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Alden-Roach, Priscilla – The Decorative Arts have been with us since the dawn of time. Priscilla has interpreted this art form in her own special way, as her creations, Priscilla’s Painted Originals, captivatingly express. Practicing in the foothills of Northern California, her work exhibits a masterful blend of tradition, whimsy and the delightful inspirations of her beautiful natural surroundings. Each piece is designed and hand painted by the artist. All paints are water based and food safe, and are finished with several coats of smooth, durable finish. Shop Priscilla’s Work. | |
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Berner, Marc – Marc has been involved with woodworking for 26 years. Being a consultant for the industry, he has had the opportunity to lecture throughout the United States on the art of miniature turning. Pen making allows him to express his passion through the characteristically different species of woods and colored acrylics. Because Marc turns each pen by hand, you will not find any two alike. Shop Marc’s Work » | |
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Butler, Judy – Judy refers to herself as a mild mannered high school art teacher who greatly enjoys the spontaneous combustion of ideas that can occur in the art room…teenagers can be so much fun and have enormous enthusiasm. This excitement during the day is something that carries her into the night and weekends with creating in fused glass. She loves the color, the transparency and the unpredictable challenges of glass. Each time she opens the kiln, she experiences the delight and joy of a child on Christmas. Years of studying and her BFA in art have helped Judy focus on the unique design elements that glass can present, in addition to providing a canvas for her quirky sense of humor (hence the aptly named “Quirky Creations”) that can be worn as jewelry or proudly displayed in the home. Shop Judy’s Work » | |
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Carnes, Larry - As a Master Potter, many of Larry’s feelings and convictions that guide his life are also used in his work. He has Native American heritage, and therefore a philosophy of respect and appreciation of the world around him…people, animals, plants and the earth. His works are created around particular forms of a sphere; the never ending circle of life and all we do evolves. His training in cartooning, animation, industrial design and ceramics, combined with a love of early man and his art, have contributed to his direction and techniques in clay as a medium of expression. Shop Larry’s Work » | |
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Cooke, Robert – Robert is a free lance journalist, author and photographer. After a 40-year career as a newspaper reporter/writer, focusing on science and medicine, as well as authoring three books (“Improving on Nature, the Brave New World of Genetic Engineering;” “Earthfire, the Eruption of Mount St. Helens,” and “Doctor Folkman’s War, Angiogenesis and the Struggle to Defeat Cancer”), he has renewed his long-standing interest in photography. Although still writing specialty articles, his retirement has given him the time to travel in search of beautiful images – a partial list includes India, Greece, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Peru and the Galapagos Islands, China, Tuscany, Bar Harbor, Maine and, most recently, Southwest Africa. Whew…this is retirement?!? Fortunately for us, his renewed interest in photography is our gain! Shop Robert’s Work » |
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Delehanty, Sandy – According to Sandy, “it’s all about the light.” Since her inspiration comes from patterns of light and shadow everywhere, her sketch book and camera are never far from reach. Having won national and international awards, Sandy is well known in her Northern California community, and since art is such an important, fulfilling part of her life, she makes sure to pass that love along by teaching classes and workshops in the area, even taking students on overseas excursions. In addition to continuing her support and membership in local Arts, and Watercolor and Oil Painters associations, Sandy’s short and long term plans? More of the same…continue exploring and painting. Shop Sandy’s Work » | |
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Douglas, Jody – Originally from Alabama, Jody has had the pleasure of living in many states over the years, the last 20 in California, and all the beauty she has experienced in her travels has contributed to her beautiful art. Painting since the mid 1970’s, Jody specializes in oils in landscapes and still lifes. She continues to stretch herself creatively by participating in painting expeditions, drawing inspiration from each location. Not content to box herself in artistically, Jody’s second love is singing, performing solos in a variety of genres including rock and roll, pop, and hits from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s in annual shows organized by her community. Shop Jody’s Work » | |
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Filderman, Bob – Since 1981, Bob has indulged his passion for engraving, utilizing many different materials. His variety of etched glass creations over the years has run the gamut from transforming hand-drawn personal sketches provided by home owners into works of art on the panes of the doors in their new custom homes, to the intricate cutting of a state flower onto a beautiful vase. Bob’s methods also incorporate stone work, and his reflective etched garden tiles are currently being offered on our web site. Shop Bob’s Work » | |
