artist | In The Eye Photograhy

Category archives: artist

People of Kennett Square-Lele Galer

May 16, 2016 art, artist, life, painting, people, photography, portrait, Story

Meet Lele– the multi-talented artist. She is a painter, sculptor, writer. She also own and run a local winery Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery in Kennett Square.

How and when did you first become seriously interested in art?

I was raised around art and went to art museums and galleries since I could walk (that is the same for my children too). Studio art always came very naturally to me and I received a lot of attention for it, so I wasn’t very interested in it, but I was always serious about art history. I started college as a passionate art history major, until one day I had a conversation with a friend about Klimt, that made me rethink how I was learning about art… I had been dissecting and memorizing. All the over-intellectualization of the art had pulled me away from the ability to see..and I’d forgotten what had drawn me to art history it in the first place. I am very passionate about art history now, but it is personalized by knowing how to see and how to be moved to see in a new way. I still today read tons of art history books, but not to memorize the facts, but instead just to understand things better. The breadth and history and presence of artistic creativity is very exciting to me…it is a shared sizzling current that runs through everyone and through time.

I started a serious interest in art education and public art when my sons were little. I used my art ability to enable me to be in the schools with my children..and one thing led to another – I fell in love with working with the kids in the schools, all ages ranging from pre-school to high school. I found excitement and much joy in teaching art history or art appreciation as well as public art. I still run a big school art appreciation program that I love, but I shy away from public art now (after 60+ projects now in Seattle, Westchester NY and Chester County). Public art is a great thing when done with the right intentions. When people come together to make an art piece for their classroom, school, or community, it is fun and creative and pretty of course, but they like leaving a little piece of themselves in the artwork that they remember. This is part of giving back to the world around them. Very cool..and but also extremely time and labor intensive.

About 2005 I started running art shows, and began taking classes, just for me, to see if I still had any sort of a gift left. The combination of having art show deadlines and falling back in love with the medium, got me seriously interested in making art- really for the first time in my life.

What do you think is the most important influence in your painting?

No particular place, person or thing… I am influenced by looking -I am constantly looking at paintings and other pieces of art, including functional art such as furniture. When I am drawn to one, I try to figure out both how the artist does what they do, and what specifically draws me to a particular piece. “Looking” is a constant sifting through of visual edits, a lot goes in the discard pile, and the rest is organized and reshuffled for color, mood, something interesting, and relationships to things like time, history, my work or another artist’s work. The more I see, the more I learn about the art form and about why I am a painter. I am almost 55 and I still struggle with the idea of being an artist with a specific voice…what am I working towards in the art piece; where to edit and where to pile it on; there are always questions and challenges in every piece. I definitely would not paint or sculpt if there were no challenges. To have an original voice is both a difficult and an interesting journey.

In college, my end of the year art history paper had to be on a contemporary piece in the Hartford Museum, and I decided to pick something I absolutely hated just as a test to see if I would like it any better after I learned about it. I picked Franz Kline, who I thought was rubbish, and after working through it -he is one of my favorites. I definitely appreciate things more if there is a struggle involved.

I guess the biggest art influence was at Berkeley when an art teacher showed me how to bleed out a line and morph it into more painting than drawing. That was the first time I really painted (real painting, not filling with color), and I never went back to drawing after that. I also only did black and white, no color, until my mid-twenties. That is why my colors are so charged up now; I feel the need to punch them up to give me the same strength of feeling that I got from using black and white. I am trying to tone my color down now, but that is hard, which makes it interesting.. but toning it down is definitely not easy for me. I might go back to black and white.

Can you talk a little bit about your first sculpture?

