Functional Art Archives - CreativeSonoma.org

Noor Adabachi Architecture, Artisan, Dance, Design, Fashion Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Other, Sculpture, Technical, Theatre, Visual Arts, Woodworking Noor Adabachi is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts: CalArts where he studied set and costume design. Past designs for foolsFURY include (dis)Place[d], directed by Ben Yalom, The Unheard of World, directed by Michelle Haner, and Faulted, directed by Evren Odcikin. After working on theater and dance productions in Los Angeles in the early 80's he concentrated on custom furniture design and fabrication, creating work for Milton Katselas, Oprah Winfrey, Catherine Bell, Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil and many others. His work has been featured in architectural magazines and on E The Entertainment Channel. Noor is grateful for his wife Debórah’s inspiration and encouragement to rekindle his relationship to theater after a long hiatus.

Valerie Adams Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Glass, Graphic Design, Holidays Shop Local, Other, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts

I’m a northern California girl whose been creating all my life. With a 30-year background as a graphic designer my creative vision has centered on laying out printed pieces that provoke thought, convey information, and create a reaction.

With an emphasis on kilnformed glass since 2001, I use many of the same design principles of balance, focus, and harmony. I design and create one-of-a-kind fused glass artwork and lighting, functional and decorative tableware, smile-inducing garden art, and dazzling accessories.

Juicy colors, off-beat arrangements, and clean, aesthetic layouts define my approach. I’m continually thrilled by the magical aspect of transforming individual sharp bits of colored glass into luscious collectibles that reflect your good taste. Each piece is handmade, one at a time, in my Sonoma County studio.

I’ve been honored to participate in Professional Artists in Residency programs at the prestigious Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington state and the Bullseye Glass Company’s Dealer’s Forum, which prepares artists to teach in the field of glass art. I’m an enthusiastic and generous instructor providing classes to small groups, and one-on-one mentoring for those interested in personalized instruction.

Roberta Ahrens Artisan, Fiber Art, Functional Art, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed, Muralist, Other, Other, Painting, Sculpture, Visual Arts Roberta Ahrens is one of Northern California’s Master Decorative Painters & Fine Artists. With over 30 years experience in the application of classic and contemporary painted finishes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Roberta’s extensive experience in painting large-scale murals combined with the practical knowledge of artistic applications acquired over a long career led her to develop a unique style of Fine Art painting in 2005. She continues to develop and refine the technique of painting on hand-prepared canvases called "cracked linen". Her love of horticulture brought her to focus on botanical subjects, diving into what she calls the architecture of nature. The results are truly breathtaking. By etching into the plaster she creates a new contemporary yet interestingly old world style, adding a depth and presence to her floral subjects that sets her work apart. She is considered a Legacy Artist, and currently selling at the highest level of her career with a body of over 250 fine art pieces sold since she began her focus on Fine Art in 2005.

Sacha Aponte De Roeck Functional Art

Mosaic art is both captivating and versatile.

Each work is patiently made of small, hand-nipped pieces of ceramic tiles, at times combined with glass and natural stone accents. The art form has been around for millennia. Mosaic works can be integrated into floor designs, in tabletops, or mounted on a wall, but they stand alone very well. Wooden or concrete objects can be covered with a mosaic, creating new three-dimensional art pieces.

This media expands well beyond its architectural function. Mosaics have so much color and texture. This is a true form of artistic expression, requiring talent, skill, technique, and an artist's vision. Mosaics offer design options for any space; indoors or outdoors. They can be structural, functional, decorative, or solely artistic. As colorful conversation pieces, mosaics bring life and playfulness to a structure, garden, gallery space, or room. Browse my website for inspiration at www.vivare.net/mosaics, ask about classes, or commission your own project.

Abby Bard Artisan, Fiber Art, Functional Art, Holidays Shop Local, Other I weave functional textiles to wear and for home décor using rayon, cotton, and wool yarns, with a touch of metallic threads to add sparkle. Weaving became my passion following a trip to Guatemala in 1974, where I learned to weave on a back strap loom. Returning to San Francisco, I studied 4-harness weaving with Anne Wilson at the DeYoung Museum School and shared a studio with fiber artist Rebecca Lyon. After moving to Sonoma County, I designed and wove clothing fabrics for Greentree Weaving in Cotati, and started my own line of textiles in 1984. My work is inspired by nature, by my travels to Mexico, Peru and Thailand and, in particular, my garden.

