Flow Gallery is always excited to welcome a new artist into the gallery. Lauren recently the opportunity to photograph Kim Beller for an article in Asheville Made’s October 2022 issue. That brought this painter and mixed media artist to the other partners’ attention. You can read the article here and stop in the gallery to check out her paintings in person.
Have you seen the Fall/Winter issue of the Madison County Visitors’ Guide? The cover art is one of Flow partner, Lauren Rutten’s tree pictures. She’s been photographing this particular tree for 3 years and ventures out at all hours to create her images. Check out this shot that was made on the Winter Solstice.
cover art by Susan McChesney
You’ve probably spotted the spring/summer issue of the Madison County Visitor's Guide with this gorgeous artwork by Flow artist and Marshall resident, Susan McChesney. It’s hard not to fall in love with Susan’s work from looking at this cover. Pick up a copy around town and check out all that’s happening in MadCo this season.
Perhaps you’ve noticed a new friendly face welcoming you at the gallery recently. Susan McChesney, has been assisting the Flow partners during the busy holiday season and we are so grateful for her enthusiasm in the shop. There’s so much we are learning about her pressed flower art, known as oshibana, which you can discover both in the gallery and via this link to read the article in Asheville Made. And if you’re a bride, Susan also turns bouquets into a beautiful memento of that special day.
In a recent Asheville Made feature story, Ruby Bock shares some thoughts on her creative process and the materials she enjoys working with. Ruby’s no-nonsense approach to creating allows her pieces to evolve in unexpected and delightful ways. You get the sense that nothing is ever wasted, whether Ruby is creating a wall hanging, decorative pillow, her signature cards, or those tiny books that are just the right size for jotting down whatever inspires you. Check out the article in Asheville Made.
Long time Flow artist, Nina Kawar was recently profiled in Asheville Made Magazine. As soon as you enter our gallery you will likely notice her striking porcelain sculptures near the front desk. These hand-carved organic forms Nina says is “speaking to… fragility and temporality, but also resilience — and porcelain is very strong, like ourselves.” Check out the article here.
Flow Partner and professional photographer, Lauren Rutten was assigned a recent photoshoot by the folks at Carolina Home + Garden Magazine. One of the benefits of meeting regional artists is the opportunity to discover new talent and introduce them to our Flow customers. We absolutely love the hand-forged knives and tools that Jasper creates and are thrilled to invite him to show his work in our gallery. Jasper is young and passionate about his knife-making skills. You can read more about him in this article.
And when you are shopping for the perfect gift for your favorite chef or bbq lover, be sure to stop in the gallery to feel one of his knives in your hand. Be careful though… they are very very sharp!
Putting The Statement Back In Statement Jewelry
Flow welcomed local metalsmith Amanda Ray Dank of Lost Cover Jewelry to the gallery in 2021. You can read all about her work in a recent cover article in Asheville Made Magazine, as well as a feature in Carolina Home + Garden Magazine. Amanda creates modern brass jewelry and housewares that have both an edgy and elegant style. Bold, humorous, and functional… we think you’re going to love her work.
If you happen to be strolling along Main Street in downtown Marshall, check out the colorful table that's likely to brighten your day. We've revamped a corner of the gallery to feature the work of artist Valerie Berlage, who makes her art in her Leicester, NC home workshop. She's been working solely in wood since 2014. What's remarkable about Valerie's work is the refined attention to detail she gives to every piece she creates, whether a side table, mirror, trinket box, or earrings. Below we share a little more of the creative life she lives. We hope you enjoy getting to know Valerie and her woodwork.
When did you first realize you’re an artist?
In first or second grade we had to create an oil pastel drawing of a clown. I remember there was a boy in my class who had such genuine admiration for what I had created. He thought my drawing was awesome, called me some type of a real artist, and when someone else went to touch it, he exclaimed, “No! You’ll smear it!" I think he was probably the first person outside of my family to call me an artist, and that kind of solidified, for me, my identity. It made my heart sing. I loved being able to create something that brought that type of joy to another person.
Who were the people that helped you the most on your creative path?
My family has been one of the biggest driving forces propelling me down this path. Not only by teaching me art/craft at a young age, but they have always believed in and encouraged me. Their support has been invaluable, and really helped foster my creativity. My friend and mentor, Chris Kamm. His advice, “I’d keep going if I were you,” often rings in my ear. And, the amazing wood instructor at HCC, Brian Wurst, who often told us, “Every mistake is a design opportunity.” (Although, some days I could do with a few less design opportunities.)