Wow. That was fun – talk about an electric current. I had never done 3-D, and decided to take the plunge at Stan Smokler’s workshop one summer. It was an instant pure jolt of fun that had no layers of experience tied to it. I was mesmerized by the details, the metal bits and making a thing that was fully round. The first piece was a column made of sinewy found bits that worked their way up to make a whole. It was heavy and it sold immediately. Most of my pieces are abstract combinations of “bound” and unbound” elements. I am drawn to the idea of energy all bundled up and the thrill of being freed. Right now I am trying to learn more about the medium, rather than just be expressive. That involves a lot more grinding and busy work and is less appealing to me than the spontaneity of creating a sculptural piece…but I owe it to the medium to learn more about it. The more I learn about working with steel, the better I can realize the ideas I have..I hope so anyhow. But grinding is a bore and chips away at the little individualistic bits that I like…just like me trying to tone down color in my paintings, I’m not sure tidying up my metal work and making the welds smooth is very “me”, but I am interested in figuring that out.

Do you work certain hours each day or only when you are inspired to work?

I only work when I have a show or commission that is two weeks away or less. I keep hoping that I will schedule art every day, but I don’t. Making art has to be exciting for me, or I will do something else that is. The deadline makes it more exciting and pushes me to finished works as opposed to a lot of exploratory scribbling.

You are painter, sculptor, writer, and also run a winery in Kennett Square, how do you balance work and life?

Well, I don’t know how to relax, so as long as I am busy doing interesting things, then I am very happy. My husband and sons help keep me balanced, and art helps to shake things up.

Check Lele’s work here: http://www.lelegaler.com/

People of Kennett Square–Hattie Weselyk

Meet talented Hattie, from a ballerina to a sculptor. Now she is a self taught hand crafted jewelry designer in Kennett Square.

What did you do before you start jewelry design?

When I was 4 years old I began intensive training in ballet. I was pigeon-toed and the doctor advised my mother that ballet would help straighten my legs. I quickly ended up taking 10 classes a week and when I was 14, I was accepted into The School of American Ballet at Juilliard in New York City. After that, I was a principal ballerina with the Brandywine Ballet Company for 9 years and, later, danced with Opus 1 Contemporary of Philadelphia as well as guest performed with many theatres and other dance companies. I began teaching ballet in 2001 and only recently have had to cut back to one day a week as it’s all my growing jewelry schedule will allow. In my early twenties, I also modeled as a ballerina for a sculpture class and found myself eager to learn how to sculpt. I took a class and began sculpting, later exhibiting my bronze dancers locally in galleries and art exhibits.

What lead you to beginning to work with jewelry?

In 2006, I stopped dancing professionally and began my family. I enjoyed sculpture but it was expensive to have bronzed. But, without dance or sculpture, I found I still needed an artistic outlet. I picked up an instructional book on beading and wirewrapping at a local craft store and that night I think I made 30 pairs of earrings. I was hooked.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everything around me. I love to garden and often am inspired by nature and its beauty and movement. I am currently fascinated with ancient Egyptian artifacts and patinas. I typically don’t sketch out or plan my designs. I have a general idea or inspiration, start grabbing materials and get to work.

Who do you envision wearing your work? Do you think about this when you work on designs?

I strive to make jewelry that people want to wear. I try to make a variety that appeals to all ages and styles. I believe it is important to learn as many techniques as you can but that doesn’t mean you need to pull out all the stops in every single creation. I often find that the pieces people find the most appealing are the simplest.

The most meaningful piece of jewelry you own is?

My favorite piece is my ‘Wrapped in Lavender Cuff’. It was the most technically challenging piece I have ever made and, because of that, the most rewarding. It was a lengthy process but when I finished it, I remember feeling proud of myself.

Do you have a favorite jewelry designer that you admire?

I admire so many artists but I guess you could say my idol is jewelry artist, Jeanine Payer. She has recently closed her studio doors but I was fortunate to have been given a couple of her pieces and absolutely fell in love with the simplicity and feminine quality of her work. It remains an inspiration to me.

