Gallery Shop Artisans
2024
Ashley Look
Coral Springs, FL
Ashley is a self-proclaimed addict to spoon carving and bread baking. Starting in culinary school Ashley worked for the Sea Education Association and sailed all around the world cooking meals for the crew aboard a double-masted brigantine ship. Her next position on land was as a retreat chef with the Center for Whole Communities at Knoll Farm in Waitsfield, VT. While there, at the urging of the center, she learned the art of spoon carving. One day, Ashley was asked if she would teach a bread class to the visiting participants. The active process of making dough engaged the participants for a matter of minutes but waiting for the dough to rise required several hours. During that downtime, she noticed the participants would gravitate towards carving their spoons. About a week or so later, she was again asked to teach a bread-baking class. It was during that second class that she recognized the relationship between bread baking and spoon making. Both were crafts of time, and both were working with the grain. It was very much an ah-ha moment. “I’m going to teach the tactile art of flour and wood through courses and workshops called Grain & Grain.”
About a year into this dream, both of her parents got sick, and Ashley had to abruptly transition to South Florida to assist with their care. They both suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia and required constant supervision to ensure their safety. “Stripped of all that I was hoping to become, I recoiled into my craft as a form of therapy. Spoon carving, and bread baking both required time and it appeared that amid all that was lost in my new life as a caregiver, time would be my one true companion.”
Ashley is most known for carving wooden spoons. “As much as I enjoy creating them, I really enjoy teaching others how to make them. The spoons especially fill me with gratification. To know that I have created something beautiful as well as functional is very gratifying. And to also know that they came from the earth and return without harm actually blows my mind.”
Then Hurricane Irma hit. Fronds were everywhere but so were whole trees. The devastation to the landscape lined the streets and remained for weeks until the city could manage to haul it away.
“My mom had passed away by that point but I was still caring for my father, and although he couldn’t speak very well he was relatively mobile. We spent the days following the hurricane driving around collecting any available Florida Mahogany that I could fit in my car. It was a terrible time for the community struggling in the aftermath, but for us, it proved to be an opportunity. We helped clear debris and salvaged the wood for spoons.”
Ausrine Kerr
Evanston, IL/ Hana, HI
Born in Lithuania, Ausrine Kerr is a multidisciplinary artist working across multiple media: painting, fiber, and clay. Ausrine addresses her ceramics as if they were three-dimensional canvas. Her process allows the shape to inform the surface. Aesthetic decisions come to her by the way of her other practices. Her lines and images from printmaking, her color palette from her European classically-trained painter’s eye, while the vessel’s sensual surfaces echo the touch and feel of her masterly felting practice.
Ausrine graduated with a Master’s degree in art education from the Art Academy of Lithuania in 1985. Afterward, she began teaching gifted children at the Children’s Art School of Lithuania. She emigrated to the US in 1995 where she taught in the Chicago Public Schools “Young Rembrandts” after-school program. She opened her studio practice with the Fine Art of Leather in Evanston in 1999. Eventually expanding her private space into a combined teaching studio and an art gallery, Ausrine’s Art Room. She graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 2016 and has since divided her time between Hana, Hawaii, and Evanston, Illinois.
“I am always ready for a change, three-dimensional constructions fascinate my imagination as well as wall hangings. Some of my pieces are functional but I also allow the material I fashion to become an abstract work in itself. Sets of sculptured boxes are often more like a play with geometric shapes than a simple irregular form. The excitement lies in predicting, what comes next. Lately, I started to play with various tools and styles of art, that way I can ascribe each piece its own personal and unique look.”
Bent & Bree
Boca Raton, FL
Bent & Bree is an eco-friendly and sustainable luxury brand of bags and accessories made of genuine cork. Peta approved and woman-owned by Helena Silva.
