INSPIRED BY NATURE
In her elegant and edgy jewelry, Atlanta artist Kristi Hyde takes style cues from patterns and textures in nature.
The artist: Grew up in Decatur, Ala., influenced by the fields, woods and Tennessee River around her.
Hyde graduated in 1998 with a degree in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Savannah campus and studied clay at the Penland School of Crafts (North Carolina). While working in various art mediums in Atlanta, she started her handmade jewelry business in 2000 in Atlanta.
What's popular: Hydrangea blossom rings and earrings ($168 to $600) and orchid leaf, semi-precious stone, and leather braided wrap cuffs ($600 to $1,700) with details that mimic curling leaves and blossoms as she turns real pieces of nature into sculpture.
Other favorites: Bronze Ginkgo necklaces ($128 to $600); Swamp hibiscus necklaces, available in silver, white bronze and brass with pearls and/or semi-precious stones ($200 to $600); Moon necklaces and Skull earrings in silver, white bronze and brass ($100 to $428).
Claim to fame: In 2013, Andrè Leon Talley, a former American editor at Vogue magazine, personally selected one of her necklaces (from ShopSCAD) to accompany a Zac Posen gown for Talley's curated exhibit in Paris.
Where to buy: Kristi Hyde Jewelry Design on facebook.com.
THIS LITTLE LIGHT
Harry Tallman’s lamps spark a conversation. That’s because his functional and one-of-a-kind lamps are made from vintage, industrial and everyday items he takes pride in locating — and repurposing.
The artist & owner: Tallman, born in Chicago, has lived in Florida and later in Boulder, Colo., where he met his wife and started a business planning special events around the country for real estate developers.
In 2004, they moved to Georgia to be closer to family. Tallman took a job as an activities director at a senior center in Georgia, where he worked with a men’s group building lamps out of steel gas pipe. The camaraderie, friendship and purpose inspired Tallman to continue building lamps.
The company: McDonough-based Wood & Metal Creations, launched in January 2017.
The goods: Industrial-style table and floor lamps, using a mixture of tough yet humble materials such as metal gas pipes, exotic woods, automotive parts and salvaged items.
What's popular: Lamps with rusty patina made with automotive and motorcycle parts, metal shades, Edison-style bulbs and dimmable sockets ($175 to $325).
Other favorites: Truck spring coil lamp ($175); floor lamps with salvaged metal gas cans for shades and brake rotors as bases ($295 to $450).
Fun (or unusual) requests: A daughter wanted to surprise her father with a special gift, so Tallman made a lamp utilizing the man's Army foot locker and other military memorabilia. Also a lamp made from an antique porcelain bedpan.
Where to buy: Woodmetalcreations.com. Also at upcoming Atlanta-area festivals, including Piedmont Arts Festival (Aug. 19 and 20) and Sandy Springs Festival (Sept. 23 and 24). Also follow woodmetalcreations on Instagram.
METAL IN MOTION
In his kinetic art, master metalsmith Lloyd Hughes takes inspiration from the work of American sculptor Alexander Calder, among others.
The artist & owner: Hughes is a fourth-generation metalsmith.
In 1982, he studied with master blacksmith Bill Valerius in Chicago and began Lloyd K Hughes Metalsmithing in 1987 in Lexington, Ky. Hughes is a past president of the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), a trade group, and a former trustee of the National Metal Museum in Memphis, Tenn. He also teaches classes in kinetic art.
The goods: Commissioned work in many states, using steel, bronze, copper and aluminum, including gates, railings, furniture and lighting. Also artwork such as sculpture, wind sculptures, wall hangings and mobiles.
What's popular: Wall-mounted and hanging pieces that move as the wind catches them ($89 to $136).
Other favorites: Larger, abstract free-standing pieces ($400 to $500) often sold at art shows.
What's new: Tabletop mobiles.
Where to buy: Hughesmetals.com and at Hughesmetals on etsy.com. Also in Atlanta at the Chastain Park Arts Festival (Nov. 4-5).