Check Hattie’s work here: Hattie Weselyk Jewelry

TAGS: designer, handcrafted, jewery, kennettsquare, pa, photography, portrait, story

People of Kennett Square–Carl Closs

January 25, 2016 artist, home, life, people, photography, portrait, Story

Meet Carl, “Carl is a former educator and business executive who has dedicated his retirement since 1997 toward helping children and adults discover the real George Washington. When you attend one of Carl’s highly entertaining presentations, you’ll realize his portrayal goes a lot deeper than simply dressing in a buff and blue uniform. Carl has spent countless hours poring through the General’s original writings. This allows him to communicate little known, instructive facts to audiences that range from elementary school classes and assemblies to business organizations and civic groups.”–www.gwashington.net

When and how you did you start portray George Washington?

In 1997 I took an early retirement at age 55, and decided to portray George Washington.

What the best part “be” George Washington?

As the :”Living Biographer” of George Washington, who exemplifies what it means to be an American, I can bring him to life for many people regardless of their age or education.

I heard you were invited as George Washington to a wedding, can you talk a little bit about that?

I have portrayed Washington at many wedding receptions with elan and decorum; it is always a special event for me as well as the wedding couple, to be a part in their most memorable day.

Is there anything people don’t know about George Washington?

There’s a great deal which most people don’t know about George Washington; I myself am still learning what an amazing American he was. That said, most people don’t know that he did not want to be President; he didn’t run for President; he belonged to no political party, and got all of the electoral votes. By stepping down after his second term as President he established what was known as the two term tradition which continued for over a century.

People Of Kennett Square–Beth Secor

November 30, 2015 art, artist, farm, life, painting, people, photography, portrait, Story

My daughter took a drawing and painting class at Y. After finished the classes, she showed me her paintings, I was amazed by her work and the way the teacher was teaching. I had a chance to meet the teacher–Beth, an artist who loves doing animals portraits and teaching art to children. I went to her house, she showed me all the fun things in her studio , and activities at the farm. I felt her love of animals , and passion for painting and teaching.

1.What’s your life like when you were a kid?

We had a Ton of fun,brought up on a 99 acre horse farm with horses and dogs and a lot of people.We worked hard on ponies and horses to re sell,or train for other people.My mother was a big hearted free spirit who stressed honesty and to treat other people the way you want to be treated.We got up early and worked hard,then got to do fun active activities all together with out many rules,but you gave it your all in spirit!

2.When and how did you start painting?

I always doodled and loved looking at Art…When I was 16,I had a serious back operation,they said no riding horses for a while!!!..That was my life,Mom said ..whow what are you going to do…I thought if she doesn’t know..it is up to me..I said I’m going to Art School,,,,where one door shuts another one opens!!!My Art has given me so much pleasure and others!!

3. Why do you like to paint animals?

I LOVE animals and feel I intrinsically..intuitively..connect to them,so to paint them enhances these feelings,plus it is a challenge!! I like being able to paint peoples animals so they have a piece of the love forever,it is such a deep feeling…I love painting them!!!!!!

4.What animal do you like most? why?

Horses and Dogs and Big lions….They are free,,atheletic and pick who they trust,then are very loyal..and the partnership grows!!

5.Can you talk a little bit about your last trip to Africa?

My last trip to Africa was magical,I did a lot of sketching..being outside in nature focusing on such beauty of the land the animals and my connection with them was surreal…I wrote in my book…I am revolving with the Universe..which was all beauty and possibility for me!!! I felt totally centered and as if the Dear Lord was whispering in my ear,I’m Proud of you Beth,I do well with those Real Feelings,,I can’t wait to go back!!!

You can check Beth’s work here: http://www.bethsecor.com/

People of Kennett Square–Bri-Arden & James

July 22, 2015 art, artist, business, Fashion, handmade, leather, organic, people, photography, portrait, raw, Story, Style

I knew Bri through Instagram. I have been followed her on Instagram long time. She is the designer-maker and owner of Arden and James. I love her beautiful handcrafted bags. Finally I had a chance to do a photo shoot with her. I arrived her house, her younger son was sleeping, and the older boy was tired but won’t take a nap. He stayed with us whole time, during the photo shoot I saw how she balanced her work with kids. Her studio is stylish, bright and organized. She showed me her new work, and also the first bag she made. She is such a talented artist and wonderful mom.

