How did you get started in your art?
I’ve been a photographer for over 25 years; I had experimented with painting some time back, but never perused it with the same passion as I had photography, so it fell to the wayside. Then came along software developed by painters for painters who were working from photographs; it was a perfect marriage of disciplines for me!

I realized that I could take my photographic work and digitally “paint” using a mixture of oils, watercolors, different media
“textures” to create original artworks. When I started walking and photographing the streets of Charleston – I was inspired to try my hand at working with subjects that I had been around almost all my life; but seeing them in a totally new way!

What are the major influences in your art?
Light, Shadow, Color. Those are what draw my eye to something of course. I like exploring new textures to output my work onto- I love canvas, the material has “visual weight ” to it. I enjoy other artists work, seeing how they might interpret the world around them- it sometimes forces me to re-examine my own approaches to ideas that I may have dismissed or put on a back burner, only to be redefined and made possible by the inspiration of others.

What differs your technique from other artists?
Well, apart from the fact that all my work is created digitally from inception to the printing of the final work- I would have to say that the way I explore light and it’s relation to the subject is key when I come up with my ideas- remember; I’m starting from a raw photograph-then to digitally paint with bright and saturated colors, which give a “known “subject an entirely different feel. It elevates the common scene to an uncommon view or experience for the viewer.

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
I think that there is an abundance of talent in the Charleston Art scene. There are so many mediums represented here, from painting, sculpture, beadwork, photography, clay, glasswork and stained glass, to my unique specialty of creating digital paintings. It’s robust, and as many of us can attest to- it is a very “family” type group of individuals!

The key to the core of this is that as long as your art is from the heart, the community will come out and support you as an artist- and other artists have given me so much advice on how to present myself and succeed- I think there is a very nurturing aspect of the community as a whole.

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
I didn’t start out creating my canvases and prints for anyone but me at first- so I honestly wasn’t sure how my works would go over here in Charleston.

But with the shows I’ve had here in the city- The response was immediately positive! I’ve gotten a lot of feedback, which some has surprised me. The things I’ve felt an affinity for, places I used to go as kid-those are the places I’m drawn to- and to have someone come up and say “I bought that piece because it was where I met my spouse” or “we used to take the family and buy such and such at this location”. I’ve come to realize that a lot of what I have created are links to those people’s memories. My work means as much to them viewing it as it did when I first decided to make it. That is VERY satisfying!

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
I like works of Mark Tobin Moore – his work, although a distant style from my own- reaches me. Tracy Higginbotham- I love the “Vibrancy” of her work- and I get a sense of both chaos and peace by looking at it. Bruce Haley- He’s inspired by the world around him and a fearless explorer in his work; bold. If it’s of my work, I like the streetscapes I’ve done; it gives a sense of “place” for me

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
Aside from light and shadow (I notice that first and foremost ) is the architecture of Charleston, more and more the people and how they interact with the city around them, and how the city’s personality changes from day to evening and the transition as it becomes two distinct and different places- yet still the same.

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?
That’s a good question! I would still use the same techniques I do right now- Taking a photograph, digitally painting with my tools and programs, and making it onto canvas- but I would like the opportunity to make it large- much bigger than the 20×30′s that are my typical size.

My inspiration would come from the people and the city around them. From my memories as well as those that are given to me as suggestions- I would like to create something that everyone could identify with and feel a part of when they see it.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
Several come to mind. Going to the Clay Center for one, as it is one of the best places to view the best artists only Charleston, but the state. And the Artwalks held on the third Thursday of each month, where the galleries of Charleston open their doors and you actually get to MEET the artists! And more recently- Festivall, where the city becomes a work of art- this has become a quick favorite of mine!

