am showing my own view of the subject. Painting for me is a way of creating the alter realities originated from my mind.


Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
(Thoughts + emotions + inspiration) * (Canvas + knife + lots and lots of paint....+ music for my soul) = my art

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
I don't really know... Painting has been in my life since early childhood and for me it has always been a way of communication with myself and the world around. If my reflections and feelings poured onto the canvas stimulate the viewer's imagination to the point that he gets lost in his own memories, dreams and thoughts - it means I have realized my ambition.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
I don't consider anything in life to be a failure...rather - an experience to learn from.


Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
I think I was the happiest when the Atlanta Zoo contacted me and asked me to be a featured artist in their Wild on the Rocks event in 2013. Finally my iguana series were exactly where they belonged - at the reptile house at the zoo! It was a blast.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
I love my dog Jilly, my career as a graphic designer and fishing in Florida.

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
A lady looked at my sunflower painting and said, "Wow, what a beautiful fruit plate - bananas, papayas...Gorgeous!"


Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I have a lot to share, and I will gladly do it in person when I see you at the Starving Artist Expo this coming Saturday!

Meet Donna Chambers


Donna Chambers joins the Starving Artist Expo for the first time this year a Rome Art Coterie Spotlighted Artist. 
Donna S. Chambers, Rome, GA

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?
I am a Southern American, born and raised, with a British mother thrown in for a little spice. Being born to a "foreign" mother and into a large Catholic family was not quite the norm in the Mississippi Delta in 1955. This also meant I grew up in a place of turbulence. Witnessing the tension between races, religions and such groups as the KKK put a ding in my 'wonder years' and, thankfully, made me well aware of the terrible consequences that hate fosters within people. I am still a true daughter of the South and value the love for others that mostly rings throughout her borders.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
My art is flavored with the written word that is melded through altered art into expressions that range from simple human experiences to somewhat esoteric leanings.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
I am not a formally trained artist which has given me quite a bit of freedom to roam, explore and experiment. This means I only know my own right and wrong. Much of my need to express something through art begins with an object that becomes attached to thoughts and words and forms visions and dreams that need to be expressed.


Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
The overwhelming need to express my thoughts, ideas and humor came to the forefront in my life. It was an unexpected blessing.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
Failure for an artist can be defined by what one expects from his art. With this in mind, I have felt little failure because I have the chance to express myself with my art. My biggest failures lay within my personality and having the courage to put one's self expression before others and to promote yourself.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
My biggest success was to stand and declare myself an artist.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
All passion involves creation. I love to garden and even enjoy the less beautiful sounding activity of yard work!

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
I stood near a lady as she pondered my work at a show. The piece was a mixed media collage.
The whole nine yards of collected images- fused with paints and inks- was mounted, framed, displayed and hung majestically. Her comment - "Boy, I bet there are a lot of cut up magazines in that house!" But she seemed entertained, which was fun to see.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Meet Lisa Ingram

Lisa Ingram started the Starving Artist Expo in 2012 with the vision of hosting a lively art show along with food, friends, and music. Things came together so well that it made perfect sense to foster that idea and let it evolve and grow. Lisa is excited to see the show add new artists and move to Downtown Rome this year. She loves this town and all it offers artists.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?
Lisa Ingram, Rome, GA
I was born in Illinois but have lived in Georgia since I was 10. I love the south as we experience four seasons, can get to the beach within a day and many of my family members are close by. I grew up as one of three girls and am now the mother of one sweet baby girl. I married my "I can't help but keep running into you wherever I go" sweetheart and am learning Spanish. I also have a sweet puppy that keeps me company in the studio- and brings me her ball to throw about 20 times an hour while I work.
Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I make wheel thrown pottery with a few hand built items in the mix. I enjoy making things that are useful for everyday purposes such as mixing bowls, mugs, olive oil bottles, sugar jars, and more. In the past year or two, I have been experimenting with slip trailing, a process of drawing with liquid clay on my forms. This gives is a unique look and texture, playing with the glazes and shapes.


Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
Pottery is a very involved process but it all starts with a ball of clay. All my materials are from the earth which is very inspiring to me. There is very little waste in pottery. I shape my pieces on the wheel usually, but I also work from slabs for certain things like trays or ornaments. Wheel thrown items are trimmed and then if they need any attachments such as bases or handles, those are added after the piece has dried some. Finally, I add my slip trailing decorations which is similar to decorating a cake. I create my own liquid like clay from my slurry that builds up while throwing and use a squeeze bulb to draw with. This is very therapeutic and enjoyable for me. It is also very erasable so I can try try again when things do not go right.


Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
I can remember long long ago I was so surprised I could draw a spider. I was maybe 3? From there, I just love it. I loved drawing and drew horses, faces, hands, etc. I made jewelry, learned to knit, sew and chrochet. My mother was always very creative and I enjoyed growing up in that atmosphere. I visited an artist's shop at the beach one day in high school and decided that was what I wanted to do, make things for people to enjoy. When I attended Berry College, I enrolled in the art program and was assigned to a handbuilding ceramics class. While I did enjoy that, I was exposed to the students in the wheel throwing class. After seeing those students throw beautiful pottery, I knew I had found my destiny. It took a year and a half to get that class in my schedule but I waited my time and never stopped again after I started.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
Oh wow, potters can have LOTS of failures. From cracked bases to dropped pieces to glaze drips, there are a million things that can go wrong with a piece. I have had two major kiln firing disasters- one where the self shut of mechanism did not work and burned the entire load, turning every one of my 30+ pieces I had poured hours into a bubbly brown. The other time, I had a computerized kiln and programmed it to hold at the maximum temperature of 2250 for 5 HOURS instead of 5 minutes. The pieces were not too terrible, but they were not wonderful either.


Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
The first time my work was accepted into a gallery I had this realization that I was actually doing what I hoped I would do one day. I felt like doors were opening and that my plan was actually becoming reality. More recently, managing to work while having a small child has been a great accomplishment.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
I really love my family and being a mom. I love puppies, the outdoors and yoga. Cloth diapering is a minor obsession. Oh, and I also like planning events like the Starving Artist Expo.


Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
I did a street demo during the art walk one year where I had my pottery wheel out making all kinds of things for people walking by. One young boy was watching and asked what I was doing. I responded that I was making a bowl. The boy gasped and exclaimed, "Oh! You made OUR bowls!" I guess since I was the first bowl maker he had met that it just made sense that I must have made his family's dishes. It was pretty cute.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I'm so happy to be a part of this group and to have so many enthusiastic & artistic colleagues that are willing to give their time and talents to make this event a success. These participating artists inspire me. I love this event and hope it continues on many years!




Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Meet Katherine Crouse

Katherine Crouse joins the Starving Artist Expo for the first time this year with her beautiful life like oil paintings. Katherine is a passionate artist that grew up loving art. She dabbles in several other artistic endeavors for fun, which you can read about in her interview below.

Katherine Crouse, Cumming Ga

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?

Being born in Chisinau, Moldova, I moved to the USA 8 years ago. What brought me to US?- my husband, my true love! We met in Moldova and got married in Rome, GA. I must say, I love the south. People here are so friendly and so welcoming.

Art was a part of my great interests since a very young age. I loved to sketch in my copy books instead of doing mathematics. And this little hobby turned into a great desire for studying it much deeper and taking it to the next level. There in Moldova I got a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design and Fine Arts and a second Degree in Foreign Languages. As for the languages I speak English, Russian and Romanian.


Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I remeber, when in my years of university, studying the painting (as one of the must objects), my teacher always was telling me that I was "too graphic" as an artist. And the other teachers who would lead the objects of Design, Architecture, and Drawing would defend me, approving the realistic approach. Since then I knew that my art will aways look different from others when it comes to painting. The difficulty level of creating something that looks real is quite high. And it takes a lot of desire, perseverence and patience to achieve the best results.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
One of my favorite techniques is the Flemish technique. The layering process, which is being different every week, allows the object of interest to become alive, more real looking.


Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
Two main factors: first, love for the art in general. I consider myself of being an artist when I chose to be an Interior Designer. Second, I had a lot of free wall space in my own house, which prompted me to create something personal and special for myself and my family. So, when it comes to oil paintings, it really started with my walls.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
My biggest failure is the wasted time, that can never be returned. I always feel tremendous guilt when I know that I have a certain day available for working on my art, and I don't do it.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
Perhaps it is the same biggest success of the most artists - knowing and seeing others enjoy your creation.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
I love art and all that includes in it. Photography and jewelry making are some of my present attractions.

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
Yes... my husband who, in general is not a great lover of cabbage, once saw the sketch of my new work  and asked me with an interesting expression on his face, "Are you painting a cabbage?"  Well, no, it was a flower after all.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I am very excited and grateful to be a part of this wonderful experience. For me to get together with other talented people, who choose to work on their given ability, choose to develop it, and then share it with others is very special. At the end of the day, I always learn something new from such people. Therefore, I want to express a big thank you to Lisa Ingram and all those who helped her make this project happen!