Todd Barricklow Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Other, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts Conflicting ideologies as well as personal defects garner most of our cultural attention. I tend to look at different aspects of human behavior in an evolutionary light; addictions, attractions, fetishes, how do these traits forward us as animals? Besides making life interesting, why do we do these things and how do they develop? Sociological questions fuel much of my work. My characters sometimes resemble people that I come in contact with in my day to day dealings, yet others are strangers that I only catch a glimpse of. These beings occupy the scene and face objects and representations of our world. My work has always been a way for me to clear my head and process what I see around me. I feel like this work is definitely a product of watching the world, analyzing the way people act and then drawing conclusions. To some degree that is what the viewer does also. The grouping of images may seem obscure, but it is the viewers baggage that will fill in the gaps between these tiles and these images.

Jesus Bravo Artisan, Functional Art, Furniture, Sculpture, Visual Arts As a child, and first generation immigrant in this country I was never completely sure about my future. After graduating high school, I applied to SRJC and selected the welding program. Although I had a wonderful education and certification, I was unable to secure a job in the field due to my immigration status. After fifteen years of being undocumented, I had the opportunity to acquire U.S. citizenship. After I landed my first welding job, it was at that shop where I learned to create metal art, or what I like to call forever art. I would stay after work and began to put my skills to the test, spending long hours and weekends to create my own style which is highly influenced by Mother Nature, my ancestral roots, and indigenous tribes around the American continent and the world. I began making simple yard art, while continuing to develop my skills. I then started making various furniture pieces, doing larger jobs such as gates, planter boxes, and repair jobs. With these projects, I continued to develop my style of art, including original art and commissioned pieces. Every day was and still is spent practicing, evolving, and pushing my skills to become a better fabricator and artist. This is what I call BravoSculpt. In the South Central Mexico, the town I was born and raised in is very close to a sacred Mexica location ca led Malinalco. Since it was so close, it was a place we frequented as a family throughout my childhood. Malinalco has influenced and inspired my work because it is a place of rich history where I have learned, and continue to learn about the rich heritage left by our ancestors– a location of the monolith Cuahucalli, where the Mexica eagle and jaguar warriors were Trained and Initiated. Communities need to heal from ongoing traumas and I believe culture helps us heal, including art. I also believe that knowledge is power, and as I continue to learn more about my own culture, it helps me expand knowledge of other cultures and communities. I began attending several cultural events around the Bay Area, including Dia de los Muertos at various locations, Mexica New Year in San Jose, and Carnaval in San Francisco. These events have heavily influenced me and my art, as they highlight many BIPOC communities. It is at these events where we experience a sense of community and a sense of belonging. Al participants and attendees, including myself, learn so much from each other– it is truly beautiful and inspiring. These events include ancestral ceremonies, dances, altars, among other traditions that have taught me many ways to celebrate all of our ancestors. In my daily life, I like to incorporate traditional, ancestral ways of giving. And through my art, I aim to share the knowledge I am acquiring. In addition, I have had the great pleasure to collaborate with several local community projects through incredible nonprofit organizations and community groups including Sonoma Immigrant Services, Art Escape, the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, and El Verano Elementary School.

Cade Burkhammer Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Design, Fiction, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Instrumental, Interior Design, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts Cade Burkhammer, born April 21st 1973, has been painting and exhibiting paintings and playing music since he was 13 years old around the country. Painting styles include surreal oils, abstract acrylic and latex, experimental and controlled mixed media, watercolor illustration, original Photoshop photography, ceramics, bronze sculpture, writing, landscape design, gardening, science, healing arts, bardic meditation, drumming, piano, DJ... Cade is the creator of 'The Wise Fool Tarot', a self-published independent manifesto that took 15 years of research, meditation, painting, writing and raising funds for printing and distributing. This year will be Cade's second tarot release collaborating with another author. His third oracle deck is in the making. Cade is the creator of 'Wrecords', a series of recordings and sound collages in the vain of Vicki Bennett and Philip Jeck, which is the musical accompaniment for the video series 'Recycled Memories.' A multi-media event featuring video and sound collage of noisy vintage meditation of the forgotten past and dreamy future combined with live drums, piano and sometimes female vocals.

