December2013 by We Are Greensboro

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DEC 2013 /JAN 2014

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S Elements of art e l e m e n t s g a l l e ry

g o i n g a b r oa d

an undergr ad experience

t h e d ua l i t y o f c h r i s t m a s u n w r a p p i n g a h o l i day

We Are Keep It Local Volume: 02

ISSUE: 06

EDITORIAL Managing director /editor

Tony Bates | tbates@wearegreensboro.com creative director

AJ Bates | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator

Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com staff writer

Carol Bates Morris | cmore@wearegreensboro.com MUSIC EDITOR/CONtrIBUTING WRITER

Sierra Dennis | SierraD@wearegreensboro.com

ADVERTISING advertising manager

John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com

Published by: We Are Greensboro 415 Pisgah Church R.d #186 Greensboro, NC 27455 www.wearegreensboro.com 336.987.3545

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Printing Nitz Graphic Services Inc. www.nitzgraphicservices.com

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ÂŠ We Are Greensboro 2012-2013 All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of We Are Greensboro is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions, errors, products, services, information or statements made by contributing editors or advertisers. We Are Greensboro reserves the right to deny advertising or any other type of submission that does not meet our standards. 02

We’ve mentioned before how a commitment to spending just 10-15 percent of the money you already intend to spend, at locally owned, independent stores would greatly help our community. Especially during the holiday season, when we are hopefully feeling more unified, there’s really no reason we all can’t do more. While I most certainly am not suggesting that anyone spend anything over and above what they already planned, what I am saying is that if each of us makes a conscious effort to “keep it local” if and when we do shop, we will all benefit and each of us will have helped to make our city better. Also and most importantly, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to every one of you for helping us have such a fantastic year. It is you, our readers who enable us to do what we love. You have been our gift all year long and we truly appreciate you and your continued support... THANK YOU!!! We hope all of you have a happy, healthy and joyous holiday season and a truly wonderful 2014!

Tony 03

530 S Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 389-9934 www.julesantiques.com

Elements

What Grinds My Gears

liv e!

Contents in greensboro

b a g in o g

Happy New... Music! 06.

09.

The Duality of Christmas

Elements of Art An art gallery that is itself a work or art. Peek into Elements Gallery and find out why.

Some celebrate the religious aspect of Christmas, while others embrace the gift giving spirit. Can these two seemingly opposite celebrations exist together?

Live in Greensboro

Going Abroad

Live music and the venues that support them, is there any better way to celebrate? Sierra Dennis tells you how to “Ring in the New Music”!!!

What is the best thing you will ever do as college undergrad? Kerri Nicole tells you all about it.

a ro

14.

23.

State Street Spotlights

A quick look at two of the many reasons to visit State Street... Lillo Bella and Yamamori Ltd are certainly two of our favorites.

What Grinds My Gears Jasmine Simmons shares with us the things that really grind her gears and what she’s doing about it.

Elements Gallery South Elm Street, Greensoro

GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO

E EM

S T N

of art

ormally, when we envision an “art gallery”, we imagine a rather stoic, reserved space where we quietly view paintings and the occasional sculpture, a place reminiscent of a library reading room. If you were to apply that same train of thought to Elements Gallery, you would be quite simply …Mistaken! Located at 526 South Elm Street in the downtown district that has recently been renamed “South End”, Elements Gallery is far from anything you’ve ever imagined an art gallery to be. Of course you will find art here, great art and lots of it. It’s just that the walls and shelves are filled with such an eclectic selection of handcrafted works, in such a wide variety of media and styles that it almost seems a shame to label it as merely “a gallery”. Embracing multiple genres; paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, glass art, wood turning, fiber art and mixed media are seamlessly interwoven creating a funky, fun, fresh, exciting and all together unique experience that is essentially a work of art unto itself. There are many elements to Elements, but one that particularly stands

Tony Bates

out, in addition to the marvelous works, is the energy; an energy that seems to emanate not only from the amazing collection of pieces offered by the thirty-plus artist who show here, but also from the actual artists themselves. A co-op where they have come together to jointly show and sell their work, Elements is, on any given day, manned by at least one of its resident artists. On various visits to the gallery I have had the most interesting discussions with several of these artists including founder Lorrie Price (clay), Susan O’Leary (pottery), Karen Lewit (fused glass and pottery) and Ronda Whitaker (copper jewelry). The wealth of information I was given by these wonderful artists gave me an insight and understanding of composition and technique that I would not necessarily have received elsewhere. More important is that mine were not unique encounters. In truth, on whatever day you visit, you will get to meet and speak with at least one of the artists showing their work. Not only passionate about their own art, each of the artists you may encounter is just as enthusiastic about their peers and therefore able to effectively discuss and recommend any of the works which may pique your interest, whether it’s their own or someone else’s. This type of camaraderie, this mutual respect and understanding shows through on each visit and only serves to enhance what is certain to be an already remarkable experience. If Elements sounds familiar, it may be because we’ve visited it previously in the pages of our April/May 2013 issue in which we highlighted BC Clay Art and their wonderful scenic pottery. However, we would be wholly negligent and utterly remiss if we ended our coverage of Elements there; they quite simply have way too much to offer. The following is a list of the artists currently showing at Elements. Please understand that the list is in alphabetical order by last name as that is the only way to list such an enormous amount of talent:

VANCE D. ARCHER III Artablockia (Art Decorated Building Blocks) Artblockia’s “Folk Art Decorated Building Blocks” began as a tradition. To commemorate special occurrences and remembrances, Vance’s family would decorate wooden building blocks. These hand painted treasures have been (and continue to be) passed down from one generation to the next and have actually been used to create a “living” sculpture that continues to evolve as new experiences take place and new blocks are decorated as mementos. While they do offer hand decorated Art Blocks, with a wide variety of styles and interests, much of Artblockia’s work now is commissioned by their customers to capture specific moments, places and loved ones. Non-toxic and acrylic coated, these unique mementos are made to be played with, to last and most of all enjoyed.

holders, finger-paints, and tie-dye you get to create with your hands, it only seems natural that your medium of choice as an adult artist would be clay. Darlene confesses she was “drawn to being a potter before I ever took my first pottery class. I knew my desire to create with my hands made clay a perfect medium for me”. Ever honing her art, Darlene has no intention of resting on her laurels, or as she puts it “I plan to be a lifelong student learning everything I can from the masters. But I also want to remember the freedom of exploration I possessed as a child — making mud pies — no instruction needed”. With her open admiration of clay and her wide-eyed wonder at expanding its uses, there’s no question as to why you can see the love

RHODA GLOVER Artablockia (Art Decorated Building Blocks) While Rhoda didn’t grow up with Art Blocks as a family tradition, Vance’s partner in Artblockia has certainly adopted them and in doing so brought her own unmistakable style and passion. Growing up on an island with little exposure to the art world, Rhoda credits her mother for her creativity and honors her through her art. She loves the joy her art brings to people and the “imperfections” that make it beautiful. Whether you are selecting a piece that has already been completed or commissioning one to celebrate a special time, event, or person in your life, Artblockia is the perfect, “hands-on” piece of memorabilia. IZABELLA REICHMANN BLASCHKE (Clay) Everyone cannot convert their passion into art, but sixteen years ago Izabella embarked on her journey as an artist and ultimately discovered hers. The experiences, which took her through Europe and exposed her to the classics of the art world, only served to stoke the interests she already possessed which included painting fayança (a type of tinglazed earthenware ceramic) and porcelain as well as making pottery and china surface decoration. Her eclectic list of inspirations include a variety of forms, or as she puts it “the bright colors of the Brazilian northeast ceramics, the elegant lines of the Marajoara ceramics, and the designs of antique Chinese porcelain decoration and Iznik pottery” in addition to “Turkish Ceramics”. Armed with her global background, Izabella moved to Greensboro in 2010 and quickly discovered the importance of pottery in North Carolina arts and culture. Since then pottery has become her passion; one look at her work and it shows. DARLENE BIRDWELL (Clay) When, as a child, you find happiness in the mud pies, pot-

of her craft in the works Darlene creates. B.C. CLAY ART (Pottery) Using clay pots and jars they mold and fire themselves, brothers Brad and Bryan Caviness create three dimensional reproductions of world heritage sites INSIDE the jars. In what is an extremely unique use of their combined love of history and pottery, Brad and Bryan replicate such historic and notable sites as Monemvassia, Greece and Laon, France, as well as Jerusalem, Jordan, Crete, Spain and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings of the Anasazi people (spanning Utah, Colorado and New Mexico) in the U.S. With painstaking detail their works come to life and are often enhanced by the use of strategically placed lights and can sometimes even include water features that mimic flowing rivers. These talented brothers have been featured here before. For their full story on page 10 in our April/May 2013 issue, please visit our online reader version (issuu. com/wearegreensboro/docs/issue7). TERRY CHRISTIAN (Pottery) Greensboro native Terry Christian offers more than a fired piece of clay when you pick up a piece of her pottery. As she explains, “you are buying days, weeks and months of experimentations, failures and joy of getting to the final pottery pieces! You are buying a small part of my heart and soul”. What more can you ask for? Loving life, Terry gets her inspiration from her husband of 26 years and her two wonderful daughters. We’re just glad we can find her work here at Elements. Continued on pg. 16

t’s the happiest, holiest time of the year. Beyond the single holiday its name purports, it’s often considered more of an entire season; one filled with joy and the hope of brighter days to come. Religiously kept as the birthday of Jesus by millions of Christians throughout the U.S. and billions more worldwide, Christmas is also celebrated

any would look upon the secular celebration of Christmas as a sullying of what began as, and was always meant to remain, something pure. Perceived as a dichotomy, if we are to be truthful in our examination, then we would be better served to realize that the two observances are really more of a merger of contraries where the underlying sentiments of the two have become more alike than we may have initially chosen to believe. Traditionally and for the vast majority of Christians especially in the U.S., Christmas is a religious holy day. A celebratory time, it is also a time of both the reflection upon the reason for and the true meaning of Christ’s birth and the anticipation and hope that he brings for a bright future. Such is the religious significance of this day that many become enraged at the secular connotations it has come to represent. However, there is historical precedence for the widespread recognition of Christmas as a time of celebration outside of the religious sphere. One point that can be made is that the exact date of Jesus’s birth is actually unknown. Guesses range from January through March and May, and can even include sometime in September. One thing that is fairly certain is that it was not December 25th. This particular day was selected by Pope Julius I in 354 AD as a means to replace an existing pagan holiday with a Christian one, making it easier for the many pagan converts. Does this “changing of the date” in any way lessen the spiritual relevance of Christmas? Of course not, for as long as the heartfelt meaning of the day remains intact, the specific day chosen to celebrate means very little if anything at all. Likewise, if secular celebrants embrace this same date for the joy that it brings, the idea