Monday, March 24, 2014

Meet Photographer Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith joins us for the third year in a row as a Featured Artist. Ryan is known for his beautiful photos of local sites, particularly downtown Rome and Berry College. Ryan will be set up outside in front of the Seven Hills Building so be sure to visit his booth before you step inside!

Ryan Smith, Rome, GA


 Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
I grew up near Atlanta and moved to Rome in 1996 when I started school at Berry. After graduating, I started to work for the Rome News-Tribune and I've been here ever since.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I really enjoying trying to capture a fairly normal subject in a new way. I spend a lot of time on composition and I want to show you a new perspective.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
I'm always experimenting and trying something new. It's really easy to get in a funk as an artist and it is really difficult to get out of it. The key is to keep challenging yourself.

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
I never really considered myself as an artist until more recently even though I've been doing photography for a long time. I worked for the newspaper for a long time and I realized that a lot of my work focused on composition and perspective. I wanted to use that focus on photos I wanted to take.



Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
Self doubt.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
I've been accepted into some art festivals I never expected to get into.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
I love watching movies and hanging out with friends.


Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
I have a nice foam floor I use during some of my art festivals. I've had a few people walk into my booth and say, "WOW!" Of course I'm excited that they love my photography. And then they say, "Where did you get this floor?"

So if you want to see a really cool floor you can come to the Starving Artist and check it out!

Couple designs furnishings, jewelry for Starving Artist Expo set for Saturday

Reposted from the Rome News Tribune. Article by Carolyn Grindrod. Link to article here.


Gorg Hubenthal with a turned wood goblet
He makes, reproduces and restores handcrafted furniture and cabinetry from the finest woods around. She uses her creative side to make colorful beaded jewelry and accessories with semi-precious stones and metals.

Together, the married duo of 14 years, Georg and Mindy Hubenthal of Rome, have proven that art should not just be beautiful, but should be equally as functional.

That’s why the Hubenthals have teamed up and followed their hearts to ultimately create their two-year-old homegrown business — The Hook and Hammer.
The couple will display their work at this year’s Starving Artist Expo, alongside 25 other artists. Saturday’s third annual art show and sale will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its new venue downtown in the Seven Hills Building, 538 Broad St.



From Windsor-style chairs to ornate secretary desks and coffee tables, Georg Hubenthal can make it all.


“Anything wood, really,” laughed Georg. “If I can dream it, I can build it.”

Many of his pieces have been fashioned from poplar, cherry, oak and mahogany he cuts himself in his hobby shop and then pieced together.

All of his designs are hand-created all the way down to the smallest details — every handspun spindle and carved joint. His art borrows from a “simpler” time in history.


Hubenthal said that although fine woodworking is a dying art, there is still buyers’ market for those who have a real appreciation and love for handmade furnishings.

“I had a client tell me that they were going to go IKEA to buy their cabinets,” he added. “They said they were going to spend about $3,000 to redo their kitchen and it would have to be installed. I told them I could build and install the cabinets out of better materials for less than that. People think that if they go to IKEA that they are getting it cheaper. It isn’t cheaper. It’s just cheaply made.”



Georg Hubenthal said there is other perks to buying locally from a craftsman, like restoration, repairs and maintenance.

“If something breaks, you can get it fixed,” he added.

Some of his favorite pieces over the years include a custom Victorian-style dog kennel.

“Martha Shaw had this beautiful Victorian bedroom set, and wanted to replace the plastic dog kennel that she was using,” he added. “So we made Bonny a matching kennel for the bedroom set.”

Mindy Hubenthal
And as Georg focuses on the hardiness of the business, Mindy’s work touches on the softer side.

When she’s not home-schooling their seven children, she can be found enjoying the sunshine in their Black’s Bluff Road home’s sunroom with a crochet hook in hand, working on pieces of jewelry, scarves, shawls and purses.

Mindy Hubenthal said she first learned to knit and crochet from her mother and grandmothers.

“But the 80s didn’t have a lot of patterns for stuff I would have wanted to wear,” she laughed.


She picked up crocheting again while pregnant, but said when it came to selling her products, there wasn’t much of a demand for old-style lace dollies.

But her love for the old lace patterns, like ones she has found from Russian and the Ukraine, inspired her jewelry designs.

“I see a shape I like or how something flows, and then basically write my own pattern,” said Mindy.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Meet Gena Flanigen

Gena Flanigen is joining us for the first time this year as a Spotlighted Artist and will be displaying three of her photographs at the event. Gena specializes in wildlife photography and lately has been focusing on the Berry Eagles. 

