Metal art
As a craftsman, John-Patrick McChesney may be genetically predisposed to his line of work.
His great-grandfather built churches in Tennessee. His grandfather built cars at General Motors after the war. And his father was in the Hells Angels and built motorcycles. McChesney, who grew up in Roswell, learned from all of them.
Since 2007, the self-taught metal artist has worked full time, creating tables and home accessories in his Atlanta workshop.
McChesney’s industrial-style, metal furniture is a mix of tough and beauty. It’s a style he calls industro-linear. His popular tables feature tops with deep reds, turquoises and shades of white, colors inspired by the Caribbean, where McChesney once lived. Tables, including coffee, console and dining tables, range from $800 to $3,000. But he creates other home accents, including stools ($305 to $600) and vintage sign art ($500 to $1,750).
See some of his work at Paris on Ponce, 716 Ponce de Leon Place, Atlanta, www.parisonponce.com. To commission a piece for your home, conference room or restaurant, like many do, visit www.jpmcchesney.com or call 404-202-5517. Also find a few of his limited-edition pieces, including wall art and tables, at Fay Gold's new gallery in the Westside Cultural Arts Center, 997 Brady Ave. (at 10th street), in Atlanta.
Bright idea
Rob Kennedy lights up when he talks about lamps. Especially the lamps he makes in his downtown workshop. Lamps can finish or complete a room or look, says Kennedy. They also can compliment or add an unexpected element.
Kennedy started his business in 2007 after studying ceramics in college and learning how to turn wood on a lathe from Skylar Morgan of Atlanta-based SMFD.
To make his lamps, he uses various materials, including wood, glass, ceramic and leather. At the moment, he’s fond of felt. Instead of being crafty, the 100 percent boiled wool felt lends an industrial feel to his fresh, eco-friendly work.
Kennedy's handmade lamps ($275 to $700) are only available at Atlanta MADE, 1187 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta www.atlantamade.us. The new shop features furniture, home décor, chocolate, jewelry and artwork by local artisans. To contact Kennedy, visit www.RobKennedyLamps.com.
Glass act
When Matt Janke first came to Atlanta, there was not a glass-blowing studio. So in 1996, Janke and his wife, Kim, started one.
Located in Atlanta’s historic Fourth Ward, Janke Studios includes an art glass gallery and a glass-blowing studio, where artists can learn and practice the art.
Janke makes pricey pieces for designers, galleries and corporate clients. But he also creates affordable and functional pieces for your home, ranging from drink ware to custom pendant lighting ($165 to $350). Sturdy and dishwasher-safe, a set of tumblers ($20 each) makes a wonderful wedding or housewarming gift. So do his colorful bowls ($95 to $350).
To order, visit www.jankestudios.com. Janke glassware is also available at Atlanta-based Catherine's Table www.catherinestable.com. The company sells handcrafted, table-top goods made by American artists.
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. Please include your name and contact number. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook.
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