by members of other faiths as well as agnostics and atheists, albeit for less pious reasons. That being the case, I guess the real questions here are these; is there anything wrong with non-believers celebrating the birth of Christ, particularly in a non-religious manor and with little or no reference to the holiday’s namesake? Has the highest of Christian holidays been usurped by retail shopping and mandatory gift giving? Hopefully we can figure it out together as we examine…

of “giving”, the hope of new beginnings and concepts of unity and peace, is that really so “un Christ-like”? If we combine our celebrations and embrace the duality of Christmas together, we will have created something truly wonderful. Of course greeting card companies, retail stores, advertising vehicles and many other businesses look at this holiday season for the cash producing time of year that it is, and rightfully so. For many retail businesses the season accounts for between 20-40% of their annual sales. Important numbers to be sure, but in truth they do nothing to discount the “true” meaning of Christmas. For Christians, the celebration of Christmas has to be about more than Christ’s birthday, otherwise for the vast majority it would be served simply by attending service and lighting a few candles. No, Christmas is and must continue to be about kindness, charity and the joy in our hearts. It must be about reflecting on the past, looking forward to the future, about friends, and family both near and far. It must be about love! If Jesus and by extension Christianity, is inclusive and the gifts (or thoughts) we give are given from the heart, then it really shouldn’t matter who celebrates. If it’s celebrated with love, then regardless of the religious or secular nature of the celebrant, they have found the true meaning of Christmas and that can only be a good thing.

Take a Stroll Down State Street When was the last time you took a stroll down State Street? If it wasn’t today, then it’s time you head back. State Street is evolving right before our eyes. The shops, boutiques, restaurants and other businesses that call State Street home have new and exciting merchandise, food and services every day. Take a moment, for that matter take a few. Stroll down State Street today and find out what’s new and what you’ve been missing. 10

s more always better? In the case of Lillo Bella on State Street, it most certainly is. For years, Emem Ikon, owner of Lillo Bella, boutique has had one resounding request from her customers…We want more! A fashion boutique offering European comfort and fashion shoes, American made apparel and artisan jewelry, Lillo Bella has been a prime example of the unique shops on State Street since Emem opened her doors here in 2008. With her finger firmly on the pulse of the fashion world, Emem has always managed to provide her loyal customers exactly what they were looking for. Now, in 2013, Emem has done it again. By incorporating the space next door, she has doubled the size of Lillo Bella and in doing so expanded her offerings to bring her clientele even more from some of today’s hottest designers. At Lillo Bella you will find such notable names

State Street Spotlights Tony Bates

as Christine Jones Jewelry, shoes by Dansko, Thierry Rabotin, Jon Josef and Everybody as well as Hobo handbags. There is an embroidered line from Caite Inc., Jag Jeans (a line designed by women for women), 3 Sisters, UBU (a travel line of clothing); the list goes on and on. This boutique and it’s owner are some of the very prizes that make State Street so special, but please don’t take my word for it. Ultimately you really must stop by Lillo Bella, see Emem and experience her fashion sense and style for yourself. In the end, the only real question that will remain is; how long before she needs to expand again?

L i l l o B e l l a 5 0 7 S t a t e S t , G re e n s b o ro , N C 2 7 4 0 5 3 3 6 . 2 7 5 . 7 6 4 5 • l i l l o b e l l a b o u t i q u e . co m

n a world obsessed by speed and mass quantities, sometimes it’s nice to slow down a bit and take some time to appreciate real quality. Yosuke Yamamori has been creating one of a kind, hand crafted jewelry for over fifty years. Quality is all Yosuke knows and at Yamamori Ltd on State Street, quality is all you will find. That’s not to say quality jewelry is all you will find there. Yamamori Ltd also sells great Asian inspired gifts as well. But perhaps even more importantly and certainly one of the best reasons to visit Yamamori is co-owner and Yosuke’s wife Kathie Yamamori. Kathie is the real gem at this jewelry store and the very definition of customer care. As evidenced by the way her customers quickly become her friends, Kathie possesses a natural ability to put people at ease and help them navigate their many available options en route to finding the 12

perfect gift, whether for themselves or that very special someone else. Some of those options Yamamori’s has available include utilizing your diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or other gemstones or your old, rarely worn jewelry, to create new unique pieces you’ll be excited to wear. Their long standing relationships with some of the best stone cutters in the world provides them access to the materials needed to also create the brand new, stunningly beautiful, one of a kind works of art for which they have become so well known . Of course there are “nice” ordinary pieces of jewelry you can buy from any number of shops around Greensboro. But with unique, custom made, handcrafted jewelry available in price ranges to suit almost any budget, why would settle for ordinary? Imagine giving someone special a gift they will never see anywhere, on anyone else. Stop by Yamamori, say hi to Kathie (Yosuke will probably be creating one of his masterpieces) and bring your imagination with you, because here, imagination is your only limitation.

Ya m a m o r i LT D 5 0 1 S t a t e S t , G re e n s b o ro , N C 2 7 4 0 5 3 3 6 . 2 7 4 . 4 5 3 3 • y a m a m o r i l t d . co m

! e livin greensboro local music profiles Sierra Dennis Contributing Writer

acebook is like my newspaper sometimes (as sad as that is to say). It’s like the Life section of the hard copy newspaper, only online. I look for events mainly and keep up with people’s lives and drama for the most part, but I look to the events section to find out what is going to be going down for the holidays.