Clayton started his photographic career in 1984, when a chance meeting with Author Stan Cohen, led him to have some of his first photographs appear in Kanawha County Images: A Bicentennial History. Since that time, his work has gone on to be published in Tourist magazines and trade magazines nationwide. “I’ve been really fortunate to be able to travel, see and meet so many wonderful people, and get to attend events I wouldn’t have gotten to see otherwise.” Clayton says “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

In addition to his journalistic and environmental portraiture skills, Clayton also shoots fine art, landscapes, and specializes in event photography. By pushing himself to be more creative, he strives to keep an “edge” to his work without sacrificing his style and artistry. “It’s the challenge of setting my work apart, not settling for what’s already been done that motivates me” he says.

I have loved art all my life. My mother encouraged me as a child to be creative, and even volunteered at my elementary school so that we could have art class one day each week. When she went back to college, she made mini versions of her art projects for my sister and I to do alongside her. I have studied art extensively ever since.

Twilight Meeting

What are the major influences in your art?

I love color and the emotion it brings forth. I am inspired by nature, especially trees, sunsets, and birds. My major influences throughout school were Matisse, Klimt, and Van Gogh.

What differs your technique from other artists?

The style of my art is simple and clean with the subject of the piece usually done in a silhouette style. I use color in the background to convey a certain emotion or feeling, or maybe a particular time of day or year.

Rasta Tree

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?

Charleston’s art scene has a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking for original paintings, pottery, retro décor, photography, jewelry, antiques or hand-blown glass, you are bound to find it downtown.

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?

Since I currently sell my art online, people from across the country and all over the world have been able to view my work. The feedback has been great, and I hope to feature my work in Charleston soon.

Miscellaneous Art

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?

I am a huge fan of work by local artists Emily Roles, Traci L. Higginbotham, Bruce Haley, and Charly Hamilton. They each have such a unique style and use color and movement brilliantly.

What particular things in Charleston inspire you to create art?

The downtown atmosphere during a gallery opening or ArtWalk is buzzing with creativity from local artists, musicians, and gallery visitors. I also find the colors of WV during the fall very inspiring.

Clay Creations

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?

I would use an aerial view of downtown Charleston as my inspiration, and I would create a tiny cityscape out of polymer clay. I would be sure to include the Capitol, Kanawha River, Chase and BB&T buildings, and a tiny Art Emporium.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?

The best way to experience the art scene as a whole is to participate in downtown’s ArtWalk the third Thursday of each month from 5-8pm. It’s a great way to meet great local artists in a fun, relaxed environment.

Waiting

Jenifer Sheets is a twenty-five year old resident of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Art from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She has worked downtown at the Art Emporium for over a year, and have recently taken up art again in her spare time. Jenifer enjoy painting and experimenting with polymer clay, and has plan to pursue education in Interior Decorating in the fall. Her clay creations can be found at www.jenis1321.etsy.com and her original art at www.21pinkelephants.etsy.com.

Along the Kanawha

What are the major influences in your art?
I am mainly influenced by the landscape in West Virginia and also by other local artists. Having spent several years working for the Art Store and now working at the Art Emporium in downtown Charleston I continue to be surrounded by the art of well known state artists as well as the new and upcoming creators in our city.

What differs your technique from other artists?
I am a abstract expressionistic painter. I have been told I have a very unique style. I know that the brushstrokes and the color of my work reflect my innermost feelings. My paintings are usually large and hard not too notice.

Car rust #2

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
I think Charleston has a thriving art scene on a smaller scale. Having been to larger cities such as Columbus, Ohio and Asheville, NC which are very art oriented I think we hold are own. There is a lot going on, and a lot of talent in this area, not too mention a wide variety. I have the privilege of working for a gallery downtown so I meet several artist every week with a range of abilities, and styles. It is all great! Also I must mention the Artwalks…a great time to get out and see what is there. More and more artist are joining and opening up their studios to allow locals and visitors to the city to experience our “art scene”

Colors of an evening sea

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
I have had a great response to my art. I hear “I love the color“ at least once a week. I have sold several pieces in the past few years. I always feel great when someone buys a piece of my art and I find that they own pieces of other West Virginia artists that I have looked up too like Caryl Toth and June Kilgore. I never thought my work would be hanging in a juried exhibition or in someone’s home right next to theirs and others.