Where did the name Arden & James come from?

Arden is a little utopian arts community in Delaware. It was designed to demonstrate the values of the Arts + Crafts movement at the turn of the century. Many artists, musicians, actors, and craftsmen live there. There are walking paths through the woods connecting all of the homes and shared community facilities. Such a dream. They have an annual Arden Fair, which is in its 108th year. As a kid, my grandparents’ house was closeby, and we would go to the Fair. It’s a magical place, and it has inspired me all my life.

James is my older son. I started the company when he was old enough to sit on his own and I got my hands back :). My husband is also a James. He is an artist as well – a musician.

What is your design process?

The materials themselves drive my process. I only use materials I love: organic woven linen, locally milled waxed canvas, vegetable tanned leather, and pure copper. I see a natural material that inspires me and then decide what I can make that would highlight its best qualities. It’s sort of a backwards design process – not how I was trained in design school! I think that good design allows the materials to be themselves.

I love getting feedback from customers and friends. When designing something as personal as a handbag, I have to know how people will use it. I want my bags to be a reliable wardrobe staple and hopefully an heirloom, so the details need to be just right.

What currently inspires you and which other artists do you admire and why?

Wharton Esherick. He was a sculptor and painter who resided in Paoli. His home and workshop are open to the public, and they are an endless source of inspiration for me. I hope to shoot my Fall lookbook there this year. It’s funny, but when I make something, I ask myself – would this look good at Wharton’s house? It’s a “handcrafted modern” look. His work has no straight lines. It is informed by the materials and has a perfect organic feel. It’s just too good to put into words – you gotta see it.

What would you most like to make that you haven’t made so far?

Clothing. My sister, Britt, is amazing with styling, colors, and patterns – so it would be a collaborative line where I could choose the materials. My dream is to work with her every day (and our dogs and kids).

How did your parents influence your career?

My parents always wanted us to do what made us happy. Just to be our true selves. My Dad was always working with wood, and my mom was a painter. My mom always said that I was an artist, and wanted me to pursue art as my career, but I never believed in myself enough to think that I could pull it off. After getting my degree in Industrial Design, I apprenticed for other artists, worked in food marketing, and organized community events to earn money. It wasn’t until after my mom passed away – five years ago – and I was pregnant with my first son, that I felt the drive to make things. I could feel my mom’s confidence in me pushing me along. Since then I am always inspired and can’t wait to make more. I feel that my mom is sending these things to me so that I can live my dream. Everything falls into place as long as I focus and do my best. People have responded so passionately to my work – and it’s so flattering – because it’s me being completely honest and putting my true self out there. My work is a reflection of me, and the relationships I have built from that are so authentic and rewarding.

You are busy mom for two boys, how do you balance your work and kids?

The balance day-to-day is so hard, but overall, things work out. I am always going from one thing to the next, running around like a crazy person. But that’s how I work best. I am at home with the boys, so my attention has to be on them first. My boys are 2 and 4, so we don’t have any schedule – I just work in my home workshop when I can – mostly in 10 minute bursts throughout the day (on a good day). I use my iPhone for everything. I am never able to sit at the computer. The boys would be jumping all over me! I plan my work so that I can do handwork such as weaving in the car (while James is driving :)) or outside with the kids while they play. When the kids are both in school things will be easier. I had never imagined my business would grow so quickly – but I’m so proud that it has! The challenge keeps growing, but I’m still hanging in there!

To learn more about Bri and her work go to the website:Arden and James

People of kennett Square–Emily and Andrew

April 3, 2015 artist, beauty, business, Fashion, makeup, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

Emily and Andrew are the owners of Tribe Beauty Culture. They create a boutique style hair , makeup and workshop place. It’s not a normal salon, you will enjoy your visit in a stylish environment and relaxing atmosphere.

Where is the name Tribe come from ?