W E N E H T N I G N RI 2

s much as I love “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and anything at all by Transiberian Orchestra, this year I would say forget it. Forget those songs and the candy canes and fa la la’s, it’s time to get in the clubs and meet Sok Monkee and Jonas Sees in Color.

Both bands are from North Carolina and they bring in the new year with a crash, a bang and few hundred bright lights and magic. Sok Monkee, a band from Glen Raven, NC is a well known cover band in the Triad and Burlington area. With two powerful vocalists at the helm, Sok Monkee is a force to be reckoned with, with so many well balanced vocalists. Nate Smith brings a smooth and melodic talent, whereas Dylan Seltzer brings a bold big haired brashness to the stage. It’s a wonderful combination. There are few cover bands that can play a cover and make it seem like their own, but with Sok Monkee while listening to songs like “Dig” by Incubus and “Blurry” by Puddle of Mudd, I feel like I’m listening to “Dig” and “Blurry” by this local band called Sok Monkee. They will be playing at The Clubhouse for New Years Eve this year and I would highly recommend that party to bring in 2014.

photos: 1. Drummer of Sok Monkee by Lee Capps Photography 2. Dylan Setzer of Sok Monkee by Suzi Nelson 3. JSIC by Joey Kirkman 4. Owens of JSIC by Rachel Grimes 5. Ryan of JSIC by Rachel Grimes 6. Ryan of JSIC by Rachel Grimes

C I S MU

Now once you get to 2014, you can celebrate the fact that you’re alive by going to see none other than Greensboro’s finest: Jonas Sees in Color. After six years of touring, Jonas Sees in Color (or affectionately known as JSIC) has finally made it and they’re pretty much like a splatter of neon paint on the wall: bright, loud, fun and unforgettable. With songs like “Help! Help!”, “All My Friends” and “Give Me Mine”, the band has really come into it’s own. They’re fearless, play nonstop, and sleep later. They say sleep’s for the boring or something. I don’t know. Either way, if you have to choose between getting some rest to prepare for your office job in the morning or going to see JSIC the night before, I would recommend going to see JSIC. You can try to explain away the glitter in your hair to your boss as you sip your coffee over your keyboard, but it will be well worth it. All year long we fans, musicians and bands look forward to the New Year and what it brings. If 2013 brought about breakout moments from musicians like Laila Nur, Eros and the Eschaton, Sok Monkee and JSIC, there’s no telling what 2014 will bring. But I’m very glad that Sok Monkee and JSIC will be there to experience this with us. Long live local music, happy holidays and have a wonderful new year! 6

PAULETTE ELWAY Paulette’s Panopoly, Inc. (Fiber)

Continued from pg. 07

BARBARA CONROY Bejeweled Creations (Jewelry) As early as she can remember, Barbara Conroy has herself enjoyed making things that bring joy to other people. Now, as owner and designer of Bejeweled Creations, she’s excited to introduce her line of jewelry. After crediting her sister with instructing her in the basics of jewelry making back in November of 2007, Barbara says she “immediately felt that it was a wonderful avenue to express myself - it came naturally”. Creating unique pieces of jewelry, which are all handmade and affordably priced, this Reidsville resident uses quality beads, cultured pearls, Swarovski pearls and crystals and semi-precious gems in her designs, while continuing to offer new pieces, including her personalized “family” designs created in sterling silver and a variety of metals.

In admiring Paulette’s work, it became obvious that the best way to have you (the reader) understand her was to let her tell you in her own words. So, as Paulette puts it “Needlework has always fascinated me, especially crochet. What wonders are created with some type of string and a hook. The Crochet process is not only a passion but “maybe an addiction”. It is something within that urges the creativity, makes the vision and finally is executed as my work. When I’m working I strive not only to create something smart, stylish and simple but a work that shows the skill and care taken during the process. I aspire to help validate crochet as an art and keep the skills alive for future generations. Nothing gets my creative juices going than some luscious yarn (mostly cotton or wool) bright vibrant colors or dark tonal shades. When starting something new, I think in shapes, like squares, rectangles, circles or maybe take apart a flower and look at how it is constructed. I study the birds that come to the feeder on my patio and visually dissect their body shapes. I envision the finished work and plan backwards, for instance if I want to add a flower I must plan for placement and crochet accordingly. Then, I take hook and yarn in hand and start to develop my work. I like basic construction with always a bit of flare. Crochet started my journey into working with

JO ANNE DOYLE - JOyful Ceramics (Clay) What’s in a name? Well, according to Jo Anne, quite a bit. “JOyful Ceramics” perfectly describes my current passions for ceramics. Every piece brings joy to me and hopefully to the person who eventually acquires it. Each one is hand built and hand painted using white stoneware and commercial glazes that are food safe. Hand building ceramics is different from “throwing” on a potter’s wheel. Building uses stiff slabs of clay, carefully measured, cut, and then put together in pieces. “Using this method, I can construct ceramics with clean lines in any shape or form desired. I feel this gives me unlimited flexibility to create”. Jo Anne has been influenced by her background in mathematics and IT, as evidenced by the “architectural” style to her work. However, finding inspiration in the beauty of nature, Asian themes and the Art Deco period has given her art its uniqueness, which is perfect considering her desire to be “different from the mainstream”.

fiber. I know how to work with different mediums but I always gravitate back to crochet, my first love. It is how I express my creativity best. My current work is more fluid and more vibrant than my prior work. I’m concentrating on accessories, the things that add that extra something to an outfit or a room.