It all started with a diaper bag! “The first time I became a parent, I had a difficult time finding eco-friendly and stylish products, including a diaper bag. Everything out there had bunnies, teddy-bears, and was made from toxic materials. Years later, when I became pregnant with my second child, I still felt frustrated. The designs were nicer but still made from materials that were not only toxic but harsh on the environment such as leather and PVC. So, I decided to design my own “diaper bag” made from Cork, one of the most sustainable and natural materials in the world, that consists of 7 fantastic pockets to hold everything from baby bottles to wipes.” Today, it is still her favorite bag, a best seller, and is used as her business bag to hold iPad, notebooks, water bottles, sunglasses, and everything else!
Cork has certainly gained much popularity over the years, especially since Portugal has become a popular tourist destination. Portugal is not only the largest producer of cork but also has the best cork material due to its perfect Mediterranean climate. Cork is one of the most sustainable materials in the world because trees are not cut down and the bark regenerates every 9 years. “We embraced cork because it is all-natural, vegan, and one of the most versatile and sustainable materials in the world. We not only offer you the finest vegan products, but we also create pieces that reveal comfort, function, and style. Years later, we still feel the same way and are aware that many of you share the same feelings.”
Bent & Bree is a brand inspired by LOVE, nature, imagination, and a desire to provide unique and stylish planet-friendly products. The softness, natural texture, and versatility of cork allows for the creation of amazing fabrics that can be embossed, printed, laser cut, perforated, and embroidered. Most importantly, cork is one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Extracted from the Cork Oak, it is the only tree that regenerates itself after each harvest, doing no harm to the tree. Cork Oaks grow naturally with no pesticides, watering, or pruning. Our goal was to create amazing products that don’t harm our precious ones or the planet. Our products are made of cork fabric that is all-natural (vegan), recyclable, and reusable contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable society. It simply is nature’s most futuristic achievement.
“Initially, we started by attending small local events and trade shows. I still remember the day that we got our first order and the joy felt! Today, we still participate in these events because we love the interaction with customers. This allows us to design and develop better styles. It’s quite satisfying to know that our brand can be found in several boutiques throughout the country.
We initially launched in 2016 with handbags and jewelry. Today, we have expanded into home accessories, focusing more on the hospitality industry. We are on a mission to substitute all that is plastic with cork! Many of our designs include ice buckets, serving trays, tissue box holders, and trash bins that can be found in hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.”
The company was created on the basis of love and wanting to provide a better universe for our children. The founder, Helena named the company after her children BENT (Bentley) and BREE.
Chelsea Stahl
Coral Springs, FL
“I love using my camera to capture the world around me and share what I see with others. I hope you enjoy my collection of mandalas. Each was created from an original photograph of nature. This collection is called “Meditation of Nature”. It is a symbolic blending of my love of nature, photography and yoga. These photographic mandalas are full of intricate shapes and vibrant colors. They are incredibly fun to create and beautiful to wear!”
Cheryl Brown
Oakland Park, FL
“The first time I touched clay, I knew I had found my calling. Since the early 1980s, my work has been defined by themes of ritual and ceremony, including exploration of the Japanese Tea Ceremony and primitive pit firing, in pieces like Coffee to Go, or my large-scale installation Celebration of Life, mirroring a funerary tomb. Influenced by years of international travels and living abroad, I realized that most cultures have more similarities than differences. Whether I am creating a vessel or working abstractly, the common denominator is marked by that which mankind has in common.
My art employs a controlled, yet random, manipulation of the clay in various states of plasticity that defines the form and reveals innate tactile traits. What happens when I slap a wet slab of clay on a thirsty plaster bat, or when my fingers pinch and prod the surface of an overly dry lump of terracotta? What can I do with the bits and pieces of clay salvaged from the work at large? Can they become an integral and creative part of the finished product? While symmetrical wheel thrown ceramics can be altered, the spontaneity of hand building empowers me to explore and celebrate the “perfection of imperfection.”