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
Too many to mention. I would guess most of it is the work of local artists owned by local individuals and businesses. I get several opportunities to frame the art that people buy and to visit office buildings downtown and view the collections of others. There is June Kilgore painting that I love at the law firm of Bucci, Bailey and Javins and also a great Charly Jupiter Hamilton at the Head South hair salon across the street. Of course the work at the Art Emporium is always changing and fantastic as well. I’m lucky, I don’t have to go far.

Hers

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
It would have to be the work of other local artists and our landscape. Although my style is completely different I am sometimes intrigued by other artist’s compositions, subject matter and color combinations. One inch of someone else’s work can inspire me to create a 5 foot painting. I also often paint a representation of the sky that I saw on the drive home from work, or the reflection of the city lights on the river.

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?
I would keep it in my expressionistic style and would probably stick with my old faithful acrylic paints. The skyline of the city and the reflections in the river would definitely be portrayed. I would also express the conversations I have had with the people I have met.

Music

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
I think the best way is to “do” the Artwalk. You can meet the local artists in a laid back setting. You can experience the whole art scene this way. You can start by meeting the artists who have their individual studio doors open, move up to the more informal galleries such as the Art Emporium, Annex Gallery at Taylor Books, Gallery Eleven, and the Purple Moon and finally you can visit the Clay Center for a more formal style of viewing art. They have a wonderful permanent collection of famous artists as well as the locals.

Though a native of Hurricane, WV, Traci Higginbotham has been working in Charleston for several years as the manager of Art Emporium, a gallery in Quarrier Street at the heart of downtown Charleston. She has attended Winfield High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Charleston with a bachelors degree in Arts Administration and Interior Design. Traci’s work can be viewed online on her website, TheColorfulArtist.com.

How did you get started in your art?
I have always been interested in art. When my youngest son went off to college, I decided to finish my art degree. When he graduated 4 years later I did too.

Untitled

What are the major influences in you art?
The Major influences in my art are my strong family values.

What differs your technique form other artists?
My technique does not necessarily differ from other artists. The end result speaks volumes of who I am.

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
The art scene in Charleston is equivalent to any other city in the United States. We have so much to offer for those who are interested enough to seek it. We have a wonderful collection in our museum containing national, international European artists.

Triad Lithograph

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
The response to my art by Charlestonians has been favorable. I have exhibited in local galleries and museums as well as University settings. Exposure is critical to having your work recognized.

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
I have to say some of my favorite art pieces are on our very own Avampato Museum on the Clay Center by major artists. Our collector’s club has purchased many pieces of art during its existences that can only compare to the art scenes of Chicago, New York or San Francisco to name a few.

Bull's Eye

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
Meeting other artists, taking continuous education & workshops inspires me. Something as simple as a morning sunrise reminds me of the old masters works and God’s very creation.

Abstract #1

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?
Depicting Charleston would be fun to create in a variety of mediums. I love clay work so I would probably approach it as a relief piece.

My masters was in printmaking, so I might create an etching. Stain glass or possibly weaving are all art forms so the sky is the limit.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
The Charleston art scene cannot be observed in any gallery, museum or architecture in downtown Charleston & the surrounding areas. The beauty of our city is in the eye of the beholding waiting to be discovered.

Virgin Mary and Child

Born and raised in Ottawa, the historic capital of Canada, Ellie was greatly influenced as a young girl with the wealth of art that the National Gallery had to offer. Her extensive travels around the world as a young woman further broadened her knowledge of artist and art techniques. Having managed an art gallery in Charleston for many years, Ellie soon understood the struggles for deadlines that artists went through.

How did you get started in your art?
My recollections of the house I lived in till age four was the space under the dining room table where I kept my crayons and drawing supplies, so I can’t remember a beginning. Art was always what engaged me whenever I didn’t have to be doing something else.