MAGGIE FICKETT (Painter) I have seen and enjoyed Maggie’s painting at various shows and exhibits in and around Greensboro (such as at our friend, Ambleside Gallery), so I was doubly excited to see her available at Elements. A native of South Portland, Maine, Maggie received her art training in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked there as a commercial artist for many years, taking fine art courses and painting on weekends and holidays, ultimately finding her way to Greensboro, NC, in 1979. Specializing in watercolors and pen-and-ink drawings, Maggie enjoys the challenge of painting on location, and often uses Old Greensboro’s buildings, railroads, parks, and homes as subjects. She is frequently commissioned to do paintings of specific houses and other buildings. A member of the Greensboro Visual Art Center, the Associated Artists of Winston-Salem, and the High Point Fine Art Guild, Maggie has exhibited her awardwinning work in galleries across North Carolina. But, there’s no need to travel far, you can have your very own Maggie Frickett right here at Elements Gallery. JUN FUKUKURA (Jewelry) Jun became interested in metalsmithing when she got engaged to who was then her future husband and they started looking into engagement rings. “It was important to us that we knew exactly where the metal and stones were coming from, so I figured I would just make the ring myself!” What began as a hobby is now turning into a real passion for Jun who explains that “I am mesmerized by how silver and gold move and have become fascinated by the strength, brilliance, and many colors of sapphires”. JOY HAMLIN - Idlewilde Studio (Clay) Gaining her inspiration from her personal practice of yoga and her obsession with clay, Joy creates simple variations on the universal Tree of Life symbol hand carved in stoneware as textured tiles and other functional pieces. Joy explains that her “discovery of both yoga and clay have been a blessing” to her, and that “Each provides a daily

challenge and together a true sense of wholeness and deep satisfaction… Hopefully, the symbol inspires those who bring my art into their home, office or garden to find a meaning all their own and an extraordinary placement that brightens a special space”. KAREN LEWIT Karen Lewit Designs (Pottery and Fused Glass) When I met Karen at Elements, I was simply admiring the work throughout the gallery. What I left with was a greater understanding of not only her fused glass techniques; I gained a firmer grasp and certainly a deeper appreciation of the thought processes and technical methods of many of the other artists as well. I must admit to being totally taken aback, not only the beauty of Karen’s work, but the functionality as well. Her wide and varied collection includes the most fantastic turntables (Lazy Susan’s) made of fused glass and pottey. Like nothing you will see in a retail store, each of these pieces can easily make the leap from the kitchen into any room in (or outside) your home. When she relocated from Wisconsin to North Carolina in 1999, Karen brought with her 30+ years of experience in the artistry of glass. After quickly realizing that she had moved to a region rich for its pottery, it seemed only natural to combine the two into what became her own unique, beautiful and all original styling. Her goal, as she puts it, is to “incorporate individual expression into each piece I create. Today my appreciation and passions for both of these mediums has allowed me to gravitate back and forth between the two. From an artist-creator perception my hope is that I am able to bring pleasure and interaction between you as the user from me as the maker in each piece that I create”. Just as pottery classes offered thru Art Alliance of Greensboro have helped mold and fine tune Karen’s technique, she gives back by offering her own classes and as evidenced by our conversations, openly sharing her knowledge with others. Continued on pg. 19

WINE A LITTLE PRESENTS SOLOH MILNER AND COMPANY!

Wine A Little w/Soloh Music SATURDAY DECEMBER 14TH 2013 8:00pm

$20 at the door For all tickets - Please visit: WWW.WINEALITTLE.EVENTBRITE.COM For more information Please Contact Reneé aka Wine A Little @ 336 340 2016 18

519 S. Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406

(336) 252-1004

“while the result isn’t always exactly what I had envisioned, it usually is something I am proud of ”. And proud he should be. I have seen his work at Elements (and the Greensboro City Market in South End) and have found myself in awe. Everything from pens and styluses (for touch screen devices) to bowls and vases and… Well you name it. Like so much in Elements, you just have to drop in and see it. JENNIFER NICHOLS (Mixed Media)

Continued from pg. 17

DEBBIE LITTLE - Hands In Clay Studio (Pottery) The clay speaks to Debbie. It asks her questions and she responds. It asks “what I wanted to make, what it would be used for and who would I share it with?” In the end, her mind, and more importantly, her hands become stimulated and something wonderful has happened. Debbie has been captivated by clay since “my first clay class in my youth”. She explains that “As a ceramic artist, hand crafting vessels that people want to touch, converse about and find useful, inspires me. What makes my work unique is one of my decorating techniques; it suggests movement and a lovely flowing line for the eye to follow around a piece. My glazes have a depth and dimension that draws an admirer closer. All the elements of creating my work meld to convey a quiet beauty and yet all the better, they are utilitarian”. To Debbie, there is no greater compliment than to “have people decide they want to live with and use one of my creations. I feel blessed to honor this ancient craft, particularly in today’s mass produced machine-made era”. DAVE MACINNES (Wood and Glass) “Since I was very young I have enjoyed working with wood. Now that I am retired I can work full time on wood turning and furniture making”. Dave MacInnes has spent most of his life working with wood and luckily for us, he has no intention of stopping now. A true master of his craft, Dave (much like Debbie Little) listens to his material. “For me, the tree speaks through its grain, color and texture. Your senses will combine the shape of a piece, its weight and fine finish to reveal what the tree is saying. By listening to the tree I can find the shape that is hidden in the wood. As a bonus, sometimes what the tree says will bring out a hidden memory for you”. Unlike most of his fellow wood turners, Dave carefully plans out and designs his pieces before he starts, explaining that