Each piece is driven by the clay’s characteristic qualities. I stretch wet slabs to their limit, watching as the spontaneously embedded texture fuses with the shape. Sometimes these shapes are torqued or twisted to create abstracted organic forms. Other times the long ribbons of textured slabs are utilized much like coils, building up an organic form or vessel, creating multiple layers of textured surface, or simply using bare slabs as a canvas where applied textures come alive. The spiral motif is often repeated throughout my work representing the path leading from outer consciousness to the inner soul.”
Cheryl works under her business Cielo Clayworks handbuilding earthenware structures and vessels, forming slabs by hand, texturing clay, creating and applying glazes, sharing ceramic knowledge with others, mentoring teen artists, curating exhibits, and advocating for arts and education.
Colors Of The Yarn
Hollywood, FL
Kyra Tennell says, “My family and I moved to Hollywood, Florida in March 2020. During Covid, I decided to pick up my crochet hook again because life was slowing down. I learned to crochet as a teenager and fell in love with the therapeutic effect of creation. I love to create my patterns making each piece unique and special. I can make a variety of items ranging from home décor, stuffed animals, bags, bathroom essentials and blankets. I hope you enjoy my collections.”
Daphne Essiet
Coral Springs, FL/ Harlem, NY
Artist Daphne Essiet describes herself as an Afropean multidisciplinary artist. Self-taught, Essiet, is of Nigerian heritage. She was born in Los Angeles, raised in the South of France, and settled down in Harlem.
“I enjoy expressing myself through music, visual art, and poetry/writing. Over the years, I have enjoyed experimenting with different styles and mediums (and I still do) as well as trying different art practices. So far, it has been an amazing journey.
Inspired by seeing herself reflected in the work of poets like Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni, Essiet celebrates the beauty of black womanhood and embraces the power of self-belonging in her visual and literary work. Her projects range from penning poetry and lyrics to painting, drawing, and graphic design. After graduating from Brooklyn College and earning a degree in Music Recording Technology, Daphne tried her hand in the corporate world before devoting her full-time energy to art. Daphne’s attention to detail and line, and frequent use of gold ink in her intricately rendered paintings and drawings bring to mind the opulence and lushness of works by Gustav Klimt. Her dream-like rendering of Egypt, portraits of powerful women, and abstract paintings of circles and dots explore spiritual and metaphysical themes that emphasize connectedness. “I employ vibrant colors, repetition, and energetic patterns to mimic the balance between life’s simplicity and complexity. By infusing my imagery with a sense of joy and love, my work invites viewers to heal by connecting with those qualities in themselves. My abstract work was born of my own desire for harmony and healing meditative practice to manage chronic stress and the weight of institutional sexism and racism. They are a limitless way to express my multicultural background. When it comes to my figurative pieces, I focus on celebrating black and brown women like myself and lend my gift to uplift and better my community. I love colors, and freedom and I am proud of sharing my passion with those that enjoy the same thing.”
Diane Lublinski
Pembroke Pines, FL
Diane was born in New York City and grew up in South Florida where she continues to make her home. Born of Cuban Spanish parents she had a rich multicultural upbringing, and that cultured history makes an appearance in each piece she creates. After 17 years of painting professionally, Diane took an introductory ceramics class just for fun. “I fell in love with clay the first time I touched it. I immediately knew I had found my medium. Within 2 years I had stopped painting and was making sculptures. Clay has been my passion ever since.”
Drawn to the figurative form, Lublinski is influenced by a childhood love of fantasy, expressing the absurdity of things while drawing influence from unexpected sources like the lyrics of music and nursery rhymes. Telling her story in clay, she uses symbols and shapes hidden in her work to honor my people, my family, and my friends. “I wanted to tell the story of me—who I am, who I came from, what I love, what I think about. As a teenager, I used to fantasize about standing on the roof of my house and shouting my story out to the world. And now, because I work in clay, I tell the story with my most important tool, my hands. Here is my rooftop—I stand on my clay.”