What are the major influences in your art?
My most influential teacher was Agnes Huston at Charleston High School. She taught courses in every aspect of art, with all media. Her own paintings were in watercolor which no doubt led me to that preference for my work. Later influences include Gary Fagin at Art Students League in New York, where I honed my drawing skills in the most demanding objective, drawing the figure from life.

What differs your technique from other artists?
I can’t really define that. Some people have called my works expressive realism.

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
It is active, and extremely varied in interpretation.

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
Extremely receptive over the years. My paintings are in many private homes throughout the valley as well as with purchasers who no longer reside here, including Senator Rockefeller. There are collections in local banks, law firms such as Jackson Kelly and institutions such as The University of Charleston and West Virginia State University. The West Virginia Cultural Center has purchased several paintings. I enjoy the challenge of commissions, and have completed many for local firms and individuals, along with many in other parts of the country. They include such varied subjects as a fruit still, life for the cover of Smuckers Annual Report, a montage for a local law firm as a memorial, two golf course paintings, three churches, three dogs, a court house, several gardens, many residences including one in a wooded setting in Redmond, Washington and several from photographs of ancestral homes that are no longer standing; also assorted subjects for four book covers.

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
Definitely the sculpture of the leaping male dancers at the former One Valley Bank building on Summers Street. It gives me a lift every time I pass it.

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
The proximity to the natural surroundings interest me, and the “front row balcony” views that result from the varying levels of the city. Kanawha State Forest and Coonskin Park are great assets for Charleston.

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?
Of course I would use my preferred medium, watercolor, in whatever manner I would consider appropriate to the subject. My inspiration would evolve after much exploration and contemplation.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
First of all, the Irma Byrd Gallery at The University of Charleston, showing a permanent collection of West Virginia women artists. Then the Cultural Center and the Clay Center. Of course I would invite them to my studio to see my current works.

There are two things this Charleston native is passionate about: art and music. Starting from violin studies that catapulted her into chamber music and into the symphony, Betty Warner has been making music for over thirty years. Creating art is equally important — drawing and painting occupies the time in between work and rearing up three beautiful children. To contact Betty Warner please call 304-343-6705 or email her at BettyArts@suddenlink.net.

How did you get started in your art?
I studied at the Kansas City Art Institute. I have a B.A. in art from Marietta College. I have a MAT in art therapy from Wright State University and an MA in art from Marshall university.

What are the major influences in your art?
I have been very influenced by Japanese printmaking techniques using woodblock carving for my expression. June Kilgore at Marshall was the best teacher I ever had. Spending time in nature has greatly informed my art, as well as looking at the great paintings of the world. I am a big fan of Turner although my work is nothing like his. I like the luminosity.

What differs your technique from other artists?
I am primarily a print maker working in woodblock. My early work was greatly informed by the children’s artwork I saw in therapy. Lately I have been influenced by the North Woods and other expressions like the difference between darkness and light.

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
Very vibrant, especially the support gives to artists.

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
I have had alot of success with my art in Charleston and West Virginia.

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
I like the scupture infront of the Clay Center. The Clay Center has alot of fine pieces in their public collection.

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
The pace here is quite conductive to working, Also anywhere you turn there are beautiful forests within walking distance.

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium,
technique and inspiration would you use?
Alot of bright colors, probably oils on shaped canvases.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
The Clay Center, The Cultural Center, Callen Mcjunkin Gallery, The Art Store, Taylor Books are great places to start

Receving an award from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation to be a fellow at the Virginia Center for the Arts is just one of the highligts of Barrie Kauffman‘s career. An artist for 35 years, she is a printmaker as well as a painter. Her work can be viewed at www.barriekaufman.com.

How did you get started in your art?
I started taking photographs in high school. I did it backwards – digital and then film. After getting quick and easy results with the digital camera and learning how different settings did different things, I switched to film and didn’t pick up a digital camera again for a few years. I took a few photography classes in college but majored in multimedia. It wasn’t until this year that I decided to seriously pursue portraiture.