Using wood that is left over from her father’s cabinet and Windsor chair making, Jennifer combines metal materials, such as copper wire, tacks and washers, and organic materials, such as burlap and hemp string, to create mixed media wall reliefs that relate to forms in nature. She sums up her objective by clarifying that her “goal is not to recreate nature but to capture the essence of nature using found or repurposed materials”. Jennifer continues to be inspired by artist Eva Hesse’s use of materials not traditionally used or accepted as appropriate for creating art. Her observation is that “life is a constant circle of changegrowth and aging. Art is not isolated from this process… In our culture right now we are discussing the issue of sustainability which is an important topic to me. A key aspect of my work is to use materials that otherwise would be discarded”. In creating her masterful pieces, Jennifer’s hope is to capture the essence of these forms using repurposed materials while reminding the viewer of the importance of this resource. Continued on pg. 24

“

...the

world is a big, beautiful place and there is so much to explore and experience

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”

d a o r b

it’s the best thing you’ll do as an undergrad Kerri Nicole

ver see the pictures in a National Geographic and think, “Wow. I want to go there someday?” Well, the great thing about being a college undergrad is that now is the time that you really can. No, really. As a college student, you have so many programs, grants, fellowships, and other opportunities at your fingertips. Now is your chance to see the world. While studying abroad for a semester or a summer is the most traditional path for undergrads wanting to have an international experience, it’s far from the only one. There are international (and often paid!) internships available through such databases as AISEC, which seek to help students find opportunities within major businesses and organizations throughout the globe. Another popular alternative to the usual study abroad is experience spending time (usually a summer) teaching or tutoring English. These positions are usually paid and sometimes have their housing included. However you decide to do it, the important thing is just to go. And here are four reasons why it will be the highlight of your time as an undergrad:

1. You’ll see some pretty amazing stuff. This one is pretty obvious and self-explanatory. At the risk of sounding too “Colors of the Wind” about it, the world is a big, beautiful place and there is so much to explore and experience. And there’s something about seeing the landmarks or natural wonders from your childhood textbooks in person that is a special type of mind-blowing. 2. It’s a great resume booster. Employers and grad schools alike love seeing that someone has international experience. Why? It shows that you’re a risk-taker, not afraid of new challenges, and willing to dive right into unfamiliar situations and meet new people. It means that you have a certain amount of knowledge and sensitivity about a specific culture, and possibly the level of language proficiency they are looking for in an employee. Conducting research, completing an internship or service project, or teaching English all look great on resumes because they can demonstrate work experience. Studying abroad at a well-known university or in a program with particularly esteemed faculty will be sure to make your resume standout when looking for opportunities after graduation. 3. You’ll meet some amazing people. It’s one thing to read about a culture or try to learn a new language from a textbook, but it’s quite another to be completely surrounded by it and get to interact with the people within it. Making friends with the locals is a great way to unlock the hidden gems of your city outside of the major tourist traps, but more

importantly, they will be the ones who will most impact your thinking. They’re the ones who will help you understand the ins-andouts of their culture, and (deliberately or not) challenge you to examine your own culture and perspective on the world. You’ll also get to meet some other exchange students, and not only will they be the ones who will do the tacky-tourist things with you that the locals won’t, but they’ll be the ones who will most understand the occasional trials and frustrations that come from being strangers in a new country. As great as it is to see the sights and eat the local fare, what really makes going abroad such an amazing experience is all the people you get to meet and the memories you make with them. When you leave, you’ll have friends and connections all over the globe who are only an email or a WhatsApp text away. (Which is great if you ever have the opportunity for some international couchsurfing in the future!)

4. You’ll come back changed for the better.

You won’t be the same person as when you left for your international experience. But don’t worry--that’s a great thing! You will have lived on your own in a strange place, away from your family and friends for an extended period of time. You will discover that in your weeks, month, or year abroad, you have developed a much stronger sense of confidence and independence that comes along with self-reliance. You will understand the value of not being afraid to ask for help. You will have figured out creative ways of balancing your budget that will allow you to simultaneously socialize and not starve—which is great practice for post-grad life. You won’t be quite so easily flustered when things go wrong, and won’t be afraid to speak up for what you deserve. And, in spending so much time observing and delving into another culture, you will have a better understanding and appreciation for your own.

Kerri Nicole is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Communications (with an emphasis in Media Production) and English Literature. In her time at Carolina, Kerri has been lucky enough to study abroad twice; spending the summer after her freshman year in Singapore, India, and Brunei and the spring of her junior year finishing her Literature degree in London, England. In her spare time, she enjoys watching 90’s Disney films, learning international dance styles like Bhangra and belly dance, singing karaoke, and of course, traveling. photos: opposite page: london at sunset by kerri nicole top right: kerri in front of the eiffel tower by alex doria above left: singapore at night by kerri nicole 21