Patti Buttitta Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Patti Buttitta, artist and graphic designer— Patti draws on her background and experience as an artist, illustrator, writer and printmaker. She enjoys the challenge of complicated projects, but relishes the simple and immediate. She is known for innovative graphic design ideas, including logos, brand packaging, catalogs, books, publications, newsletters, direct-mail marketing campaigns and websites. She has achieved stunning results within limited budgets. Clearly communicating and concisely articulating concepts, she works with clients, colleagues, vendors, suppliers and other professionals to bring creative concepts to life. Her illustrations have complemented her many design solutions for wine labels, food packaging, marketing materials and brochures. Patti has turned her attention to website design, applying the same sense for clear communication and satisfying visual organization.

Ron Carter Architecture, Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Children's, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Design, Directing, Fashion Design, Fiction, Film, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Illustration, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Muralist, Music, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Poetry, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Woodworking

My Path... Divergent visions gave rise to my creative present. A present refreshed by art as life and livelihood.

Experiences like the ‘Tubbs Fire’ that hit Santa Rosa serve to strengthen the ‘artist within me’. It foements subjective creative moments that utilize my past, present - and my future as focal lenses. Spontaneously, I chose The San Francisco Art Institute over The Rhode Island School of Design and the School of the Art Institute at Chicago for my formal Art education. I received my BFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Public Art. I’ve studied stone sculpture for 10 years with Master Sculpture-Ante’ Marinovic, one of Croatia’s premier stone sculptors and is considered a Croatian national treasure. I explore the collaboration between artist, media and tool in such a fashion as to give rise to multiple layers of compressed info within each piece I create no matter if it is a purely visual work or an interactive space or environmental art form. For me, art screams out into all aspects of my life. As an artist in western society, dogma and bravado go hand in hand with economic choice. Art is my life. If it’s not nailed down or permanently affixed, it’s in trouble of becoming art resource material. Well, upon further review, even that won’t deter me from considering an objects use in an art piece.

Steven Chiurco Architecture, Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Interior Design, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts I am a designer of creative and functional metal products. I own a local metal fabrication and design firm in Sonoma. Specializing in home accessories, furniture and lighting.

Krysta Cook Acting, Choreography, Dance, Design, Fashion Design, Functional Art, Improvisation, Improvisation, Modern, Other, Other, Other, Other, Performance Art, Professional Performance, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Visual Arts

Krysta Cook is a multidisciplinary performance with a passion for dance, circus arts, teaching, creating costumes and producing.

Krysta is a Sonoma County native who began her own performance career as a belly dancer in her teens, which eventually led her into the wild world of circus arts. She has been featured in magazines, books, radio shows and been flown around the country to perform for elite Clients. She loved making her own costumes from a young age which eventually bloomed into making costumes and stage props for all of the artists she worked with. She has been a catalyst in the growing arts scene in the North Bay over the past ten years, collaborating with other local visionaries to produce/co-produce ongoing successes such as Circus Maximus Sonoma County, SerLaMuse- an art affair, Rouge Dance Company as well as many other one-off specialty shows. Krysta began to challenge the status quo of local arts when she decided to incorporate wild costuming, custom event entertainment packages and a wide selection of top-notch artists ready to book with just one phone call. A one-stop-shop of specialty arts as born! Krysta is single Mother of a smart young man, an environmental advocate, Licensed Nurse, Certified Personal trainer and philanthropist for local non-profits.

