By Souleo
With technology impacting every element of our lives the tangible forms of the creative arts can seem devalued at times. However, that hasn’t stopped the following artists from honing their craft, generating profits and creating cutting-edge works of art. The Atlanta Post has compiled a list of ten of the most promising, accomplished, underrated and impressive talents on the scene from the worlds of art, fashion and comics.
Beau McCall
Themes, emotions and visions represented in an elaborate multifaceted format. The whimsical sensation of an eclectic fusion of color, shapes and textures. The story told by a single image. These are a few of the features exemplified in the artwork of Philadelphia native, Beau McCall. Drawing inspiration from the vast button collection of his mother and aunts, he crafts custom made pillows with images of icons and abstract collages. During the painstaking work, McCall combines various materials such as mother of pearl, plastic, wool and decorative buttons. With deliberate focus the buttons are arranged to stimulate one’s curiosity and imagination, while simultaneously drawing attention to the unique history of buttons. Thereby McCall’s work generates a discussion surrounding many topics such as class, race and politics. As an artist, fashion designer and stylist McCall has been featured in a number of women’s magazines. He is presently working on his debut button pillow collection.
Shirley Nette Williams
An artist’s craft is measured by a combination of creativity and meticulous execution. It is this balance that London-based artist, Shirley Nette Williams effortlessly masters in her work, known as stitch faces. Williams uses her bare hands and/or sewing machine to stitch images of intriguing faces. In the process she utilizes various mixed media forms such as fabric dyes, acrylic paint, plastic mesh and even teabags. The result is an intricately woven piece of art that amazes with its detail and provokes curiosity and fascination with the form, beauty and mystery of the human face. Williams who has a background in fashion, textiles and costume design is currently preparing her debut solo show for 2012.
Alva Wilson
The most memorable accessories are ones that complement an outfit while simultaneously elevating the look to a more dramatic, fanciful or sophisticated realm. Alva Head Wear by designer Alva Wilson achieves this goal with an array of pieces to enhance any hairstyle. Wilson bends, twists and transforms natural materials such as cashmere, silk and angora into retro, recycled/upcycled or casual hats. Wilson’s works remains in high demand in Paris, Japan and London. Presently he is working on three collections for shops in London including Twin Diverse, Disorder and Vertivex. He will next be featured in the September issue of The Hat Magazine. Lastly, he is finalizing a surreal collection of headwear inspired by painter Salvador Dali.
Troy Smith
What’s lost, is essentially found, is the motto for fashion designer Troy Smith. It is a maxim best characterized by his apparel for fashion retail chain, Urban Outfitters. Since 2005, under the name D Collection, Smith has blended classic tailoring techniques with functionality and design suited to the modern urban environment. In his latest creation for fall 2011 entitled Bonaparte Smith recreates the style of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte for the new millennium. It is a look that redefines swag with elements of traditional sophistication and nobility. The Cincinnati, Ohio native’s history in the fashion field extends well beyond Urban Outfitters. In the 1990’s his designs were featured in Barneys New York and Isetan in Japan. In addition his designs have been featured in Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and on stars such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey.
Dormworld Crew
There is a battle being waged that is physical, mental and spiritual. The battle exists on a plane where fantasy and reality merge to create a supernatural urban landscape. One of the main goals is to understand the power of words. The weapon of choice is a comic book. This is the fantastical world created by Dormworld Crew in their comic book series, BattleMasterz. Founded by members Antuan Broussard, Sha Broussard and Bruce Broussard the crew has created a series inspired by classic cartoons, Japanese anime and kung fu and set in the contemporary world. The concept was formed to promote literacy amongt youth in an entertaining format without excessive violence, profanity or misogyny. One of the main themes is to promote an understanding of the power of words to challenge corruption, deceit and society’s inequities. The collective is receiving considerable buzz and will be featured at this year’s popular New York Comic Con convention.
Ealy Mays
For the past thirty years, West Texas native, Ealy Mays has challenged art enthusiasts with his brand of subtle satire and eclectic style. Mays, who currently resides in Paris, counts Jacob Lawrence, Jackson Pollock, Gary Hill and others as inspirations for his work which combines social commentary, the raw edge of street murals, classical forms and abstract imagery. Mays’ work has been displayed in Le Louvre and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
Catherine Edouard Charlot
With a vivid imagination one can transform any material into a new creation that renders its previous form obsolete. Catherine Edouard Charlot demonstrates that skill with her collection, HIMANE. The designs feature cocktail dresses, tote bags and pet clothes made from umbrella material and other recycled fabrics. She has even made a wedding dress using fifteen white umbrellas. Transforming fashion is not the only goal of Charlot. Her mission is also to change the way we live by making us more responsible for our environment with a greater understanding and appreciation of the power of recycling/upcycling. She is presently donating 10% of all profits towards the budiling of a school in her native Haiti.
Kesha Bruce
The persistence of memories, mystery of the magical-spiritual world and identity forged through personal mythology define the works of art by, Kesha Bruce. This mixed-media artist has had her works featured in numerous exhibitions in the United States and Europe. Her artwork is featured in permanent collections at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, The University of Iowa Women’s Center and The Museum of Modern Art/Franklin Furnace Artist Book Collection. Bruce’s current project is, The Coronation, a series that explores the themes of power and privilege through the symbol of the crown. If that’s not enough, she is also the Director of Baang and Burne Contemporary Art in New York City, which fosters relationships between artists and art collectors.
Kiini Ibura Jewelry
Under the careful tutelage of Melody Burns, jewelry becomes a form of wearable art. Burns is the owner/designer of Kiini Ibura Jewelry, a line that has attracted stars such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Angie Stone. The appeal is owed to many features such as the precious and semi-precious stones she uses including, fresh water pearls, Ghanaian glass and African amber and Austrian crystals. Burns sells her designs out of her Fort Greene, Brooklyn boutique and has been featured in The New York Times, ELLE and Essence magazines.
Dubelyoo The Art Bishop
Some of the most powerful art has the ability to form bridges between generations and cultures. Mixed media artist Dubelyoo (pronounced W) has consistently formed such links between the worlds of urban and pop culture in works that address the sensationalism of celebrity and provides social commentary. In the process he has produced the largest touring urban art show in the U.S. titled “Art, Beats + Lyrics,” collaborated with Nike, Coca-Cola and Heineken and received critical acclaim.