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears? Jasmine Simmons Contributing Writer

courtesy of Heather LaShun Photography

2013

has been an unpredictable obstacle filled year. It’s stifling my creativity so much that I attempted to play the writer’s block card for this issue! Atrocious, I know. We Are Greensboro has presented me with an opportunity to generate readers, speak to them and grab their attention on any subject I choose. And each time a deadline is set for me, my brain bursts with an array of stories and topics to delve into. My topics range from sharing my newfound knowledge of raw foods, the need for action in the removal of food deserts from our country, the freedom of discovering and loving your natural self...seriously I could go on and on with topics I want to report. And yet I constantly find myself retreating to one mission: warn the masses of the effects of complacency and conditioned thought. My entire being overloads with a great concern for my community, especially when it pertains to what society says you should and shouldn’t do. I tell my son, Maliq, as long as it’s not harmful in nature, by all means go for it. We as a society are so anti-weird and so spooked to take chances and deviate from the norm that if you’re not an iron-willed mentally athletic being, you’d shed away your individualism and blend in with the public. Like my last piece, I wanted to invite my read-

ers to live with intent. I wanted to write from the heart about subjects that personally meant something to me simply because I could. I began with, “You know what really grinds my gears? Present day slavery.” A little dramatic; but bona fide. And then, I was stuck. I ended up asking myself, “What’s the big deal? Where did this obsession with anti-complacency come from?” While searching for the ingrained answer, a meme plunked into my path that read, “average people earn money doing things they don’t love; rich people follow their passion.” It energized an epiphanic light bulb, that us “average people” are junkies for other people’s approval and life-maps so much that it stunts our growth and holds us back. Complacency forces us to mosey about in our safe little boxes [made of ticky tacky], impervious to self-expression until one day we awake full of regret. It’s submissive and repressive. It’s present day slavery. I’ve been spending half of my twenties relieved because I stopped being what I thought others wanted and began exploring what defines me. I invite you to discover yourself; start small, quit daydreaming and free yourself to just be you. At the end of the day, as in the beginning: “You. Are. Amazing.” share it with your community!

Continued from pg. 19

JERRY O’DONNELL MAN-Made Fiber Craft (Felting, Weaving and Fiber Manipulation) Bringing together color blending, texture mixing, and the tactile emotion of the ancient craft of felting, is the essence

Still, she confesses that she does have her favorites; “my Purse Pots, that are functional teapots that look like pocketbooks, also my vintage lace doilies impressed in clay and made into a more durable form, and trees, anything with trees on clay, carved into clay, formed out of clay or painted on clay...I love trees”. Lorrie also, as she puts it “dabbles in glass, stained glass and fused glass and many other mediums”. For Lorrie, as with most artists, the act of creating holds a special place in her heart, but that in no way diminishes the “other” personal aspect to her work, she “loves knowing that other people form an attachment to things I have created and want to take them into their homes, I feel honored to bring a bit of joy to people through my art”. VICKI SAWYER (Pottery & Fused Glass) Vicki Sawyer has “always been fascinated by glass – the way it picks up even subtle tex-

Above - Lorrie Butler Price and Karen Lewit

of Jerry’s work of changing fiber into fabric. What he describes as a simple process seems much more complicated to the uninitiated. Using heat, pressure and an alkaline solution applied to natural furs and hairs (wools, alpaca, camel, cashmere, silks, etc.), Jerry’s process teases open the scales of the fiber to cause them to blend and adhere to themselves and each other. While it all seems rather technical, the end results bring stunning works of art that seem as far away from science as possible. Currently the co-manager of Elements Gallery, Jerry moved to Greensboro in 2000 and was invited to become a member of the local Weavers’ Guild. He credits his 2010 introduction to local Fabric Felt maker, Victoria Clegg for her inspiration, and hands on experience, and the works of late artist Mark Rothko for his ground breaking work and technical expertise, which Jerry has built upon in pursuit of his own unique style. LORRIE BUTLER PRICE – A Priceless Creation (Clay)

Founder of Elements Gallery, Lorrie is proud to bring together so many talented artists for the public to enjoy. Lorrie describes how when the last of her three sons left for college she decided to take an art class and has been hooked ever since. Admitting that “I’m still discovering the endless possibilities of clay and am constantly learning new things to try”, Lorrie loves the idea that “There is no end to what you can create with clay”.

tures and how light travels through and can transform, and be transformed by, glass”. Having taken a fused glass course and falling in love with the medium, Vicki credits the artists she met through her fused glass course (who were also potters) with encouraging her to expand her horizons and work with clay. Her interest was further fueled by a visit to the renowned glass studios on the island of Murano during a trip to Italy. She explains that “I enjoy exploring the interplay of light, color and texture through both glass and clay and am interested in experimenting with combining these mediums”. Since then Vicki has excelled in combining these genres into beautiful yet functional pieces. “I believe that the products we use in our daily life should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, so I strive to create everyday items that can bring a sense of beauty and pleasure to the user’s day”.