Tribe started off with my sister and I wanting to make an impact. We were the original Tribe, a couple each with our own skills—hair and makeup. The idea was to create a culture of beauty, where we empower clients to recreate the same looks and styles from Tribe with the knowledge, technique, and tools. Since we started, my sister has had to relocate and Tribe has become a husband and wife team. We are still very much a “Tribe“. We started off small with big ideas, and every time a new client walks in the door, it’s important they feel they are a part of the Tribe.

What is the difference between Tribe and other hair Salon?

Tribe is different from other salons in the sense that our clients gain an intimate a personal experience each time they come in. They are given the attention they deserve in a relaxing setting that feels unlike any hair salon they’ve ever visited. Our stylists are amazing and skilled and focus on giving each client the knowledge they need to recreate looks and styles. We keep it simple—great hair and beautiful makeup.

Every one loves Tribe’s interior design. You have very unique vision about interior design, where do you get your ideas?

Andrew and I both believe very much in inspiration and creating a story with Tribe’s environment. My background is visual design and merchandising while Andrew’s is graphic design. We are able to work together and utilize our strengths to create a dynamic setting. The short answer—it seems to just come natural to us!

How do you feel like having two jobs?

Andrew and I both work full-time jobs. Balancing that with Tribe can sometimes be stressful but also exciting. Tribe is our passion and if you love what you do, it never feels like work!

Can you give some tips about how to do quick&easy everyday makeup?

Keep it simple. Start with a good foundation, literally. Invest in great skin care because thats where it all starts. Must haves for flawless complexion are a great foundation, killer mascara and a great lipstick.

TAGS: beauty, makeup

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Langer

March 27, 2015 art, artist, business, Calligraphy, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

I found Meredith through Instagram. She is an amazing multitalented artist. We met at her house in town, it’s a place full of her design elements. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. She showed me her work, and her unique tea dye business card. I absolutely love her work!!! We talked about everything, travel, art, cat, camera, food …etc. She has the most beautiful smile and great personality. I borrowed these words from her Instagram’s profile:” |sign maker | freelance calligrapher & artist | yarn spinner | dreamer |photographic documenter | proudly Pennsylvanian”.

What was your dream job as a child?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I had my own pretend classroom with a giant chalkboard & would talk to imaginary students for hours. Funny that now I’m still writing on chalkboards!

Were you always interested in art? how did you start the calligraphy?

I always had a huge respect for all different forms of art. I started calligraphy out of necessity; I had to make some signs for a client through terrain. Terrain is one of those places where you don’t say no to clients…you create what they want, even if it is out of your comfort zone. This project was painting names on 5 foot canvas for a wedding. Than the next project was a seating chart that was painted on glass. After that I loved analyzing each stroke of a letter & how to make them better.

How did you start become known for your work?

I really have to thank Instagram. I have found countless amount of jobs through word of mouth//friend of a friend that saw something I did on Instagram. I actually have to thank this application for a lot of things: I have found clients, made new friends, workshop attendees, & most recently found a new roommate through Instagram. I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now if it wasn’t for Jie finding me through Instagram.

What do you dream of doing in the future?

I definitely want to travel more! Traveling always helps me to shift my inspiration. I would also love to have an online shop where I sell custom products: stamps, wood burnings, cards…

What would be your best advice to aspiring calligrapher?

Play & have fun! Do not feel like every move is permeant or right/wrong…every stroke has a purpose. Also, get inspired! Find something that you admire & try to copy it with your own spin on it.

Check her website for more information: www.merelymere.com

People of Kennett Square–Demian Rivera

March 25, 2015 art, artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Uncategorized

Demian is a tattoo artist. He works for a Tattoo shop in town. Except the tattoo shop , he has another happy place–his garage, where he spends his free time fixing his motorcycle.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Don’t know I think the first thing that I wanted to be when I grew up would be like my dad. He is a cool guy with cool friends . That’s what i still want to be.

Why do you like tattoos?