My father was a woodworker; I use his tools to make impressions. My mother’s jewelry, the drawings my brother sent me as a child, and years later the drawing made by my youngest grandson have all become molded applications. The stars are a reference to family. My fascination with the ocean produces seashells, fish, and coral. Diane is surrounded by the ocean in Florida, yet she doesn’t swim or go to the beach. Her muse lives in another world, the world under the sea. The beauty of coral reefs and sea life fascinates her. Her ocean-themed figures have the barnacles of her life attached. The creatures represent my fears. The tags with words and phrases are the thoughts I do not say out loud. The warriors’ armor is a reference to the way I shield myself from the insensitivity of others. All small parts of my life, all with some meaning to me, and so I tell my story in clay.
“My father was born in Cuba and came to New York at about 20 years of age. He met my widowed mother, married her, and I was born there. Our family moved to Miami when I was five. My father was very talented and he developed a booming woodworking business. We were not close, as he seemed cold and distant to me, but my mother and I had a warm and loving relationship. She often wore a heart-shaped pendant with a pretty design on a chain. After her death, I missed her so much and I wanted to honor her, so I used her heart pendant in a casting process so I could include it in my sculpture. From there it grew into the use of all kinds of hearts, they all came to represent her, as well. As an adult, I worked for my father for 10 years. He died 13 years ago and I inherited many of his tools. In spite of our poor relationship, I choose to honor him by using his tools to impress into clay, the results of which remind me of flowers. Fitting, I think, because flowers can represent a wide range of emotions. Friendship, jealousy, infidelity, love, betrayal joy, energy, passion.
My brother died of a heart attack about 25 years ago. While a young man in the Navy, he wrote letters to me, his 6-year-old little sister. He was merely 17 years old, so young, and probably lonely. Those letters contained his words and lots of silly drawings, and I’ve kept them through all the years. I used his drawings and made them 3D (from clay naturally) and then cast them into a mold. I utilize these quite often, embedded, oftentimes hidden in my sculptures. There is another small figure with a crown that’s from a picture my youngest grandson drew when he was 4. I sometimes have him holding hands with my brother’s figure, just for fun.
Lizards, Stars, and Keys: I have a fear of lizards, which is strange, mainly because I live in tropical Florida where lizards abound. I insert the creatures on my pieces to represent fear. I bought a souvenir Texas star while visiting the part of my family that lives there, and I cast it, as well, so I am able to think of my Texas family whenever I see it. My husband of more than 35 years, Steve Lublinski, was a motorcycle policeman for many years. After a day of work, I always knew he was home when I heard the familiar sound of his multiple keys jingling from his gun belt as he walked up the sidewalk. He used these keys to open boxes that controlled traffic lights. I cast a few of his keys and apply them in my pieces to honor him.
As a young girl, Diane absorbed herself in comic books, stories set in the past, and biographies of famous people. “I do a lot of research on symbolism before I use something, and I use so many different things (birds, ravens, rabbits, and crows) but in the end, it’s all about my own thoughts and what I find appealing, or what is going on in my life at the time.”
Diane dearly loves mythology. Rabbits represent mythology and they are one of her specialties in the figurative form of teapots, bells, and other small pieces. Her method of forming those endearing floppy ears and giving each creature’s face its own personality.
“Working in clay is so different than other mediums. Although I use tools, my main tool is my hands. I leave behind the marks and impressions made when I touch it. It’s still there after the firing. I love the feel of clay so much and I enjoy seeing the marks my hands left behind, permanently fired into a piece. I have a clear vision of a finished piece before I start. With this idea in mind, I immediately get started with a combination of wheel-thrown pieces, coils, and slabs. I alter by pinching, cutting, and adding clay until my idea emerges.” Her work often features gnarly hands and footless legs, bald, oddly-shaped heads; beefy torsos with appended shoulders, muscular thighs, and dimpled arms, primarily of the human body variety, floppy rabbit ears; wings and exquisitely carved feathers. Lifelike birds, fish, toes, fingers, and horns casually scatter on the kiln floor. This particular kiln in Pembroke Pines has seen its share of a curious assortment of body parts. When assembled, they become her memoir, the history and life story of the artist herself.
