It started out simple enough…an admiration for rings compelled Shelli Kahl to take a soldering class so she could learn how to make her own. Several courses later, she found herself producing enough work to start showing at art shows. But it wasn’t until she sought the mentorship of a well-known metalsmith master that her career took off.
When mixed media artist Tim Weldon began creating art, he started to see the world through heightened senses. Suddenly, everything around him––flowers, stones, colors, people––was rich with story, texture and character. And he saw himself as a conduit for sharing these stories through his art.
Artist Beth Zink has become well known for her vibrant paintings of desert sunsets, and flora and fauna, but happening upon the bold color palette that has become synonymous with her name was a bit of a fluke. See how she developed this iconic style and what she loves most about art.
In a time when true craftsmanship seems to be slipping away, there are still artisans out there striving to preserve centuries-old practices not only through the work they put out into the world, but also by passing down these techniques and philosophies to those coming up in the industry. One such artist is goldsmith and jewelry maker Paul Farmer.
Joy, whimsy and a hint of humor emanate from artist Barbara Rudolph’s oil paintings––a style she’s honed over the years through a mix of attention to the composition, storytelling, and delightful “Easter eggs” cleverly placed throughout each piece. See how her work comes together and what inspires her to create brief escapes for the viewer.
Artist Curt Mattson grew up immersed in cowboy culture and for many years, that was going to be his path. Then he discovered cowboy and Western art, and he saw it as a gateway to help preserve the stories of the American West. Decades later, storytelling still drives Curt’s artwork.
Sculpture artist Brian Sykes fell in love with woodworking at a young age. He began his career in furniture design, but soon found he craved something that would allow him a wider range of creativity. Brian found his way to a woodturning lathe and he knew instantly, that’s where he belonged. See how Brian’s journey progressed…
For oil artist Tina Roy, it all leads back to the desert. Though she spent years traveling abroad, she discovered a deep connection with the desert southwest––the flora, the fauna, the intense storms, and the juxtaposition of life and death that’s omnipresent in the desert…
Artist Diana Ferguson had long been drawn to beads, but it wasn’t until she discovered the ancient peyote stitch technique that her creativity really flourished. This technique kickstarted what would become a line of beautifully crafted architectural jewelry. And it has since evolved into wall art.
For photography artist Light Hunter, nature called to him at a young age. It became his refuge and place that deeply nourished his soul. He soon found himself photographing these natural wonders as a way to bring their meditative qualities to others. Learn more about his journey and how he was the first to photograph some of the most iconic canyons.