Jason Cool Acting, Architecture, Artisan, Arts Administration, Ballroom, Ceramics, Children's, Choreography, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Equipment, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, General Services, Glass, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Production, Professional Performance, Puppetry, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal, Woodworking

Jason Cool/Henson

Raised by musical and artistic tallent. from my grandfather Walter cool.writing and composing set designs on and off Broadway as well as music teacher. He tought me many things about music ,set design ,and writing stories making songs.mom colleen cool was a d.j for many years growing up .her morning talk show won an addy award. experience of the evolution of radio stations format from vinal,reel to reel,8 track,cassette,cd,to digital.learned lots about the insider secrets and politics , selling air time ,being a paid musical artist.and much more.on my dad's side .the "story family." his grandmother had 21 kids .4 sets of twins ,all natural birth!all musicians playing together ofton..on ed sullvon show and groucho marks.this popular family band and I would practice at grandma's regularly. As a kid growing up. i would try many instruments pianos ,drums,accordion ,banjo ,mandolin etc. I have been in theater,loved the arts, music ,writer. open to everything since i was a young kid.arts and music are my life!if i dont know how to do something,i will be honest!i ask,try and will do all things of interest with love !and any collaboration with heart.I Compromise to learn others perspectives because im always learning. preforming on and off stage.jamming with the public.sharing what i know. Learning what others are willing or able to teach.I loved all the music,art,storys,I have been a part of, or experienced 1999 to current over 15 countries I visited. World Share

Johny Dechemin Acting, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Fashion Design, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Instrumental, Mixed, Multimedia, Music, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Printmaking, Professional Performance, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal DJ JOHNY MIX, has a natural charisma, a passion for music, and the ability to connect with people. A top-notch DJ who’s connect with listeners through engaging talk content and social interaction. He plays musical recordings on radio shows, nightclubs, corporates, private and public events. He works for radio stations, presenting programs, talk shows, and chart shows. He ensures musical recordings and advertisements are played on time and also interact with listeners through social media. As a DJ, he is responsible for engaging with listeners, queueing up playlists, presenting commercials, performing interviews, taking music requests, and generating interest in the show. He is a MC at public events and perform meet and greets.

Ruth Donovan Design, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Holidays Shop Local, Illustration, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts I am a local artist and cofounder of The Beluga and Bee Studio located in Santa Rosa's Railroad Square District. For the last decade I have been heavily involved in Sonoma county's art community. I have dedicated my time and studio space to host group art shows for other up and coming local talent. This is important to me because I was taken under the wing of a retired photographer, Ron Emanuel, when I first moved to Sonoma county. I feel inspired to pay it forward to other aspiring artists. Community and active support are key to a healthy art community.

Sara Downing Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Interior Design, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts I have spent the majority of my artistic career in photography, music and design+build fields. The majority of my photographic work over the last 25 years has been commercial in nature, with a focus on portraiture and architecture. Currently, my focus is designing and executing 2 and 3 dimensional large-scale photographic image installations for both residential and commercial applications. My work tends to reflect painterly and abstract forms and I often concentrate my efforts on textural worlds distilled from the often-labeled mundane. I aim to surprise audiences with a new way to experience photography in a physically immersive construct. The more I walk this earth the more apparent it is to me. Tapping into which thoughts and actions bring me joy conversely allows me to more fully identify that which I should let go. What works for our STUFF also works for our psyche. To cut through the din of external voices telling us any number of things; to come to rely on one's own gauge to determine what feels good, what feels nourishing, what feels inspiring.

What whispers to you?

What is worthy of your attention?

What makes you feel good?

Angelina Duckett Functional Art I am an architectural mosaicist specializing in custom, site-specific installations for businesses, residences and public art. Mosaics are ideal for public spaces as they can withstand abuse while adding spectacular color, interest and energy to an area.

Examples of my work can be found throughout the Bay Area in parks, businesses, schools and private residences.

Please visit my website for more information and images of my work. angelinaduckett.com

