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.

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

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.

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.

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!