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Filderman, Linda – A natural progression from her previous business making window treatments and bedding for high-end local clientele, Linda’s “green” market bags are filling a need and are planet-friendly. Her laptop sleeve designs then took shape at the request of a friend who admired the market bags and the rest, as they say, is history. As long as her love of design and fabrics is satisfied (passed down from grandmother and mother), she’s in a good place! Shop Linda’s Work » | |
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Foster, Chris – Perfect lettering is not her goal. Chris uses calligraphy in her art with the hope of evoking a response in the viewer that hits home about who they are and what they want to accomplish. Pondering personal goals, she feels it takes courage to pursue the most difficult of visions. Courage, journeys, and listening to one’s inner voice are recurring themes in her paintings. She works intuitively, and when she interprets the text (albeit illegible at times), it may become just a texture in the composition. This is where modern calligraphy differs from that of the monks. The Biblical manuscripts required the scribes to be slaves to the text. Today’s calligraphy is typical of what is called modern expressive calligraphy, and Chris’ vision is that we may see more of this type of calligraphic fine art in galleries and museums. Shop Chris’ Work » | |
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Givon, Karin – Being a potter for 42 years (in between raising five children) has allowed Karin to indulge her passion for ceramics, which has been her abiding love since first using a potter’s wheel. Karin (aka Dancing Dragon Pottery) says she feels both ancient and renewed when making pots – the throwing and carving process has become far more that merely a physical or even a creative act…it is her spiritual center, a means of staying in touch with her core. Karin knows without a doubt that she’ll always have her hands in clay. She fervently hopes all her friends and patrons partake in some of the pleasure of using her pots, as she has been lucky enough to experience in making them! Shop Karin’s Work » | |
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Hier, Marge – Marge is one of (giftsEclectic owner) Mary Beth’s Newcastle neighbors, who saw some of her work and cajoled her into including it on the site for all to appreciate. Marge’s love of knitting began at an early age. She doesn’t remember exactly when she started to knit, but thinks it was at least 64 years ago! Projects started with the standard kitchen potholder and snazzy argyle socks, graduating over time to beautiful sweaters, vests, hats and soft, comfy afghans. She even knitted a dress once, however, it was rapidly given away after her husband said it looked “frumpy.” Marge proudly wears her label, the KNewcastle Knitter, well, and the needles keep clicking. Shop Marge’s Work » | |
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Imm, Kevin – An accomplished Northern California glass artist, Kevin (creative amphibian behind Froggy Style Glass Art), has been working with Boral Silica glass for over ten years. Tie that to his fascination with frogs, and an inspiration is born…forming these unique creatures into a sequence of presentations. “Frogs on Ice” is representative of one of these series – frogs perched precariously on ice cubes. The little jumpers are named to best depict his or her personality, and each clever sculpture is one-of-a-kind, signed and numbered. Ribbit! Shop Kevin’s Work » | |
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Imm, Richard – For over 25 years Richard, aka Buffalo Glass, has taught glass art at a Northern California high school, including stained glass creations, kiln formed glass, the production of glass beads, fusing glass and etching, as well as the design and formation of jewelry…all stunning and uniquely striking disciplines. Over time, other faculty members, his students and their parents convinced Richard to offer some of his glass art for the rest of us to admire and acquire, particularly his slumped glass candle holders, a favorite among collectors of his pieces. Travels to Ireland with his wife, Patricia (an important contributor to and participant in the cause) have provided much inspiration in his creative methods, to which we say, Erin go braugh! Shop Richard’s Work » | |
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Inman, Joanne – Joanne has been involved in many forms of art for most of her 77 years, from an early interest in crayons and coloring books, to today’s main love painting porcelain. Her various artistic pursuits over the years have included stained glass, watercolors, graphics, hand painting of murals and basins for homes, writing songs, poems, and note cards. She has also taught porcelain painting from her studio over the past 25 years. Joanne has a full life, and is truly grateful for her many blessings. Shop Joanne’s Work » | |
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Johnson, Don – Initially exposed to working with clay in junior high, it would be during his higher education years that Don would more seriously continue his zeal for the medium within a commercial pottery setting, while training as a lab technician for the college at the same time. In the late 1970s, Don owned and operated a production studio, creating different types of functional ware for retail stores. His path then led to a career in the computer industry while raising a family. Fast forward to 1999, a reconnection with his college ceramics mentor, and the rest, as they say, is history. At first, he concentrated on various techniques to produce large pots and table bases limited in size solely by his kiln. To set his work apart, he specialized in combining multiple clay bodies to yield a marbled effect in order to exhibit the natural colors of the clay. Currently, in addition to mixed clay pieces, he also creates Thin Shell Saggar, Raku and functional ware (which frequently incorporates the use of multiple glazes and under glazes to achieve those gorgeous specific effects we drool over!). Shop Don’s Work » |
