I shoot very sparingly and when I do or print, my motivation is not, always singularly my own, as it is, “to come to personally own” various pieces of the daily changing digital landscape. Seduced by one of our courses, “large format printing,” much of what I print is very, very big [hmmmm, not sure what that says about the work....smile. Since, 2005, much of my work is abstract not by choice but seemingly the need to “deconstruct the old world order.” Although, I must say, in my heart and mind’s eye, these images feel so much like, Ornette, Monk, Coltrane, Dizzy, Mongo, Marley, Babatunde and I actually see the influence of their music and some of the personal encounters. As I continue to scan this individual “visual mapping,” I am struck by the many additional influences of writers, family, life events, beliefs and a myriad of others.
Paulette Davis, is a fiber artist whose inspiration comes from dailey walks past the gardens, parks and bicycle paths of her neighborhood. Her work combines wool and cotton with time tested fiber techniques such as natural dying, felting, and basketry to create the inner play of form, color, patterns and textures that she observes. Paulette’s formal education includes training at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Rochester Institute of Technology culminating with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies with a concentration in studio art from Empire State College in 2004. In addition to being a member of Creative Hue Artist Collective, she is also a member of Rochester Contemporary Gallery and Baobab Arts Center. Paulette has exhibited extensively throughout her career.
Faruk Kaiyum, is An, “artist artist,” he is a consummate, meticulous, dedicated jeweler, designer and long time operator of, his jewelry shop “Kaiyum Gallery” in Village Gate, in Rochester, New York. Faruk earned an MFA in Metal Smithing at Rochester Institute of Technology and a BA in General Design from the State University College at Buffalo. Faruk, specializing in custom jewelry design and fabrication that succeeds in fulfilling a client’s need and vision of a special occasion.
Faruk Kaiyum, has taught at the Memorial Art Gallery’s, Creative Workshop, beginning in 2006. He is a patient and quietly resolved instructor who believes in careful articulated craftsmanship with an eye on safety and signature creativity. With over 33 years of successful experience, he is a Rochester icon.
Sherry Davis, after a thirty-year career as an employee of General Motors, and a mother of two young adults, Sherry is now accelerating her attention towards a latent lifelong love for painting. Although, Sherry has been drawing since she was a young girl, she has recently developed an interest in watercolor art, taking watercolor and drawing classes offered by Brighton High School and later featured in the, “Artist Spotlight” column in the Democrat and Chronicle [2006]. Sherry joined, Creative Hue Artist Collective, and has exhibited her work at, Brighton Town Hall Arts Festival, Four Walls Gallery, Baobab Gallery [Rochester, New York], and the Arts Council of Wyoming County Gallery, Perry, New York. Sherry is working towards having her first one woman exhibit and shares, “My inspiration for my art comes from photographs and from the beauty of nature that surrounds us daily. My children really are my biggest supporters and inspire me to paint from the heart, and to just, “go for it,” even when I’m feeling uneasy.
Don and Cheryl Olney live and work in Rochester, NY. Their studio is called Louise's Daughter; named for Cheryl's mom - Louise. The ex-social worker, and the ex-toymaker, both self taught artists, they have been married for over 25 years, and combine their histories and observations as they create their warm, wonderful, spirited work. The find inspiration in family and friends, as well as their gratitude for each day. Their figurative work is respectful and sensitive. It touches the heart and soul, and is full of people that "we all know." Their whimsical "other stuff", including boxes, earring holders, vases, paintings, hearts, flowers, pins - ad infinitum - also takes on the same energetic personalities. The Olney's regard their relationship and their work as serendipitous, and proof that there is still good karma out there. The key is to recognize, accept, rejoice in, and contribute to that positive force. We work to make art, peace, joy, amends, and to live like we mean it.
Frances, is a high energy, multi-tasking, one woman dance/quilt/mix-media force, who has clearly left her mark on the Rochester populace. She instructs seamlessly in many, culturally diverse dance studios in the Rochester area and is equally comfortable with all [Salsa, Tango, African, Belly Dancing and others].
Terry Chaka, is a native of, Rochester, New York and has a long outstanding, staggered career as a visual artist [painter], performing artist, interior designer, curator and a cultural icon being a co-founder of Rochester’s first, African American bookstore, “Kitabu Kingdom.” Terry attended the University College at Buffalo for art education. She has exhibited her works in throughout western New York including but not limited to, Rochester, Buffalo, Perry and in venues as distant as Los Angeles. Her involvement spans theatre performances, productions in the Buffalo Community Theatre and established a strong visual arts program, for YMCA teens, that included acting and dance.
Long recognized as an, “artist, activist and advocator,” Terry saw the need for cultural awareness and self esteem building for families and in 1986 co-founded Kitabu Kingdom, Rochester’s first African-American bookstore. The bookstore became an institution, resurrecting said cultural awareness, education of self and Afrocentric pride. As an interior designer, Ms Chaka has designed residential and business interiors and participated in the 2008 Rochester Philharmonic [RPO] Designer Showcase. She serves currently as Gallery Director and Co-Curator of the Baobob Gallery and also as a community liason for cultural education. Terry Chaka was one of the founding members of the Rochester Chapter of the National Conference of Artist [NCA], which morphed into the current, Creative Hue Artist Collective, of which she served as President until recently, remains a noted outspoken champion for inclusiveness of artist of color and women.
Richmond Futch Jr.
Art from the heart and through the hands of an artist forges a channel between internal and the external world, opening possibilities for movement towards richer, healthier and more satisfying living.
God has an open door of opportunity and discovery, all we have to do is listen to what the spirit is saying. The door is open!
Latisha Eggleston, states, "as far back as I can remember I have always loved art of any form. As a child I remember sitting for hours with pencil and paper and drawing whatever came to mind. If I was not duplicating what I saw around me, I was drawing abstract objects that formed in my mind. Even back then I recall thinking of how I preferred to draw odd shapes and figures over drawing people or landscapes.
True, there is a great level of joy one receives through viewing a beautiful realistic painting of a landscape or portrait. However, when I see art presented in abstract form, this engages my imagination, which in return feeds my soul.
My first attempt at becoming an professional artist was around eight or nine years old; when I responded to one of those “"Can you draw this"” ads (some of you may remember these). Well, needless to say their polite but firm response advised me to check back in 10 years. I was before my time; nowadays you can be appreciated at any age. Some of the self taught artists I admire are just entering into their teen years.
Now years later I am expressing myself through different media, such as functional art, wearable art and acrylic paintings.
My designs are inspired by my dreams, emotions and spirituality. I envision what comes to me and then interpret the images and ascribe them to my artwork. Most of my pieces are influenced by and representations of my African and Native American heritages.
I am self taught in many mediums in which I enjoy employing, but now my main discipline is in textile design, hand painted pottery and encaustic painting.
I have found kinship with Miro, Kandinsky and Picasso, just to name a few. Their inspiration has helped develop my own personal imagery over the years.
I sincerely hope you enjoy my collection and please check back for ongoing listings.
Wishing you health, wealth and wisdom
As Always,
Tish E
