decorative

Painting, Public Art

Vignette: Sabra Crockett

"Mural at Le Moo" by Sabra Crockett, 14x12ft, acrylic on brick, NFS

"Mural at Le Moo" by Sabra Crockett, 14x12ft, acrylic on brick, NFS

Sabra Crockett has worked extensively on public art of one kind or another: as a scenic artist, a muralist, sign design, and in her more personal art she turns to the natural world, motivated by memory and childhood nostalgia: “My focus in my art is to bring the viewer a heightened awareness and connection to nature, because I believe it is disappearing. Since I was a little girl, I have always found refuge being outside with the birds and trees. Growing up was really tough. Family life was tumultuous, and I had no true friends. I would spend hours in my back yard, or exploring the then empty lots of undeveloped fields surrounding my suburban neighborhood - observing the birds, trees, insects, and amphibians. It all fascinates me. I learn life lessons by observing the plants and animals.”

There is a discovery of recurring pattern that has perhaps informed Crockett’s work, whatever the field. She has developed her technique for decorative painting from this observation, bringing a feeling for organic rhythms of our environment into interior spaces. 

"I Stand Alone" by Sabra Crockett, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas, $490 | BUY NOW

"I Stand Alone" by Sabra Crockett, 18x24in, acrylic on canvas, $490 | BUY NOW

Not surprisingly, we also find an undercurrent of sensitivity to the threat to that natural world that has preoccupied us for the last few generations: “I find it all beautiful, even when it is cruel and terrible. However, there is a definite threat to the magic and lessons nature provides. I am aware of the over development of the land, the oil spills, the pesticides, the bee and bird populations plummeting. It terrifies me. For now, I have a desire to capture the essence of how I view nature through my paintings, and hope it inspires the viewer to remember the intrinsic value nature provides us all.”   

Hometown: Rochester, New York
Age: 42
Education: BFA, Rochester Institute of Technology
Website: http://www.sabralynne.com

"Raven on Gold" by Sabra Crockett, 8x10in, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, $460 | BUY NOW

"Raven on Gold" by Sabra Crockett, 8x10in, acrylic and gold leaf on canvas, $460 | BUY NOW

"Arms Wide Open" by Sabra Crockett, 43.5x73in, acrylic and gold lead on wood, $1650 | BUY NOW


"Arms Wide Open" by Sabra Crockett, 43.5x73in, acrylic and gold lead on wood, $1650 | BUY NOW

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Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2016 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.

Please contact josh@louisvillevisualart.org for further information on advertising through Artebella.

Please contact josh@louisvillevisualart.org for further information on advertising through Artebella.

Fiber

Vignette: Maria Tinnell

"Queen of Hearts Secret Garden" by Maria Tinnell, 6x6x7.7in, coiled linen basket (2016), $524 | BUY NOW

"Queen of Hearts Secret Garden" by Maria Tinnell, 6x6x7.7in, coiled linen basket (2016), $524 | BUY NOW

Maria Tinnell is a fiber artist whose focus is on coiled basketry. She creates her work by wrapping unwaxed linen thread over a braided nylon core, stitching each coil to the next as she proceeds.

Tinnell arrived at this process after exploring a wide variety of approaches to textile art, falling in love with the linen and the surprising durability it brings to her work. The basket as a form carries expectations of functionality that makes the use of fiber materials a small surprise, but these baskets are impressive for the balance of strength and aesthetic appeal, with designs of strong color and pattern that blend traditional and contemporary sensibilities.

"Secret Garden Wearable Basket Necklace" by Maria Tinnell, 4x3.5x2.25in, coiled linen basket (2015), $84 | BUY NOW

"Secret Garden Wearable Basket Necklace" by Maria Tinnell, 4x3.5x2.25in, coiled linen basket (2015), $84 | BUY NOW

“I love making coiled baskets; they are simple and natural. Stitching by hand I do not require loud machines or protective gear, just my hands, needle, thread, and maybe some beads. Historically, baskets have been both basic and decorative. They can help tell a story, record important occasions, and pass guarded messages.

In addition to stand-alone baskets, I have created wearable baskets combining beadwork to match the colors of the linen. I integrate beads and other objects within the baskets. I began experimenting with oral and leaf shaped beads to create draping coils, and I am currently working on baskets with a focus on nature's patterns. Butterfly wings, ladybug and bumble bee patterns, as well as floral and leaf patterns.”

Tinnell’s work has been featured in Arts Across Kentucky and Louisville Today magazine. She has been a Member of LAFTA since 1999 and currently has work at Craft[s] gallery on Fourth Street.

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Age: 55
Education: BFA with major in textiles, University of Louisville
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mtbaskets

"Callalilly Wearable Basket Necklace" by Maria Tinnell, 4.5x4x3in, coiled linen basket (2015), $100 | BUY NOW

"Callalilly Wearable Basket Necklace" by Maria Tinnell, 4.5x4x3in, coiled linen basket (2015), $100 | BUY NOW

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.

Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2016 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.

Please contact josh@louisvillevisualart.org for further information on advertising through Artebella.

Please contact josh@louisvillevisualart.org for further information on advertising through Artebella.