CARS + ART
Atlanta’s Richard Webb has had a longtime interest in cars. He has collected them (374 over his lifetime). He also raced them. When he retired, Webb was driven to paint them.
The artist: Webb studied graphic arts at Pratt Institute in New York and graduated from Florida State University, where he studied advertising design and painting. After graduating, Webb had a long career in advertising, specifically in developing brand concepts. After he retired in 2003, he resumed painting as a hobby, now his second career.
Known for: His colorful, large-scale automobile paintings ($500 to $5,000-plus), which often feature the side or front end (or grill) of a car.
What's popular: Commissions. When it comes to cars, people tend to want a specific car, either their own or one that invokes a special memory.
Other favorites: Painting on non-traditional surfaces, such as classic Woodies on surfboards and vintage Land Rovers on barn wood.
Claim to fame: Earlier this year, Webb was asked by Porsche Financial Services to create an original painting for its annual "Fusion" event, where top-producing dealerships are honored. Each honoree received a framed, limited-edition print of the original painting, which hangs in the Porsche corporate offices in Atlanta.
Claim to fame 2: So far, he has completed nine paintings for Thomas Trissl (TrisslSportsCars.com), one of the largest Porsche enthusiasts and collectors (also an art collector) in the Southeast.
Where to buy: RichardFWebb.com Also at the Virginia Highland Summerfest (June 3-4) and Piedmont Park Arts Festival (Aug. 19-20) in Atlanta.
GO FISH
North Carolina’s John Hollifield made his first bamboo rod in 2011. Since then, he has made nothing else. Hollifield hopes his custom, handmade rods will be used for years and passed down to the next generation.
The company: Hollifield Bamboo Fly Rods began in 2011. Located in Hayesville, N.C., just north of Hiawassee, Ga. Hollifield not only handcrafts bamboo fly rods to the specifications of the customer, he also does custom engraving and offers rod-making classes.
The designer & owner: Hollifield earned a degree in industrial technology from Western Carolina University in 1981 and worked in various jobs during his career, including industrial and quality engineer. He retired in 2014 to devote full-time attention to his growing rod-making business. Hollifield lives and works on property in Hayesville that has been in his family for eight generations.
What's popular: Rods, in two or three pieces, in the 7-foot to 8-foot range in line weights from 3 to 6. However, other rod sizes and line weights (2 to 10) are available. They include an extra tip that is traditionally included with bamboo fly rods. A two-piece rod with an extra tip starts at $1,600. Three-piece rods with an extra tip start at $1,800.
Other favorites: Custom engraved rods (cost of hand-cut engraving is based on design complexity and whether 24k gold is required). Reel seats are available in aluminum, nickel silver and stainless Damascus (deluxe models only).
Fun (or unusual) requests: Make a rod for a customer in Mongolia. Also create a rod with an engraved buffalo, which was a company logo, on the reel seat.
Where to buy: www.hollifieldbamboo.com. In the Atlanta area at Fly Box Outfitters, 840 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. Hollifield and his rods will be on hand in Asheville, N.C., at the Southern Highlands Craft Fair (July 21-23).
MADE TO LAST
Georgia-based Sturdy Brothers makes new, made-to-last goods with old-fashioned quality and craftsmanship.
The company: Sturdy Brothers started in Thomasville in 2013. The company makes (cuts, sews and waxes) waxed canvas aprons, tote bags, duffel bags, plus leather wallets and purses.
The owners: Benjamin and Spencer Young grew up in Tifton, and prior to starting their business they worked in the coffee industry — in different places. Spencer, a graduate of Georgia College and State, started Grassroots coffee company in Thomasville. Ben work at Jubala coffee company in Raleigh, N.C. Needing a hardworking apron on the job, the barista brothers also had a desire to make useful and durable handcrafted goods
What's popular: The Charles waxed canvas apron ($162) and the Craft tote bag ($159).
Another favorite: The Orville waxed canvas tool roll ($76).
Where to buy: www.sturdybrothers.com. In Atlanta, find Sturdy Brothers goods at Brick + Mortar, 1170 Howell Mill Road, in Westside Provisions District.
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