MEG SMITHER (Fiber) Although reluctant to label herself, when pushed for an answer Meg would say she’s a Fauvist (a la Matisse, Rouault, Braque and several other French painters), primarily I would imagine because of her bold use of color. But limiting Meg to one particular style does a disservice not just to Meg, but to everyone who has seen (or will see) her work. Nowadays Meg primarily works with dye on textiles, but while being a fabric artist certainly has its rewards, no description will work until you see the art. Her batiks explode with color and vibrancy while her one of a kind, hand dyed (silk)scarves are the kind of gift, for both yourself or a loved one, that speaks volumes about your own unique identity. Meg has worked in a wide variety of media throughout her artistic career and has painted on and off most of her life, utilizing techniques that range from acrylic and oils on canvas to collages (paper painting). When she began to create “permanently”, it was for a very good reason. As she will let you know, “Art is my Passion”. After all, “how many people get to say that they can get up in the morning and love to go to work?” One thing is for sure, when you love what you do, it shows in your work! KAREN SPENCER (Mixed Media) There is untold variety in art. What can be defined as art is as wide and various as the number of people appreciating

it or the materials used to create it. Sometimes artists have a preconceived idea of what their finished piece will look like, and then there’s Karen Spencer. “Happy accidents”, that’s how Karen describes her process, “usually I start my pieces without any real image in mind. I create a ground by layering various materials in bright colors and then watch to see what images might emerge”. While she can use methods as complicated or involved as cold wax encaustic (cold-

wax medium and oil paint on wood panels), or as simples as incorporating handmade paper or distressed magazine pictures, the end result is always the epitome of the phrase “the sum is greater than the parts”. Karen sums up her enthusiasm for her particular process by saying “the flexibility of materials allows me to explore my two favorite elements ... color and texture. This open-ended process keeps me on my toes and just plain makes me happy!” While the diversity is vast, Karen, or perhaps more appropriately Karen’s attitude about art, is the quintessential embodiment of the Elements Gallery frame of mind. Almost to a person, the artists I’ve met have a heartfelt love of art. This love of their craft is such that where many other artists will produce works based primarily upon financial gain, or “what the stores are looking to purchase en masse”, Elements artists produce works that make them happy. The fact that what makes them happy happens to be beautiful and desirable; well that’s just another “happy accident”. TERESA SULLIVAN (Clay) Like most of the artists at Elements, Teresa is a local treasure, making her home right here in Greensboro. And although she has only been working at her craft for three short years, her pottery graces private collections as far away as Old Lyme, CT and Leone, France. Drawn to what she describes as “the beauty of the vessel, as well as those artists who create them”, Teresa began collecting beautiful pots both to use and treasure, appreciative of “how” they were made and the new friendships they evoked. She is also quite enthusiastic about the personal nature of art and pottery in particular, explaining that she “came to an understanding that pots are a reflection of their creator, sharing the same history, the same joy; successes and failures. When a pot is created, there too, is the potter” Teresa began creating her own vessels with the “hope that others see some reflection of me and my love of the clay in my work. I gain much pleasure in knowing that my pieces find a place in others’ lives”. A true lover of learning, Teresa continues to draw inspiration and motivation from what she considers “the experience and wisdom of many”.

RONDA WHITAKER – ZilverArte (Copper Jewelry) Inspired by her love of nature and geometric shapes, Ronda creates handforged, mostly copper artisan jewelry. In describing her penchant for the art form Ronda explains that, “the warm, welcoming color of copper and its ability to take almost anything you do to it, makes it the perfect platform for the natural, organic and geometric shapes I love so much”. Her love of the artistic design process is nothing new for Ronda. “As a professional graphic designer art of all forms have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve explored various forms of jewelry making for nearly 20 years and finally came to find my bling-love with instruction at a local art center through their wonderful teachers and artists. Obviously not one to sit on her laurels, there is much on the horizon for Ronda, who also enjoys “metal clay” and recently acquired a jewelry kiln. “Once I master how to use it I will be adding bronze, copper, steel and other metal clay to my repertoire and continue” as she so aptly puts it “beating metal into submission… What great therapy!” CHARLEEA BARRETT – Southeastern Mudd (Pottery) A relative newcomer to the Elements family, Charleea describes her work as “decorative and functional stoneware made by hand”. With swirls and nondescript patterns flowing freely throughout each piece, no two are exactly alike. Yet, the uniqueness of each piece does nothing to distract from the “set”. On the contrary, it’s those very differences that make each individual piece in each set, so distinctive. Through her company, Southeastern Mudd Pottery, Charleea creates a variety of stoneware with patterns and color combinations to suit any taste and décor. Just as life never moves us in an absolutely straight line, Charleea crafts works of art meant to mimic that phenomena or as she explains, “Our work is very eclectic much like a patchwork quilt reflecting ....the ever changing parts of our lives”

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As you can plainly see, at Elements, options abound. Here you will find a masterwork regardless of any particular proclivity you may harbor for one art form or another. With so much talent under one roof, it’s easy to envision Elements remaining fresh and new for many years to come. Although the core member artists remain stable, Elements Gallery is an ever changing collective. Artist may move out of the area while new talent comes to town, just as expectedly, pieces will be sold but then new artistic creations soon arrive ensuring each space is filled with perfect pieces of art. But then what is art? Something created to be appreciated for its beauty? By any measure we use to determine what constitutes a work of art, Elements Gallery is a masterpiece. I guess the bottom line here is this; while there are 30-40 artists being represented at Elements Gallery, there are hundreds of reasons to visit. Whatever elements of art you find most appealing, there is quite literally something for everyone here. Karen Spencer described what makes her happy, but when we find something beautiful, yet different, that conversation or center piece that brings a room to life, when we discover a work, and know that no one else will ever have one exactly like it, that makes us happy too! •

Elements Gallery 526 S. Elm Street Greensboro, NC 27406

336.790.8703 elementsgallery.wordpress.com Monday: 11:00 – 6:00 (Add’l hrs through the holidays) Tuesday-Thursday: 11:00 – 6:00 Friday: 11:00 – 9:00 Saturday: 11:00 – 6:00 Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00