The light show
Since 1993, Atlanta’s Christopher Moulder been designing, fabricating and installing one-of-a-kind lighting sculptures and a line of limited-edition lighting fixtures that are both functional and decorative.
The designer: He grew up in Jacksonville, Fla. The sand, wind, clouds and electrical storms that were part of his childhood influenced his later light work. He studied furniture design in Germany, and in 1997 received his MFA from SCAD in Savannah.
Best-sellers: Schproket Pendant crafted from aluminum, nylon and stainless steel and available in silver metallic, red or white ($1,050-$1,980); the Schproket Sconce ($700-$1,740); and the "Rain, Drizzle, Droplet" series of a pendant/sconce and chandeliers made from nickel-plate brass bead chain and stainless steel. Prices range from $295 to $6,000, depending on the number of droplets used.
Big break: Winning the Absolut Vodka Furniture competition (1997) with the Absolut Enlightenment Chandelier. This piece, created from Absolut Citron bottles, aluminum and stainless steel, is a conglomeration of Absolut bottles in the shape of one large Absolut bottle.
Claim to fame: Mammatus, a one-of-a-kind lighting sculpture commissioned by the city of Atlanta for the Arrivals Hall in the International Terminal at the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Inspired by clouds, the 3,000-pound piece is made with more than 8 miles of nickel-plated bead chain.
What's new: Two collections: the Forest and the Royals. Both airy collections of limited-edition chandeliers, pendants and sconces are characterized by integral light sources, sculptural silhouettes and shadow effects.
Where to buy: www.christophermoulder.com for made-to-order pieces.
The well-dressed table
In his Texas studio, Keith Kreeger creates clean, contemporary and functional tableware and decor for restaurants, stores and your home.
The artist/designer: Originally from New York, Kreeger began working in clay at Skidmore College and later at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, N.Y. In 1999, he moved to Cape Cod to open his first studio. Ten years later, he relocated to Austin to further develop his high-fired porcelain work.
What's popular: Hudson dinnerware ($52-$375) and Gramercy bottles ($100-$250). While the company uses a variety of glazes and banded rim treatments on its white tableware, the Linea design (an incised line filled with black glaze) is a best-seller.
Other favorites: Limited-edition, hand-thrown vases ($150 and up).
Big break: Moving to Austin. The collaborative and creative community inspired Kreeger to do his first restaurant project. He thought it was going to be a fun side-note to his business. The hospitality side has become a huge part of what he does. His pieces can be found in more than two dozen restaurants, including Husk Nashville.
What's new: Made more than 3,600 pieces for a restaurant opening later this year in New York City.
Claim to fame: Creating custom (and sometimes one-of-a-kind) plates for chefs, including Chef Edward Lee at 610 Magnolia in Louisville Ky.
Where to buy: keithkreeger.com
Modern heirlooms
As a deeply committed homesteader in North Carolina, Jessica Green’s weaving business is truly homegrown. Green spins wool from the sheep she raises and forages for natural plant dyes before designing and weaving her modern version of traditional textiles.
The artist/designer: Green grew up in Austin, Texas, and graduated from Bennington College in Vermont. It wasn't until after college that she started weaving, learning the craft through a series of traditional apprenticeships. Drawn to southern Appalachia because of its deep craft history, Green started A Little Weather in Sandy Mush (just north of Asheville) in 2013.
The goods: Handwoven home goods, including coverlets, pillows and wall hangings influenced by colonial American textiles, Scandinavian designs.
What's popular: Fireside Blanket in Indigo and Poppy ($748). Also everyday cloths in a range of indigo variations ($39).
Other favorites: Framed pieces, including overshot drawings ($288); woven paintings ($1,200); and smaller woven paintings ($350-$500).
Claim to fame: Featured in the American Craft Council and Garden & Gun magazines.
What's new: Baby blankets ($280) and Green's first solo exhibition at the Bradbury Art Museum in Arkansas next spring.
Where to buy: www.alittleweather.com
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