Wedding by Emily Porter

What are the major influences in your art?
First and foremost- my family. I started taking photos when my brother was born when I was in high school. I just want to document all the people I love whenever I can because you sometimes don’t realize how important photos are until it’s too late. I am also inspired every day by the artists I follow on Flickr. I love being part of a global community of photographers. When I first started shooting I was really inspired by William Eggleston and Elinor Carucci. My favorite wedding photographer is probably Ryan Brenizer who is based out of New York. But when I was first beginning, I turned to Steve Payne for guidance. He gave me some invaluable advice that I will never forget. And probably the most important influence was my time spent working at Photo Production Services in South Charleston. I got to meet some wonderful photographers and I learned so much about retouching and the photography business. My time there really inspired me and gave me confidence.

Seniors by Emily Porter

What differs your technique from other artists?
I think I have a bit of a contemporary edge compared to what you traditionally see from other Charleston photographers. I really embrace bright colors and even though I do spend time post-processing my images I don’t go too overboard. I am a traditionalist at heart. I also don’t have a studio and don’t ever plan on shooting primarily in a studio – the only reason I’d get one would be for client consultations and proofing sessions and the occasional rainy day session. I believe people feel more comfortable either outside or in their own homes, which is why I choose to be an on location photographer. When you work in a studio, you are dependent on your backdrops and props. With that said, I do think there are local photographers who are truly gifted at studio photography – Beth Forester and Steve Payne are both inspirations to me.

Engagement by Emily Porter

How do you describe the art scene in Charleston?
I feel like it’s either grown a lot in the last 10 years or I was just oblivious to it before! It feels like the art scene is bigger than ever before. There are so many talented people in Charleston. Most of my exposure to the art scene is actually by way of music since my dad holds the principal trumpet chair in the symphony. There are so many opportunities to see and hear great art in the Charleston area.

How receptive are the people of Charleston towards your art?
Everyone has been so fantastic so far. West Virginians in general are so kind and gracious. I think the high school seniors are picking up on my work quicker than the families simply because I am very connected to them on Facebook and spend a lot of time making a presence for myself on the web by updating my blog and website regularly. They see me as something fresh and new and accessible and I think that appeals to them.

Children by Emily Porter

What are your favorite art pieces around Charleston?
I love the colored wall by the Clay Center! I also love going into Taylor Books to see what they have up, I love their gallery. And who doesn’t love those Fetty flowers?

What particular things in Charleston inspires you to create art?
The people. I think it’s so important to be able to connect to people in this profession, otherwise you won’t really capture their personalities. I really love the Capitol street area and actually worked at Ellen’s Ice Cream for almost seven years off and on, so meeting all those customers and being downtown surrounded by people every day was so inspiring. I love Capitol street because I always see familiar faces – there’s nothing more inspiring than connecting with other people and hearing their stories.

High School Senior by Emily Porter

If you were to create an art piece depicting Charleston, what medium, technique and inspiration would you use?
I would definitely stick to my strengths and use a camera! Lately I’ve been playing with a neat technique where you lock your settings on the camera and take one photo comprised of a bunch of other photos, loosely shot in a grid. It really changes the depth of field and scale when you stitch them together on the computer. Landscape photographers do this all the time but I am starting to do it with portraits. I think it would be fun to take portraits of average Charleston folk just on the street, documentary-style, with this technique. You can get images you would never normally get when you make them in this way.

Where would you recommend tourists to go for the best place to experience Charleston’s art scene?
The Clay Center, the Cultural Center, and Taylor Books. I’ve heard the ArtWalk is fantastic but I haven’t been able to go yet! Hopefully I’ll get the chance soon.

Born and raised in Charleston, Emily Porter is certainly a photographer to look out for in West Virginia. A graduate of George Washington High School and Ohio University, she has worked with Paul Helmick for the State Newslines / WV Newslines project as a creative director. Aside from photography, Emily has deep fondness for music and her two cats. Her portfolio website is at www.emilyporterphoto.com.