This month we are delighted to feature three extraordinary artists.
Lisa Martin – Jewelry Artist
Lisa Martin Jewelry
Lisa is an independent jewelry artist and designer. By trade, she is a professional chef working at the South Franklin Circle Retirement Community in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Lisa’s creative bug began at an early age. She also loves to draw but prefers to keep that work private. Her jewelry, on the other hand, is created with the mindset to give good vibes and made to brighten the wearers’ mood. Most of her pieces include the circle representing the woman and energy. Each piece is designed to reflect her eclectic and one of a kind creations using a combination of new and vintage materials. Born and raised in Geauga County Lisa is currently living in Twinsburg with her husband Mark and son Aubrey.
Bret Hines – Assemblage Artist
Bret Hines Old West End
In the world of broken and discarded things, Bret Hines, an accomplished sculptor in his field, takes the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” fully to heart. Using items such as frames from forgotten doors, rusted locks, and the legs of chairs, Hines creates intricate collages that represent the passage of time and how objects experience this decay. He does not shy away from faded paint or crushed wood—grains are exposed and aged metal brought to light. He also incorporates images of places and people into his work. For example, his piece “Faces,” involves the severed legs of chairs with the faces of historical figures frozen in varnish and nailed to a moldering board.
Hines has said that his art is heavily influenced by the contrasting elements of the city and rural farmland. This is demonstrated by the swirling redwood of barn door panels as well as the pristine locks of an apartment building in Cleveland. These elements are very personal to the artist himself because of his experiences as a child as well as an adult. Choosing to see the beauty in unloved things, Bret Hines transforms ordinary objects into captivating art, with a few modifications.
Chandra Peterson – Wood Carver Artists
Chandra Peterson Fan Carving Birds
Chandra has been a fan-carver for about three years. She wasn’t even aware of this style of carving until three years ago when her husband received a fan bird as a gift. She was intrigued by it. With a little research, she located a wonderful couple that invited her into their shop. They taught her the art of carving, fed her, and sent her merrily on her way home! She hasn’t stopped carving since that day. Her particular style of carving originated from ancient Eastern European folk art. Each piece is hand-carved from a single piece of white cedar. No glue or staples are used in her designs. Chandra’s repertoire of birds include hummingbirds, love birds, peacocks, red cardinals and black crows. It is a family operation with her husband Dave, as the backbone of her business, along with the support of her two beautiful daughters, ages 12 and 14. “My family is my proudest creation,” says Chandra.