AROUND TOWN

NEW&NOW

ART SMART CAYLA BIRK

West Palm Beach Neo-Dada artist Cayla Birk crafts a mean fine art series—her eye-grabbing pieces are unapologetically punchy—but she’s perhaps best known locally for her typography murals at 123 Datura, 1909, and Celis Juice Bar. Incorporating secret ciphers and personal phrases, the murals embody an establishment’s spirit.

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SHANNON GRIFFIN

VERY VISUAL

«Creative process: “Conception, design, color selection, production. My overall approach to a series is preconceived and meticulous; the only parts done without a plan are my signature designs. At times, I’ll list some important imagery or verbiage I want included, but the majority of the time, it just rhythmically unfolds.” « Sources of inspiration: “I’m constantly inspired by other creatives in varying fields, and I’ve always valued seeking new knowledge—in music, literature, food, anything.” (caylabirk.com) Palm Beach intimate portrait photographer Shannon Griffin asks, “What happens when you become your art?” That’s what she sets out to do with her family and boudoir sessions: capture timeless portraits to be passed down through the generations.

THREE LOCAL FEMALE ARTISTS SHARE THEIR CREATIVE PROCESSES AND MORE

BY SKYE SHERMAN 2

MICHELLE DRUMMOND

At Drummond Fine Art in Delray Beach, contemporary mixed-media fiber artist Michelle Drummond manipulates multicolored, multi-weighted yarn and glue to create fiber sculptures on and off painted canvas and wood panels. Textured and imaginative, her works invite you to jump into the world she has dreamt up. « Creative process: “I usually get inspiration or an idea, decide the size of the piece and wood panel, estimate the amount of material I need, then start gluing and sculpting the fibers into a recognizable form. The final colors of the piece are determined by what colored yarn feels and looks right.”

Sources of inspiration: “My biggest sources of inspiration come from my journey in the U.S. as a Jamaican immigrant who initially came here as an international student, my culture that is evident in the effervescent colors and whimsy emanating from my artwork, and current issues revolving around basic needs for survival.” (drummondfineart.com) « Distinctive style: “I photograph women in a natural, non-contrived way, allowing room for them to tell their own stories. It’s a process of self-discovery; for some, it’s the first time they’ve taken that journey.”

Creative process: “The art I create with my clients couldn’t take place if I simply showed up and photographed them. I ask them to be vulnerable and raw with me. Before our discovery call, I have clients fill out an in-depth questionnaire [because] I want to know the ‘why’ behind them coming to me. We do an art and planning consultation, either in their home or over Zoom. … After, I design their vision board, guide them through wardrobe creation and location scout, and present our plan. This all takes place before they ever step foot in front of my camera. By this point I know exactly what they’re envisioning, and we’ve built a beautiful level of trust.” (shannongriffin.com)

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NEW&NOW

RUNWAY CHANEL on the Riviera

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There are few things more iconic than Chanel. Add iconic than Chanel. Add in some luxe tweed and in some luxe tweed and a seaside location, and a seaside location, and you’re set for season. On you’re set for season. On November 3, Chanel will November 3, Chanel will present its 2022/23 Cruise colpresent its 2022/23 Cruise collection in Miami, where last year lection in Miami, where last year it opened a new boutique deit opened a new boutique designed by architect Peter Marino. signed by architect Peter Marino. The collection is inspired by the The collection is inspired by the lauded lifestyle found along the lauded lifestyle found along the French Riviera and the iconogFrench Riviera and the iconography that defi nes Monte raphy that defi nes Monte Carlo. Think: mornings Carlo. Think: mornings at sea, afternoons at at sea, afternoons at the racetrack, evethe racetrack, evenings at the ballet, nings at the ballet, and late nights in and late nights in the casino. (chanel.the casino. (chanel. com) –Mary Murray com) –Mary Murray

Chanel’s 2022/23 Cruise collecCruise collection features tion features fun minaudières fun minaudières inspired by inspired by Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo, plus chic skirt plus chic skirt and sweater and sweater sets perfect for sets perfect for season. season.

Renaissance WOMAN

Annabel Russell may just be “The Most Interesting Woman in South Florida.” Born into a Royal Air Force family in England, she was educated in Vietnam, England, and Malta before studying fl amenco in Spain and later becoming a cross-country ski instructor. She has crewed on private yachts and managed a yacht club in the Bahamas. She has a degree in choreology and worked with the Dutch National Ballet. But for the past 17 years, she has dedicated herself to classical music, serving as the executive director of The Symphonia in Boca Raton.

“I come from an arts-rich and culturally engaged family, with relatives who were musicians, composers, conductors, singers, dancers, and artists,” Russell says. “I was also lucky to have freethinking and adventurous parents. I grew up traveling and have lived in many diff erent countries. That kind of lifestyle makes you rich in experience and keeps you open-minded and curious. I’m always seeking new challenges, so when the opportunity came along to get involved in building an arts organization from the ground up, it was hard to resist.”

Her background in dance provided a natural crossover to her work at The Symphonia, but the give-back component of the organization stems from her passion for sharing the arts. In addition to its free after-school music program with the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach, The Symphonia has partnered with local charities like Boca Helping Hands, Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund to gift free tickets to its concerts. The Symphonia will kick off its 2022-23 season November 13 at Roberts Theater at Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton.

“It’s important to use what we have to enhance and benefi t our community,” Russell says. “I’m not interested in just playing beautiful concerts and going home. That’s a cup-half-empty kind of feeling.” (thesymphonia.org) —S.S.