Lindsay Hunter Artisan, Design, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Functional Art, Furniture, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Other, Other, Other, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Video, Visual Arts LINDSAY HUNTER Santa Rosa, CA nutbarstudios@gmail.com SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS • Successfully promotes own business, stays in budget and executes projects on time. • Develop and implement K-9 enrichment programming: classroom, after-school, homeschool, county library, and summer camp; kid's area manager for large public events. • Demonstrated instructional and classroom management experience providing interesting and thought-provoking lessons supporting a personal mission of excellence. Provides a caring, safe and supportive environment for student learning. • Workshop presenter at reMAKE Education. • Network with businesses and community leaders and recruit volunteers for events. • Warm effective communication with both children and adults from diverse backgrounds, in person and written. • 10 years consumer product design and development, mostly for leading fashion manufacturers: Levi’s and Esprit, from initial concept through preproduction. • Initiated and created product concepts, materials development, textile patterns, garment styling and presentation materials. • Managed development of logo and graphics, hired artists, directed art concepts and approved final artwork for production. • Traveled throughout Asia and US working with sample and production manufacturers ensuring excellent products. • Researched market trends, analyzed competitor’s products for style, fabric, fit. • Conducted focus group research and marketing studies to identify target consumer. • Presented findings and product line concepts to Executive Management in order to advise and influence them on fashion trend direction and product design selections. • Nominated for Outstanding Faculty award at FIDM. Twice recognized for initiative, leadership and team building at Levi Strauss. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 09/04-present Nutbar Studios Owner • Rincon Valley Education Foundation After-school Enrichment Program Provider • Whited Elementary Digital Storytelling Instructor • Rincon Valley Unified homeschool and Instructor Lego Robotics Trainer • Sonoma County Library Enrichment Program Provider • Sonoma State Excel Kids Summer Program Provider • Workshop Presenter at reMAKE Education • Levi's (Leipheimer) Granfondo Kid's Area Manager • The Great Handcar Regatta Kid's Area Manager • Gaia Online Merchandise Developer 01/13-06/15 Paraeducator Rincon Valley Unified 08/12-06/13 Science Facilitator, Noon Duty Rincon Valley Unified 03/03-08/04 College Instructor Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, SF 02/02-02/03 Administrative Assistant Feldenkrais Resources, Berkeley 04/01-11/01 Office Manager VoiceWare Systems, San Francisco 06/99-12/00 Student UC Berkeley Extension, Berkeley & San Francisco 09/94-03/99 Apparel Designer Levi Strauss & Co., San Francisco EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts – Emphasis in Product Design and Fashion San Francisco State University Project Management Certificate University of California Berkeley Extension PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • SCOE Teaching and Learning Institute 2015 • Lego Learning Symposium at SCOE 2015 • SRJC Basic PC Repair and Maintenance Workshop 2014 • RVUSD Technology Summit 2013 • SCOE iPad Symposium 2013 • California Association for the Gifted Symposium 2013 AFFILIATIONS • Northbay Maker Educators • 180 Studios Community Maker Space

Sarah Hylton Artisan, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Improvisation, Mixed, Other, Painting, Sculpture, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth Expressive Artist and Arts Facilitator specializing in a whole person-centered approach for creating art. An avid painter, dancer and ceramic sculptor; often found dancing while painting. Sarah’s paintings have been featured in galleries, juried exhibits and are in private collections. She is currently represented by Lori Austin Gallery in Sebastopol, CA. She began receiving awards as a child for her original artwork though has always resonated with the outsider and naïve artist. She is a self-taught artist and process oriented. After raising her artistically talented son, as an only parent, she is whole heartedly devoting herself to her own creative process and arts based restorative community projects. She is a 2020 Creative Sonoma Pop Up Art Grant recipient. Her current projects include the Hexagons Of Dignity Tapestry and the Art Tent. The community mural installation on the Art Tent is postponed due to Shelter In Place.

Leslie Ihrig Functional Art, Furniture, Illustration, Painting, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts I am an artist living in Petaluma, CA. I taught in Petaluma schools for 23 years. I am, currently, on the Board at the Petaluma Arts Center. My passion is painting and finding ways to connect arts to education. Years ago, I was a furniture design coordinator and a visual merchandising manager for Macy's California. I have a BA in Art from San Jose State University and a teaching credential from Dominican University (San Rafael). I always worked art into the curriculum, using integrated strategies in my classroom in all subject areas - ELA, math, science, history, and, of course, fine art. I incorporated VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) throughout my curriculum, as well. My work has been sold at Studio Gallery in San Francisco and at the Petaluma Arts Center. I have also shown my work at the Cabrillo College Gallery, Aqus Cafe, and I have greeting cards available at Vibe Gallery in Petaluma. I painted a piano for the Friends of Petaluma River Project (Petaluma Pete) and participated in the Black Lives Matter street mural in Petaluma. My work includes portraits of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alexandria Ocasio Cortes, Greta Thunberg, and other important figures as well as commissioned portraits. Please visit my website to view my work.