Gena Flanigen, Rome,GA


Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have lived in Rome all my life. Photography has been a hobby of mine for a few years, especially wildlife photography. I just started getting a little more serious about it in the past year. Photography is a passion for me and I do not want it to become a job.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I love wildlife photography, but recently with the arrival of the Berry College Eagles, I have spent more time on bird photography, especially the eagles.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
My "work" starts with a beautiful day taking various photographs. That is the fun part. I then download the pictures on my computer. The editing of pictures takes the most time and can be the least fun. But when I get a nice shot and with a little bit of editing it turns out pretty, it is almost like Christmas morning unwrapping a wonderful gift.

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
Photography is just something I have to do. It is fun, it makes me happy and hopefully the pictures I take makes others happy as well.


Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
Not getting the shot!

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
Getting the shot!

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
I enjoy being with family and friends, especially with other photographers. I love being able to going to church and worship in freedom. Running with my dogs on trails, walking with my parents, and  hiking with friends ..... just wonderful!

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
Just being around other photographers is pretty humorous. Most of us are serious about getting nice shots, but we do enjoy each other's company and like to give each other a "hard time". The Canon Nikon debate is ever present and is pretty funny at times.

Meet Sasha Egorova

Sasha Egorova joins the Starving Artist Expo for the third time this year as an executive planning committee member as well as a Featured Artist. Sasha and show director, Lisa Ingram have worked together in the corporate setting and in the art world, with their loves of graphic design, marketing, art and business mingling together to create inspirational and beautiful results. Sasha will be displaying her beautiful still life oil on canvas paintings at the expo. She also lends her talents to the expo as the lead graphic designer for the event. As a Russian Rome transplant living in Atlanta, Sasha still finds her heart bringing her back to Rome time and time again.

Sasha Egorova, Atlanta, GA
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?
I grew up in the big busy city with lots of noise, hundreds of museums, surrounded by art and beautiful old architecture. When I came to the United States I immediately fell in love with little cute southern towns, especially Rome. It provided me with truly nurturing environment where my inspiration bloomed. The inspiration for my art comes from vibrant colors of the South: cherry blossoms in the spring, azaleas that fill the air with sweetness, juicy watermelons and many other wonderful things.

I speak three languages, which I use in different times: English is for business, Russian is for secrets and Spanish is for beauty. I would like to learn few more.

My family is not that big, but when three generations gather in the tiny apartment kitchen for afternoon tea and conversation with dog and the cat present there is no space for anything else.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I like using different mediums for my paintings. In each of them I use at least three different ones: charcoal, acrylic and oil, they help to achieve the vibrant colors which are one of the main qualities of my art.


Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
Usually the most of the process happens in my head before the painting is produced. I complete it in my mind before my brush touches the paint. When I know exactly how I want everything to look I just let it flow out of me. I create few sketches of the composition, then turn on my favorite music and let my mind wonder away from the painting while my hands are working on it. I would say it's almost unconscious.


Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
When I was a little girl I was always told that I can not make a living by being an artist, so I guess I'm  proving the opposite by doing what I really love.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
You can fail and rise as an artist a couple of times while creating one painting, but it's always between you and your art.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
I sold my first painting when I was 12 years old in the country wide exhibit of the young artists. It was my first experience negotiating the price for my art and it felt amazing. That was the biggest push to become an artist.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
Ask me at the exhibition it might be something different, but for now I'm into healthy cooking, exercising and I'm absolutely addicted to my water aerobics class. My other guilty pleasure is traveling and exploring, even at home I always move my desk around to get a new prospective on things.




Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
People asked me if I'm a vegetarian because I paint so many still lives with fruit and vegetables.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I'm very inspired by the Starving Artist Expo success and hope one day we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

Graphic Design by Sasha Egorova

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Meet Phil Ward


Phil is a woodworker in Rome, GA that you can find at several shows in Northwest Georgia. His wife Lois is with him every step of the way making recommendations, booking shows and reminding him to be patient. Phil is joining the Starving Artist Expo as a featured artist for the first time this year.

Phil Ward of Rome, Ga


Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Do you come from a big family? Are you from the south? Do you speak another language?
I come from a family of 2 kids and am from the south. I speak southernease.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
I make turned items from scrap wood or firewood.  I never a duplicate piece, God designed all this beautiful grain in the wood and you never know what beauty you will find once the item is turned and even more beautiful when finished and the grains are so evident.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
My work goes through a series of steps including cutting, drying, shaping, attaching to the lathe and turning into a gorgeous bowl, pot, vase, coffee scoop, birdhouse, ornament, etc. and then finally the finishing.

