Most Original Piece

Leslie Hampton

Title of Artwork: Bread Using Vegetables and Herbs

Find Leslie’s work at @tangledwebbsweetsandeats

About the Artist

I have always dabbled in art but never really stuck with anything other than sketching. During Covid Lockdown, though, I kept seeing trendy garden focaccia loaves and wanted to put my own spin on the concept since “experimenting in the kitchen” took the place of travel. I just kept practicing and figuring out what vegetables and herbs worked well and what didn’t. It was (and still is) a trial-anderror process, but I have enjoyed it.

What inspired your winning piece, and what message or emotions were you trying to convey?

I saw Van Gogh’s Vase with Twelve Sunflowers in Munich, and it brought me to tears. I couldn’t believe I was finally seeing one of my favorite pieces and was overwhelmed with joy. I couldn’t stop smiling. I decided to recreate it but in my own edible way. I wanted to push the boundaries of food art further to bring someone else that same kind of reaction. If looking at the bread made you smile or gave you even a tiny amount of happiness, I succeeded.

How does winning the Most Original Piece award in the 6th Annual Live Art Contest Showcase feel?

It’s unbelievable, considering I didn’t feel like I belonged in the same room with all the other artists. I looked around and thought, “Omg. I brought bread! I brought BREAD to an art show!” Winning gave me a new perspective on my abilities and silenced a good deal of self-doubt. I am incredibly grateful.

Fan Favorite

Tim Urban

Title of Artwork: Idyllic Marsh Scene

Find Tim’s work at BeachFeetCo.com, including several of his earlier, internationally acclaimed Grindstone Cowboy western pieces.

About The Artist

From a young age, I was captivated by the art of building pictures with stones. Growing up in northern New Jersey, surrounded by diverse mineral deposits, I would collect the most beautiful and colorful stones, dreaming of creating something remarkable one day.

It wasn’t until years later, after briefly exploring architecture with a degree from the University of Maryland in 1983, that I relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, a haven for artists. I finally realized my vision by combining my artistic eye with the cutting skills I honed during a 30-year career as a self-employed landscaper and stonemason.

What inspired your winning piece, and what message or emotions were you trying to convey?

After a move to Amelia Island, Florida, in 2017, my work - often described as playful and serene – spiritual even - transitioned from timeless Western images to fun coastal scenes such as the intricately cut and layered idyllic marsh piece. I make pretty pictures out of stone that make me smile inside and swell my heart with awe and emotion. Forever moments captured by forever materials. Because it’s those little moments, those peaceful, joyful, timeless moments passing all too quickly every day, that seems to be the very essence of life.

How does winning the Fan Favorite award in the 6th Annual Live Art Contest Showcase feel?

Fellow artists are great to talk to and learn from. I never see them as competitors – for we are all passionate about whatever form of artistic expression we choose, and we are our worst critics in the pursuit of producing our best work. Receiving the Fan Favorite award meant a lot to me – and getting votes from some of the other outstanding artists made it that much better.