FRESH THREADS
In her abstract and colorful mixed-media work, Atlanta fiber artist Leisa Rich uses many processes and machines, including free motion machine embroidery and a 3D printer.
The artist: Rich was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada and holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. She also earned a master's degree in fine arts from the University of North Texas. As a fiber artist, she is trained in weaving, sewing, basketry, embroidery, and plant and chemical dyes.
The materials & techniques: Plastics, thread, fabrics, mixed media (and so much more) favors 3D printing and free motion stitching — otherwise known as machine embroidery, a way of "painting" and building texture with sewing thread.
What's popular: Interactive panels ($275 to $4,000). Delta Airlines recently acquired four of her large panel works for its sky lounges, including Atlanta and Austin.
Other favorites: Wearable sculpture ($45 to $2,000).
Fun (or unusual) request: Make a 22-inch-tall top hat for a lead singer in a band.
Claim to fame: Has artwork in many permanent collections, including Emory Healthcare and the Dallas Museum of Art.
Atlanta ties: A descendent of the Walker family, who sold the land that is now Piedmont Park to the city of Atlanta. Her grandfather and great-grandmother were born on the land. Rich didn't find out this piece of family history until she moved to Atlanta 10 years ago.
Where to see her work: In Atlanta, at Studio Leisa Rich, her studio/art gallery/teaching space in the Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. Also at the Swan Coach House Gallery (through Aug. 4), 3130 Slaton Drive, and at the Kibbee Gallery (July 15-31), 688 Linwood Ave. And in New Orleans at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art (through July 3).
Where to buy: www.monaleisa.com
IN FULL BLOOM
As a child, Ashley Woodson Bailey took time to stop and smell the flowers. She later transformed them into art. First as a floral designer, then as a self-taught photographer, creating dramatic floral prints on wall coverings and fabric.
The artist: Bailey grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas, where she studied art and art history. After college, she worked as a florist on and off for 20 years in Dallas, Houston, NYC, Savannah, Austin and Atlanta. Bailey started creating floral prints and wallpapers after she was in a head-on collision in 2012 and could no longer do the physical labor of being a florist. She now lives in Jacksonville, Fla., and works out of her home studio.
The company: Ashley Woodson Bailey studio, started in 2014. The company offers limited-edition prints, wallpaper, fabric and clothing.
What's popular: Dutch Love wallpaper ($12 per square foot). Dark and lush, it has an Old World feel. Also prints ($175 to $5,800).
Other favorites: Fabrics ($208 to $275 per yard), including new patterns: DeWalt, Green Freedom, and Frida Pink, inspired by artist Frida Kahlo.
Big break: Jessica Alba, actress and Honest Company founder, bought one of her large prints.
Where to buy: ashleywoodsonbailey.com
INSPIRED BY NATURE
In Tennessee, Hope Bailey lovingly creates ceramic pieces meant to inspire and elevate your everyday experiences.
The artist: Bailey grew up in a tiny suburb near Wilmington, Del., where she developed her love for the woods and outdoors. At the University of Colorado, where she fell in love with painting and ceramics, she earned a degree an anthropology and later returned for a teaching certificate in art education. Bailey worked in Chicago and Augusta, Ga., where she taught art and painted portraits before moving to Tennessee and opening her studio.
The company: Hope + Mary is a small, made-to-order ceramic production studio in Lookout Mountain, Tenn. Started in 2015, the company makes wheel-thrown and hand-built tableware and lighting with hand-drawn imagery. Bailey uses a labor-intensive process (called Mishima) that adds to the one-of-a-kind nature of her pieces.
The company name: Bailey named the company Hope + Mary to honor her mother Mary, who died in 2011.
What's popular: Butter dishes ($190) and whiskey cups ($40) feature critters from her woodland animal series. Also platters ($440), plus dinner and dessert plates ($110 and $88). All pieces are food and dishwasher safe.
Other favorites: Drum lamps ($660) and cow skull sconces ($1,100 to $1,345).
Where to buy: www.hopeandmary.com.
About the Author
