The Gift of Art: 10+ Artists to Explore
The Gift of Art: 10+ Artists to Explore
A Seasonal Roundup of some of my Current & Past Favorite Artists
Hello Art friends,
Thank you for being here with me for another year! It’s an honor to share my thoughts with you in
. As with prior years, I am paying the kindness of your support forward by offering recommendations of artists and art I enjoy - hopeful that together we can send a little more love to the greater artist community.My curated lists of Artist recommendations (for this year, and from years past) can be a fun way to shop and explore the many ways artists create and share their work. And if time is too short to purchase the perfect gift - you might consider a gift certificate (where available) or reach out to the artist if you would like that option for gift-giving. Or maybe you simply want to follow the artist on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter - all great ways to show your support (and maybe purchase something for yourself later)!
2023 Artists
Heather Knight (Elemental Clay Studio) - Savannah, Georgia
I found Knight’s work online via Instagram. She is a ceramic artist who creates elegant sculptural pieces that “bridge modern design and the natural world". For me, her work is reminiscent of sea life - bringing calm and beauty to their surroundings with a limited color palette combined with soothing textures and patterns.
Jill Mayberg (Mixed Media Paintings) - Vancouver, Washington
Mayberg was one of the first artists I met when I began showing at outdoor art fairs in 2005. I thoroughly enjoyed her company at shows and immediately fell in love with her work - then even more so once I visited her studio years later and saw her process of using mixed media with oil. Playful and “Dottie”, she fills her art with playfully recognizable elements, drawing the viewer into her unique world and story. For a fun little gift, so also offers an affordable and practical coloring book featuring her many animal friends.
Katherine Duclos (Multidisciplinary Artist) - Vancouver, BC
I LOVE Duclos’ art. Her work is expansive, creative, colorful, and intriguing. She does an amazing job of crossing mediums, styles, and meaning. I was first drawn to her work via Instagram, finding her Lego constructions a curiously wonderful use of materials. I highly recommend following her account and checking out all her work. For purchasing, check out her links HERE.
Lisa Snow Lady (Paintings and Collage/Mixed-Media) - Seattle, Washington
A fellow graduate of the painting program at the University of Washington, I am naturally drawn to her work for many reasons - the exquisite color, composition, and techniques (especially with collage) employed by this artist are well worth a peek, even if the original work might fall outside a traditional “gifting” range of prices (at least for me). If you enjoy botanical and architectural landscapes (as well as cats too!), check out her website or follow her on Instagram.
Maren Oates (Printmaking & Mixed-Media) - Everett, Washington
An arts supporter and advocate (I first met her as part of the Schack Art Center team) who eventually realized her own artist path - I am in awe of everything Oates has accomplished as she continues to push her art forward in new and interesting ways. A master of gelatin plate printing, she has recently added more layers to her process with stitched embellishments, which I absolutely love. And if you’re in the greater Seattle area, she also offers Workshops!
Melissa Misoda (Glass Art) - West Seattle, WA
I am a huge fan of blown glass art, including the work of Melissa Misoda! An educator and artist, Misoda brings her technical expertise and eye for color to a variety of works, including beautiful and practical pieces to adorn your home. Her vases are guaranteed to become a treasured favorite, perfect for fresh flowers or as a statement on their own. It’s also fun to see glimpses of her working in the studio on Instagram.
Pamela Pniak Thompson (Jewelry & Encaustic Collage) - Corvallis, Oregon
I was introduced to Thompson’s work last year at two local events and wondered how I hadn’t yet seen it! I was immediately drawn to her encaustic work with the softness of her color palette and the soothing patterns protruding from luscious textural backgrounds. Her jewelry (on Etsy) also captures the simple elegance of her 2D work. And for the kids? Keep an eye on her summer classes lineup!
