White out
Ethan Lillemoe believes colors distract you from seeing the form and details in a piece of pottery. That’s why the award-winning ceramic artist chooses to work in white.
The designer and background: Primarily self-taught, Lillemoe took his first pottery class at age 10 at the South Fulton Arts Center. He decided to forgo college or art training and teach himself, developing his own modern and minimalist style.
The studio and company: Norcross-based Leire Tid Studios was founded in 2005.
The company name: Means "clay time" in Norwegian. Lillemoe chose the name because his ancestry is Norwegian.
What's popular: Small and midsized sculptural pieces ($95-$495), which can be functional or decorative, are popular as wedding presents.
What's new: Developing a form of interactive wall sculpture.
Where to buy: leiretidstudios.com.
All about wood
Robert Patterson’s grandfather and father were woodworkers. Now the Milton craftsman works in wood, too.
The craftsman and background: Born in Louisiana, Patterson earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in drawing and painting from the University of North Carolina and the University of Georgia. He has lived in the Atlanta area for more than 30 years and maintains a studio in Milton.
The goods: One-of-a-kind wood objects in oval and circular shapes ($100-$300) in a form recognizable as a shaker tray. Made of a variety of woods, the surfaces are mechanically scored and treated with stains, dyes, varnishes, oil and waxes.
Where to buy: www.hopewellmountain.com . To see more of Patterson's work, visit www.rpatterson.com.
Simple sophistication
In his contemporary jewelry designs, North Carolina’s Geoffrey D. Giles combines bold geometric forms, clean lines and attention to surface details.
The designer and background: He grew up in Virginia and worked as an apprentice to two master goldsmiths while still in high school. He studied jewelry and metals at Virginia Commonwealth University. After college, Giles worked in jewelry trade shops in Richmond and Atlanta for several years before moving to Asheville, N.C., and starting his business (Geoffrey D. Giles jewelry) in 1999.
What's popular: Earrings in silver ($80-$240) and 18K gold ($400-$1,200). Also wedding bands in 18K gold ($1,800-$3,400).
Other favorites: Silver ribbon bracelets ($280-$475).
Eco-friendly: Uses 100 percent reclaimed and recycled metals.
Where to buy: www.geoffreydgiles.com.
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