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Johnson, Kris – Kris’ journey as a professional and award-winning artist began as a weaver of woven wall pieces, utilizing a wide variety of materials in their creation. Weaving with traditional wool, cotton and rayon, she also incorporates wire, plastic and fishing line to add both structure and interest to her designs. In addition to creating woven wall works for commission and gallery exhibitions, Kris produces a limited number of hand woven scarves (some hand dyed), which feed her need to utilize beautiful draping and diverse fibers. She is currently working with more than 125 different colors of silk, having designed and sold over 400 originals since she actively began showing in 2003. Her silks on canvas allow her to use different weights and weaves of silk, adding individual strips for a dimensional appearance. Kris says that she is captivated by fiber as a means of artistic expression, and loves playing with color, utilizing the wonderful palette available only through hand dying to create her art. Shop Kris’ Work » | |
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Johnson, Teal – Nepotism is alive and well, folks! Teal happens to be a younger sister of Mary Beth, co-owner of giftsEclectic.com. Not to worry…the kid definitely has talent. Her photographs are a personal expression of her eye for the unusual, the amusing, the striking. She’s quite the traveler, and loves scouting new locations for that perfect unexpected shot that’s calling her name. And, realizing that presentation is crucial, her carefully chosen coordinated mattes and frames complete the “picture.” As a bonus, since she lives in San Francisco, many of her photos feature clearly recognizable landmarks of the region. Shop Teal’s Work » | |
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Lay, Helen – A California native, Helen worked for many years (29 to be exact!) at Sierra Nevada Hospital, the last sixteen as a Nurse Auditor. Before officially retiring in December of 2009, she had begun searching for that ‘certain something’ to keep her active and engaged (versus the old rocking chair on the porch scenario). About five years ago, she started knitting felted hats and purses, and her Butterfly Knits business was born. As a natural progression, her journey of learning to weave came about two years ago with the purchase of a floor loom. Helen’s love of colorful yarn, along with the excitement it brings when she creates a one-of-a-kind piece, results in a win for both designer and recipient! Shop Helen’s Work » | |
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Love, Lorelee – After taking a clay class in college 25 years ago, Lorelee was immediately hooked. The process has been so enjoyable over the years, she continued to take classes (even branching out into creating sculptures), but lessons with other artists are the real reward. Lorelee has found that Raku firing brings out the most pleasing colors of the glaze. She mixes her own glazes and the results are different every time. Her carved leaves give those pieces an earthy look, and in other works, her thin layer of clay draped over a tall vase is reminiscent of a free-flowing, iridescent scarf when completed. The public is drawn to Raku fired pieces for the colors that can be achieved only through this unique process; for Lorelee, though, it’s the pleasure of the journey of her art, and creating with her hands what’s in her mind. Shop Lorelee’s Work » | |
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Moore, KC – An award-winning artist who is collected all over America, KC’s work is most described by two words: color and movement. Her art includes oils, acrylics, multi-media and special effects, and she often focuses on an emotion, concept or theory and uses vibrant color, the layering of contrasting or supporting hues and textures…virtually anything that formulates the excitement of life. KC feels that the duty of an artist is to bring Beauty and Joy to the World, with the challenges and possibilities truly unlimited! To quote a Gallery owner in which some of her works are on display, “From still life to surreal…every piece is unique and original.” Prints are available of any of KC’s original works through giftsEclectic.com. Shop KC’s Work » |
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Ranlett, Ann – Ann is an artist and illustrator specializing in pet and animal subjects as well as nature illustrations. The combination of her love of animals and science (she has a degree in biology) allows her to create particularly detailed works, however, she also enjoys working more loosely on brightly colored subjects (as in her “Paintings With Petzazz” approach). Ann works in a variety of media, depending on the subject and emotion she wants to portray; watercolor on Yupo (a synthetic paper), scratchboard and pencil are among of her favorites. Ann benefits from her years of experience as an accomplished photographer by taking nearly all of her own reference photos, and always has an eye out for those unique perspectives offered by nature and its inhabitants.Shop Ann’s Work » | |
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Rawlins, Pat – As a plumber for the past 35 years, Pat has worked with and has a considerable appreciation for all things copper. Finally, about eight years ago, he decided to put this passion to good use by taking leftover scrap metal and creating copper and yard art (and thus launching his Clipper Gap Copper Mine). One particularly spectacular example of his craft is a copper lighthouse (shown in his biography photo), which is taller than he is and won Best of Show at the 2009 Gold County Fair – it is an absolute showpiece! When he has time, Pat’s favorite leisure activity is mountain biking, but we’re hoping he’ll forego the leisure and just keep us supplied with amazing copper art pieces! Shop Pat’s Work » | |