Jennifer Joyce Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Instrumental, Jewelry, Music, Other, Other, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts, Vocal

Jennifer Joyce, a native of Southern California, embarked on a life of creating functional and sculptural ceramics in 1995.

Joyce is a sculptor and ceramist whose body of work is both thoughtful and whimsical. She brings a unique background in dance, music, archaeology and photography to her art. As a past modern dancer and working archaeologist, Jennifer weaves lightness and whimsy, movement, dance and music into her pieces.

Jennifer opened her own ceramics school in Santa Monica, California in 1995 for 18 years and established another location in San Clemente in 2013. In her San Clemente studio she continued her ceramics school and also founded the Artists Studios of San Clemente, an artist studio collective that is still thriving.

Since moving to Sonoma County, Jennifer has opened her private studio to teaching ceramics and sculpture, has taught numerous classes and workshops at the Sonoma Community Center, teaches for the Mentor Program and has taught part-time at the Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa. Her emphasis is on hand building, wheel throwing and figurative sculpture.

Evan Koch Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Recovery Fund Grantee, Visual Arts My name is Evan Koch. I am a 40 year old man with Asperger's Syndrome who has come up with some neat board game ideas that I am hoping to market. I am working with the Sonoma County Share Exchange and Local Works in this project. I hope you find the website and the games enjoyable!

Adrian Litman Ceramics, Furniture, Illustration, Painting, Sculpture For the past 30 years, I have been working on a variety of projects for Civic, Corporate, Business and Residential clients, integrating art into architecture as well as designing free standing two and three dimensional pieces that create a sense of encounter and engagement through visual distinction or interaction. As an artist, I find inspiration and fuel for creative expression by contemplating the world around me. My inspiration is enhanced by concepts introduced by contemporary science, social issues, politics and cultural diversities. I use abstract and figurative interpretations to convey messages and emotions with sensibility, combining control and passion. Depending on the scope of design, volumes, shapes and vibrant luminous colors, are crafted to converge in an elegant harmony, stimulating the mind and emotions of the viewer. Having an eclectic approach to design, I feel comfortable flowing from dramatic subjects to whimsical and humorous themes. I have a broad range of diverse artistic skills and experience of working with a variety of durable materials like stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, porcelain and glass as appropriate for harmonious integration with the site's architectural style and environment. For most of my large size public art designs, I cooperate with architects, structural engineers and licensed public art fabricators. As a basic principle, I create public art designs with flexibility in order to allow the project stakeholders and community input and participation.

Heather Mackin Architecture, Artisan, Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Jewelry, Storytelling I am a multi-disciplinary design professional with over 20 years experience in creative problem solving. I made a pivot in my career during the recession from commercial interior design to marketing-focused, graphic design. I’ve been able to transfer the design principles of space, color, pattern, and function to that of an organization’s brand initiatives seamlessly. My design and business education coupled together with technical savvy and graphic design skills I was already using in my career has enabled me to use design thinking to solve sales and marketing challenges from a unique perspective.

Rayne Madison Creative Sonoma Grantee, Design, Folk Art, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Mixed, Visual Arts I view art as an exploration of life experience and the tangible means by which to share concepts, ideas and emotions. The closest I have come to describing myself is as an emerging inter-disciplinary conceptual artist. The concepts that I work with arise from my day-to-day existence, they seem to choose me, rather than the other way around. Each project leads me to learn and expand into new areas. My work explores themes of identity, femininity, humanity, attachment, connection, intention, spiritual evolution and that which underlies emotion. Using, whichever materials are best suited to communicating the concept I am working with. Lately, I am drawn to creating street art posters, paper sculptures, pop-up public art installations and collaborative projects. I have a BFA in Graphic Design from NYIT. And, I have worked in publishing, non-profit and investment banking sectors. Bringing me into contact with different aspects of our culture and a diverse field of individuals. I am freelancing as an organizational assistant, event planner, graphic designer and website builder while developing my own projects.

CREATIVES