For Love of Their Passion

 I am always amazed by people with passion and the exciting things that passion causes them to create. Had a chance a few weekends ago to visit my favorite city: St. Augustine, for their annual Arts Market and ran into some very passionate, talented people I wanted to share with you. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

First, a very colorful character who is part of a duo (Ralph and Dan) called The Broom Brothers that had yarn upon yarn to tell about of all things brooms.

 

A broom is not just a broom and they prove that right down to the selection of the perfect broom corn to make their creations or the revival of a ritual from slavery by African Americans of getting married by "jumping the broom." You could listen for hours as he describes the process that goes into creating one of these jewels and their uses.

The next artist's work just drew me to it: The mixed media of Diane Dean. There is texture that the camera (or at least, my camera) could not completely capture. The colors are quite vivid and yet have a dreamy quality that as I stood studying it I found myself transported to the scene from the Wizard of OZ where the wicked witch says "Poppies, lots of poppies!"

This vase of flowers has that same quality that I also found overwhelmingly strong and yet dreamy. There is definitely a sense of passion to it which is amazing because the artist herself seems almost shy. 

  

Next is one of my favorite points of interest: glass blowing. Henry C. Duquette from "Wildfire Glass" was displaying hand blown pendants. I could not resist taking a picture of this picture highlighting him blowing glass. 

The pendants were quite beautiful with very intricate designs within designs. 

And his wife even got into the act and posed as a model. They were a talented, fun couple.

A good number of artists and photographers are producing amazing work with HDR photography (high dynamic range), which quite simply allows more contrast and therefore more detail in images. This work by Jack Wicks looks like you could walk into this street scene of a lazy southern afternoon, it is so sharp.The mood and the colors just grab you!

And who could resist an afternoon at a beach like this? The rocks and the sky seem to draw the eye and combine to produce a sense of peace and calm.

It was almost time for the show to close and then I spied these glistening  works that could light up any room. Clark Art Studio is a husband and wife team  who work with brass. She paints the piece and then he uses a grinder to remove the paint that produces a finished work very similar to the HDR photos above but with wonderful texture and brilliance. My photos don't do justice to the depth and brilliance of each piece

 
That is especially true for this piece where the brilliant blue of the flowers seems to hang suspended on the canvas.

All of these artists demonstrate again and again their passion for the work they love. I have highlighted links to their individual websites so you can dig a little deeper into their work and get a chance to experience what I did during my encounters with them. Enjoy the journey!

A Glorious Day and Wondrous Art

Last weekend it felt great to be alive because I had really been working a lot and needed a break. It was Easter weekend, the sun was shining and I was off to the 42nd annual Mandarin Arts Festival.

Sometimes you go to these events and come away disappointed. This group did not disappoint! The sun was shining, the weather was nice and I had a chance to meet some wonderfully talented artists. As usual, click each photo for a better view.


As soon as you entered the festival you immediately encountered the very soothing sound of a cross between smooth jazz and classical guitar. have a listen below:

I found myself instantly relaxed as I listened to the sounds of people walking by and the lilt of the guitar. The musician is Russell Donnellon, and after visiting his website I can wholeheartedly say I am a fan. So take a moment and go by and I think you will be too!



After a very long moment, duty called and I was on my way. My first encounter was with a very talented glass blower by the name of Nick Beaman, and fancy that... he is from Jacksonville!

His work has a sense of beauty and whimsy that almost takes your breath away. His website is one of those wonderful adventures you encounter by accident but find you are glad you made the detour and want to own a piece of it. I learned later that the piece he is holding is titled "Pollock" and I understand now why I was drawn to it.

These pieces also caught my eye and set my mind racing as to how he was able to create these shapes and colors.

Wandering further, still listening to the lilt of the guitar my eyes fell upon a flash of color that was almost magic. I did a close-up so you could see the very beautiful ordered chaos.

The talented acrylic artist is Kevin W. Hendersen, of Fruits of the Spirit Fine Art.

I learned that he was designated Artist of The Year 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland in addition to several other awards for his work.

In the middle of the grounds... do I have some bronzes for you! The artist was shy but his works are not. They are bold imaginative pieces from Bob and Jo Wilfong.


They did not have a website but can be contacted at bjwilfong@hotmail.com if you see something you like or want more information.

And finally one of my favorite pieces in name and by design: STEEL ALIVE. I love puns so of course this artist got my attention. But, Rommel and Courtney's work displays that same sense of play that the name works off.

This flower was about 4 ft x 4 ft and in two different versions. It was really a show stopper! You decide which one you like best...

But, this frog set the tone for the day! It is about 3 ft x 3 ft and has a surreal quality I just love.








I took tons of pictures and had a chance to talk with a number of friendly and talented artists. My only regret is that I did not have the space to include everyone I met. A wonderful day indeed!