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Rigdon, Sharon – Sharon is a Northern California native and currently resides in the Sierra Nevada foothills. After a long career at AT&T, she retired to open a business where she could indulge her passion for gorgeous fabrics and sewing. She has amassed thousands of pieces of beautiful fabric and embellishments, and dreams nightly of creative ways to put them together. A custom seamstress, Sharon delights in making mostly one-of-a-kind items, and her expansive range covers home decorating items (pillows, kitchen and dining linens, bedding, window treatments and cushions), clothing (unique jackets, vests and tunics for women), machine embroidery, including monogramming, plus miscellaneous gift items like fabric bowls. Shop Sharon’s Work » | |
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Scotti, Donna – Having always had a desire to make jewelry, Donna creates her artwork almost wholly from natural objects. She also enjoys taking antique pieces, reworking them and giving them new life as part of a beautiful piece of jewelry. Day Dreams by Donna came into being because her inspirations usually came to her while she was involved in something else. She lays out her creations on a board, then starts with the earrings to be certain the combinations will appear as she had imagined. Her true love is to combine colors, shapes, textures and materials, utilizing gems, pearls, shells, amber, coral and bone as her paint to create beautiful wearable canvases. Donna would be happy to make custom pieces by request. Shop Donna’s Work » |
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Stepp, Jenny – As an award-winning Glass and Metal Artist, Jenny attributes her inspiration to her strong interest in visual arts and inner-contemplation, nicely complementing a frequent theme in her work: change…as a physical manifestation or as a result of personal spiritual reflection. She began offering her works for sale in 2006 via independent art studio tours, and in local design and art galleries. Soon after, she submitted her pieces to a variety of juried art shows, quickly earning her first “Honorable Mention” award, and she continues to garner success in this arena. Jenny also teaches glass art classes out of her studio, knowing she has found her true calling with this student feedback: “I look forward to art therapy in your classes.” Well said…we can all use some beautiful therapy in our lives. Shop Jenny’s Work » |
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Vetter, Jeanette – Creating with crochet is Jeanette’s love. With a family history in sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting, the appreciation for these skills was passed down from generation to generation in her family. From sewing most of her clothes in high school to knitting sweaters and vests for family and friends, Jeanette’s designs eventually gave way to a wide variety of woolens, including afghans, baby blankets, hats and scarves. Her thoughts then began branching out, hence the warm and cuddly doggie sweaters. As a long-time lover of pups, this seemed like a logical step, but Jeanette, never one to stall creatively, is constantly coming up with new ideas for her next crowning achievement, so stay tuned! Shop Jeanette’s Work » |
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Wild Mountain Lilac – Created by friends and owners Juliann Bryan and Marci Villanueva (who’ve known each other for 30 years!), Wild Mountain Lilac Bath and Soapworks is dedicated to creating luxurious, unique and affordable bath and body products. Everything is vegetable based, no animal products, no detergent irritants, and they test on themselves before offering items for sale. From their unique solid lotion bars to hand-crafted soaps to effervescent bath bombs, they want their products to delight, relax and re-energize all who buy them! Shop Wild Mountain Lilac’s Work » | |
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Wilson, Cheryl – According to Cheryl, “a painting is so much more than a picture of something.” Truer words were never spoken. Although she always attempts to paint as accurately as she can, as the process continues, Cheryl also feels it’s important to express something besides a record of the object itself. For her, the paint has as much character as her subjects do, and she works diligently to get both right. As she explains it, there is a physical dance-like aspect to the brushwork that must happen when the paint is alive and cannot be applied at a later time. The result is loosely rendered broad strokes, regardless of the subject or its size. Cheryl loves the wonderful satisfaction brought by working with the paint, helping it to express itself. Shop Cheryl’s Work » | |
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Zine, Bonnie – Bonnie originally got into ceramics after taking a class 40 years ago. Since then, she has loved everything about the entire process, from taking a piece of blank greenware to hand painting, firing, and glazing…producing a unique finished product. The desire to continue learning lead to more classes on different painting and glazing techniques, and she eventually became a certified ceramics instructor. Her childhood love of tea parties with Grandma evolved into a grownup passion for tea and all that goes along with it. Tapping into her ceramics background, and voila…her line of teapots and tea accessories was born. Not content to just produce something nice to look at, all of Bonnie’s teapots and related items are 100% usable, and are food and dishwasher safe. The tea lover in your life is bound to find that perfect something! Shop Bonnie’s Work » |