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
My love of wood and what it can become instead of being thrown into the fireplace, stove, campfire, etc.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
When a piece of wood is on the lathe and beginning to look like a beautiful item and it flies off the lathe and breaks into a lot of pieces. Heartbreak!!!

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
To have someone come up to me and tell me what pieces of mine they have and how much they enjoy it daily.  Some have a number of pieces and want others when I can find the right wood.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
Baseball

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors. 
I throw scraps into the biggg trash can and I see Lois,my wife, on her tiptoes digging & bringing out pieces she see beauty in that can be turned into something different and very useful.  I laugh and then it is no joke because it turns out beautiful and useful.  Miss Dumpster Diver she is.



Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I'm the blindest woodturner in Ga., I think.  I am legally blind.

And here is a little more, from Phil himself.




Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Meet Gail Baxter

Gail Baxter is joining us for the first time this year as a Featured Artist. Gail will have her unique bead woven jewelry on display and you won't want to miss her at the show!


Gail Baxter, Lindale, GA
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 
I am the middle of 3 sisters, raised in Rochester, NY.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
My work is bead woven jewelry and ornaments.  It goes beyond simple bead stringing as bead weaving involves making intricate patterns of multiple beads to construct finished products.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
Bead weaving is an art that uses needle (sometimes 2 needles) and thread.  You take beads and using different stitches and patterns create your necklace, bracelet or earring.  Patterns go from simple to very complex.

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
I have always loved craftwork of all kinds.  I learned crochet, knitting and embroidery as a child.  My sister introduced me to beading in May 2012.  It has been a love affair since then.  What a great way to have jewelry to wear with each outfit, or to have the perfect gift individualized to each friend's taste and personality.



Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
I had a show where I sold 1 pair of earrings :(  That was a bummer to say the least.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
Having a jewelry shop owner buy 3 pieces and tell me my attention to detail in my work was extraordinary.

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
Music - singing and piano.

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
Many customers after examining my work ask me "However do you do this?"  My answer is usually "one bead at a time" :)

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
My beadwork has brought me hours of pleasure, many new experiences and friends I treasure.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Meet Brandi Gossett


Brandi Gossett is joining us for the first time this year as a Spotlighted Artist and will be displaying her beautiful acrylic paintings at the Show on March 29th. Spotlighted Artists show up to three pieces of work at the expo. Read on to learn more about Brandi in her interview below!

Brandi Gossett of Rome, GA
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I'm from Rome, born and raised. I have always been interested in art and beauty. I took private art lessons for 6 years from the Artist Workshop off of Broad Street. I just recently started getting back into my artwork. Out of all the things in life that have came my way, I always seem to come back to the one thing I truly love. Art.

Q: Please describe your work. What makes it different from other art in the same field?
Acrylic has always been a favorite of mine. I love colors. Taking something that may usually be dull and boring and making it a wonderland of colors.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process your work goes through?
Usually I will see something or have an idea on something to do. Like most artist, usually my work will reflect how I may be feeling in my life at that moment. I'll start with drawing some ideas up, and then take it to the canvas and let my imagination run wild.

Q: What prompted you to become and artist?
My Dad was an amazing artist. I received my gift from him. Growing up it was always my favorite subject in school and I always made friends with all my art teachers. My dad passed away in 2010, and that's when I just knew I had to move forward with my gift. I want to make him proud.

Q: What is one of the biggest failures you have faced as an artist?
I originally wanted to go to Art School for illustration to do children books, but different things in my life wouldn't allow it. I consider that a huge failure for myself in my art career.

Q: What is one of your biggest successes as an artist?
To be honest I have never won awards or have been featured in anything. I am just stepping out into the art world and I'm gonna see where it takes me. I am more than blessed to be a part of the Starving Artist Expo this year! Thank you so much!

Q: Aside from creating, what is another passion of yours?
Beauty. I recently just graduated from cosmetology school. I have been interning in a few salons. Art and beauty are my two favorite things!

Q: Please share some humor you have found in your artistic endeavors.
A few years ago I wanted to branch out and try some sewing classes... I thought I was pretty good at it.. Thought! I made myself a skirt, went into town with it on, and the skirt starting ripping apart. So embarrassing! I'll stick to my painting!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you?
I am very passionate about my art and art in general. I am very excited to see where it could take me!