Sophie Standing (Textile Artist) - Dorset, England
Creating remarkable textile embroidered wildlife art, Standing’s work is stunningly beautiful and skillfully crafted. Her fiber-only art fools the eye into seeing a painting of vivid color with intricate botanical and natural patterning. You can find both originals and prints on her website. You can also find more about her process in this 2017 article on Auribuzz. She also welcomes commission requests and offers workshops. If you want to gift her work in some way, you may want to reach out to her via her website: HERE.
Tim Giraudier (Landscape & Nature Photographer) - Oregon
I have long admired Giraudier’s photography - capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We have often shown work at the same art fairs, but it wasn’t until recently we took the opportunity to chat. His professionalism and care for his work and the environment were immediately evident, which is no surprise, as it also shows in the images he captures. If you subscribe to one of my “note card clubs”, you’ve probably seen his work in the form of a beautiful coastal image of “Cape Blanco”. (I like to include cards from other artists on occasion.)
Bekah Zeimetz (Wildlife Paintings) - Eugene, Oregon (repeat from 2022)
I was introduced to Zeimetz’s work via a family member’s purchase at the Eugene Farmer’s Market. A love for wildlife is quite evident in her masterful paintings featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest captured within a unique storytelling perspective and striking color combinations. One of my favorite pieces is “The Green Heron’s Psalm”, available as a Limited Edition Print. She recently announced she is going full-time with her art career, and it would be lovely to give her a jump start (which is why I’m including her as a repeat recommendation!)
Gift Cards Available
Past Featured Artists
2022 Holiday Gift Guide
“The Big Picture” Note Cards by Wildlife Photographer Daniel Elster
Knitted Dishes and Spiral Art Yarn by ceramic & fiber artist Charan Sachar of Creative with Clay
Wildflower Bandana Crochet pattern from Anastasiia Zaitseva of NastjaCrochets
Paper Chain Necklace by Annalee of SugarMad
Functional Ceramic Art by David Parry of Whistle Post Pottery
Reverse Glass Paintings by Saul Yurivilca Jr. of Calivilca Designs
Wildlife Paintings by Bekah Zeimetz
Contemporary Pop Art featuring this Grace Kelly Painting by Artist Dane Shue
Il est un air textile art by Paris-based artist Isabel
Melanie Grace Designs - Limited Edition Garments
Hand Woven Fiber Art by Francisco Bautista and family
Brett Varney Oil Pastels
Alan Higinbothom High Fired Porcelein
2021 Inspiring Artists
Holly Wong | Installation & Mixed Media Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Hannah Rae | Textile Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Mirjam Gielen | Textile Artist (Her tutorials are available HERE.)
Talip Keser | Contemporary Painter (You can follow him on Instagram HERE.)
Emily Looman | Sketchbook Artist (You can follow her on Instagram HERE.)
Amelia Rizky | Watercolor Artist (of the Instagram account: Watercatlor).
James Wyper | Contemporary Painter (You can follow him on Instagram HERE.)
Khalif Tahir Thompson | Painter, Printmaker & Papermaker (You can follow them on Instagram HERE.)
2020 Gift Guide Artists (and local businesses)
Carrie Tasman Art | Paintings
Corvidopolis | Printmaking
The Crafty Adventurer | Mixed Media
Daniel Elster Photography | Wildlife Photography
Dreaming Dogs Studio | Ceramics
Emily Poole Art & Design | Nature Painting & Design
Heidi West Designs | Textile
Kristy Lombard Pottery | Ceramics
Full posts from Prior Years (below)
THANK YOU for an absolutely lovely year, affording me the opportunity to keep making art and writing about my experiences. Personally, I will be spending the rest of the month spending time between creating in my studio and playing with my family. I have scheduled a few short posts celebrating the season to finish out 2023 here on
. I hope you enjoy.In the meantime, I wish you and yours a Holiday Season filled with warmth and good cheer, and may there be Peace for all.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
A a wide and varied selection of artists. It is so much fun discovering new artists and their works. Thank you.