Elegance in nature
Baskets bring a simple warmth and beauty to a home — especially the one-of-kind sculptural baskets by North Carolina’s Matt Tommey.
The artist: Originally from Columbus, Tommey grew up loving the outdoors, He was a boy scout and a member of Order of the Arrow as a teenager. While working at the University of Georgia college bookstore, Tommey came across a book that focused on harvesting natural materials from the forest to make baskets. He bought the book and experimented with the kudzu around his apartment complex. After graduating from the UGA, he and his wife lived in metro Atlanta area for 13 years and he made baskets as a hobby. In 2009, the family moved to Asheville where Tommey opened his studio in the city's River Arts District and began to focus on baskets full time.
The main goods: Sculptural art baskets for the home or commercial spaces. Includes wall hangings, fireplace mantel installations and baskets for a pedestal, shelf or table. Prices range from $500-$5000 depending on the piece. Sculptural fireplace installations are $3,000 to $5,000, depending on size and complexity. About 50 percent of his work is commissioned from clients who have a specific vision for their space.
Materials: Locally available natural materials with a specific focus on invasive plant species like kudzu, mimosa, honeysuckle and grapevine. Also recycled copper, encaustic wax and clay.
What's popular: Sculptural collections that include multiple baskets nested in mountain laurel branches. Also, free-form bark baskets woven with copper.
Where to buy: In Asheville at his gallery and working studio, 191 Lyman St., #160 (www.matttommey.com). In the Atlanta area, find some of Tommey's work at Wild Hope Art Gallery, 8470 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 120, in Alpharetta, (www.wildhopeartgallery.com) through May 30.
Glass act
Whether your taste is modern or classic, you find something to covet in the collection by the Blenko Glass Company.
The company: The West Virginia-based Blenko Glass Company has been in the glass-making business since 1893. The company, located in Milton, has been run by a member of the Blenko family since 1921.
The main goods: Tableware, including glass bowls in various sizes and shapes (think clamshell, scalloped and leaf); pitchers, decanters, vases and drinking glasses — all in a host of colors.
Most popular: The 384 water bottle ($53), which has been in production since 1938. Available in a variety of colors from clear to cobalt blue, the iconic, eight-inch-tall bottle holds 36 fluid ounces. In 2013, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its carafe-style bottle, Blenko introduced a mini version of the water bottle ($46).
Where to buy: www.blenko.com or at Steve McKenzie's, 999 Brady Ave. (stevemckenzies.com); and Urban Cottage, 998 N. Highland Ave. (urbancottageatlanta.com).
Kitchen art
Georgia artist Gordon Chandler discovered the Spaddles design by accident in his wood shop. But now the elegant and versatile kitchen tool is a favorite of his — and many others.
The artist: Originally from Massachusetts, Chandler has undergraduate and graduate degrees in sculpture. In 1975, he set up shop in Carrollton. After building wood-burning stoves for about 10 years, Chandler started exhibiting his art in Atlanta and around the country. In 2010, he created Spaddles from a large splinter of wood.
The goods: Spaddles ($15 and up) are an all-around kitchen tool, useful for flipping, scraping, serving and chopping. They are particularly handy for making gravy and roux.
Materials: Made from a variety of durable woods, including walnut, cherry, maple, pear, cedar and butternut.
Other favorites: In wood, cutting and serving boards ($25 and up) and paired salad servers ($20 to $30). In steel sculpture: kimonos, benches and whitetail deer (from $3,000 to $12,000).
Where to buy Spaddles: Resource, 9110 Selborne Lane, Suite 100, Chattahoochee Hills, 770-763-1105 or ResourceSerenbe on facebook
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, please share them with us. Send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on facebook or on twitter@southernfinds1
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