Where do you draw your influences or inspirations from?
Locally, it began when I enrolled in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College, continued to grow when I moved to Leicester and got involved with the Leicester Artists Association, and grew even more when I was juried into the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Through shared meals, collaborations, working together on committees, art/craft fairs, exhibitions and events, etc. Social media, and specifically Instagram, has been a great way to connect with a much larger community, too. I have been able to meet fantastic artists, not only in WNC, but all over the world.
What challenges are you currently facing? & What are you looking forward to?
Too many ideas, not enough time.
I'm looking forward to the next project. There’s always something I would change about what I’m working on, or do differently, some new idea, and so I’m always looking forward to the next piece.
Thank you to Valerie for giving us a little glimpse into your creative practice.
You may have met Joanne in the past if you frequent some of the art fairs in our region. And if you visited Flow during this pandemic time, you probably noticed the darling masks she's been making for our customers. We'll let Joanne tell you more about her background and where she draws inspiration from.
Are you comfortable with that title, Artist?
The term artist has different meanings to different people. I am happy with defining myself as a maker. I make whatever that comes to mind and try not to limit myself with boundaries.
How long have you been practicing your current art form(s)?
I have been drawing, painting and beading on and off since I was a teenager but began sewing and crocheting for just about 7 years. Working with clay is a pretty recent interest of mine, starting around 3 months ago.
Tell us about you and your creative life.
I try to utilize as many repurposed materials as possible and donate what I cannot use. The phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure" really resonates with me. It's not only that I am recycling while create some of my work, I am thinking outside the box and recognizing purposes and beauty in unexpected places.
What does a typical day of making look like?
I spend 45 min in the morning to map out the course of the day. I work with several materials such as paint, clay, silver, fabric, and beads so it is important for me to use my time wisely. I normally focus on one medium from several days to a couple of weeks and switch to another. While I am working, I always listen to audio books; novels, fictions, non fictions, and self help. The books help me focus and expand my mind. Several days a week, I go to second hand shops and estate sales. I get a lot of ideas of from vintage knick knacks and discarded materials.
Where do you draw your influences or inspirations from?
Vintage knick knacks, faces, nature, thrift shops, travels, textiles especially Japanese Boro Boro textile. I love objects that have grids, age and characters.
What's the best criticism you've ever received?
I once received an advice rather than a criticism that I found very helpful. Each item I make is representation of my craftsmanship. No matter how small the item is, I should always do my best.
Who were the people that helped you the most on your creative path?
My sister Becky, who offered her unconditional support with my career choices and reassured me that everything will be alright. Rocky Kenworthy, my partner in life who volunteered many early mornings to be my roadie when I needed to set up countless festivals near and far. My artist friend Betsy Kendrick who showed me how to think outside the box.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Space and time management. I work at home because I want to keep my overhead low and also limit the energy that takes to commute. My living area is completely saturated with my work and supplies. My hope is that a studio garage will magically appear one day along with an attached greenhouse, where my work and plants will live happily. There never seems to be enough time in the day to do everything I want.
What are you looking forward to?
Life is always changing so I am just going where the wind blows in most part. Lately I have been making absract "crazy quilts" from scraps of fabric. A quilt offers comfort and warmth, it is extra special when it is composed with scraps because it symbolizes that I don't take anything for granted and treasure all the small things in life.
Thanks to Joanne for sharing a small window into her creative life. Be sure to stop by the gallery to see the variety of beautiful things she creates.
Flow partner and artisan wood worker, Connie Molland was featured in the July issue of Asheville Made. Connie is the partner who has been at Flow from nearly its inception and curated our 10th Anniversary Exhibition in 2020.
”Slow Craft Equaled Big Change For Late-Career Woodworker”
Flow artist Kathy Goodson was featured in the December issue of Carolina Home & Garden
When The Current Shifts
Hours & Location
Flow’s Current Hours:
Wed - Sat : 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Jan thru Mar : Wed - Sat
Apr thru Dec : Tues - Sat
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
or by appointment
PO BOX 923
14 Main Street
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649 - 1686
flowmarshall@gmail.com
Powered by Squarespace.