Always have like them. Remember being fascinated when i saw somebody that had one .

How are your tattoos represent your personality?

I don’t know I get (tattooed) stuff that I like and that is kind of what makes me and my personality.

Does every tattoo has a story or meaning?

No, not everything has a meaning.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to people?

Find what you love and let it kill you.

People of Kennett Square–Zvezdana Scott

March 19, 2015 art, artist, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Style, Uncategorized

Zvezdana, people also call her Stella. She is the owner of Mala Galleria. I like her gallery. It gives some fresh air to this little town. The first time I went there, I asked her to be part of my “people of kennett square”‘s project. The next day I got a email from her, she said she wanted do a exhibit about my project. I was thrilled!!! I couldn’t believe I could have my first exhibit here. Thank you! Stella, I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What did you do before you open Mala Galleria?

I ran a Washington DC based humanitarian non- profit organization dealing with the post-war consequences, post- flood needs and soup kitchens in Serbia. I also organized many events, exhibits, film festivals etc. I still do all of that.

What made you decide to open a gallery?

I always wanted to do that. Where I come from, art is everywhere. I grew up with art, music, theater…I was somehow always surrounded by artists and I saw myself in this world.

How do you choose your artists?

I visit lots of art shows, find artists online, sometimes someone recommends them to me, or artists see the gallery and they visit because they like the work I exhibit. I exhibit 27 local artists at the moment, and several international.

Why did you choose Kennett square?

I always searched for the perfect little town to open the gallery in. When we moved to the area 4 years ago and I saw the downtown Kennett Square, I knew I found it. Beautiful, historic downtown with nice people. It was perfect!

What was the most memorable piece you have ever sold?

My first piece I sold, on the first day I opened the gallery. It was an antique, by Julien Celos (1884-1953), a Belgian visual artist. It was a good luck charm!

Learn more about Mala Galleria, check the website here: http://www.malagalleria.com/

People of Kennett Square–Veronika Goodnight Aka Kit

March 11, 2015 artist, people, photography, portrait, Story, Uncategorized

I met Veronika through my friend Kelsy. Veronika is a internationally acclaimed hoop dancer and fire performer. I went to her website, her performance made my jaw drop. She is absolutely amazing! When I met her, she was eight month pregnant, but that didn’t stop her doing hooping dance. She showed me the hooping dance movement in a really beautiful way. I really felt lucky to have met so many talented people in a small town. Her baby is due on March 12th 2015. I can’t wait to meet her baby.

When and how did you start your career as hula hoop dancer and fire performer ?

I was 25, I had just gone to a concert and I saw this hula hooper on stage dancing. I had never seen anything like it!!! My mind was blown. I researched how to make my own hula hoop and I practiced every day. The hoop would fall down but I was determined to learn!!! After about a few months of hoopla obsessing, I found out that I could hula hoop with the hoop on fire! I started practicing that and within the year I won, 2008’s fire hooper of the year. It wasn’t long after that I would get calls from Los Angeles. I worked for Britney Spears, was on the Jimmy Kimmel show and did many more tv shows and commercials.

What’s the life like in circus?

Circus life is incredible. You travel all over the world, meet amazing people, train hard, perform shows and you never really know where you’re going to be next! But it is difficult. You’re constantly in hotels and airports. You’re exhausted and mentally drained. But the good out ways the bad. And I feel happy that I have had a successful circus career for 8 years.

What’s the most memorable moment in your career?

I can not give one memorable moment in my career. There are too many! Performing for Britney Spears was high on the memorable moment list. Also working for Cirque.

What’s your main focus now?

My main focus now is my family. I’m at full term with my pregnancy and just waiting for my soul mate baby to grace this world. I’m resigning from my cirque career to focus my time being a full time mom and partner to my beloved. I couldn’t be happier with this bittersweet decision.

If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything. I feel successful. I feel respected. And I had a great 8 year run of being a circus performer.

Check Veronika’s website here:http://kitspins.com