Dominika Zabczyk
Bradenton, FL
Based in Bradenton, Florida, Dominika creates artwork inspired by nature’s textures and patterns. Having an architectural background, Dominika explores the relationship between the natural environment and sustainable, intuitive design for better living. “I’ve seen many places, many exciting cities, but only one stole my heart so I stayed a little longer… Sarasota. Charmed by beautiful beaches and shores, I started painting. It quickly became my passion.”
Born in Krakow, Poland, Dominika grew up close to nature. “I spent a lot of time outside and I developed my senses being in the fresh air, picking up flowers, chasing the wind. Now, I like to spend my time outside, painting plein air and getting inspiration from nature for my next art pieces. I was a very creative child. Building things and painting was my passion. I always loved the moment of creation. When my hands were dirty, there was a mess all around me, I was in the middle of it. And then that moment when from that chaos something beautiful emerged. It was always a sacred process to me.”
Zabczyk employs many different mediums to recreate the natural environment. Whenever possible, she uses recycled materials to promote sustainability. “I found that used materials have a soul, they’re authentic! Ever wondered why antique or vintage items are so expensive? Well, they’re special and one-of-a-kind! That’s why I love to repurpose old surfboards into pieces of art. I wanted boards with soul, I knew for this project I needed real boards surfed and loved by their human owners—encompassing stories and energy that only used boards have.” Inspired by Florida’s most beautiful beaches, Dominika created a collection of surfboards that captures waves, as if the boards were dipped in the ocean.
Dyane Oliva
Coral Springs, FL
Hi! I’m Dyane- ceramicist, printmaker, and naturalist. With minors in graphic design, studio art, and research, Dyane finds inspiration in the natural world. Her works often reflect elements of organic forms. In her spare time, she can usually be found in a park, birdwatching.
Dyane Oliva Art (@dyanecreates) focuses on a series of linocut prints on assorted and handmade paper, stickers, and a few ceramic pieces. All focus on nature and species native to the Southeastern U.S.
She says, “My pieces are always based on real species! I’m always out hiking in the Southeastern US, and the pictures I take are my references. You can usually find me down in the dirt, taking 100 photos of a mushroom (you definitely don’t want to see my phone’s gallery).”
Felisa Prieto
Sunrise, FL
Felisa Prieto was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1983; she moved to South Florida in 2001 with her family where she studied Fine Arts with emphasis on Photography at Broward College. In 2007 she transferred to The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she received her BFA with emphasis on Environmental Art, Urban Sustainability and Textiles. She later moved to Houston and Brooklyn, where she worked as an art educator. Felisa currently resides in Fort Lauderdale where she continues her practice.
Ganapati Crafts LLC
Jupiter, FL
Welcome to Ganapati Crafts Co, your hub for high-quality handcrafts. Explore unique handicrafts from global artisans, including vibrant wool felt ornaments, hand-loomed cotton bags from Nepal, and rattan bags from Bali. Join us in celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowering women around the world!
FROM MARKET TO CRAFTS DESIGN BRAND: YIAN’S JOURNEY OF EMPOWERING ARTISANS
AND SHARING THE BLESSINGS OF HANDICRAFTS
Our Ganapati Crafts journey began when Yian, the founder, traveled to various countries and was enamored by the traditional handicrafts she encountered. She collected the contact information of her favorite artisans and dreamed of starting her own craft business one day. That day finally came in 2019 when she started as a vendor at the West Palm Beach Antique & Flea Market.
THE PANDEMIC: A TURNING POINT IN OUR JOURNEY
The pandemic presented challenges for Yian, but it also led her to transform her business and expand her reach by opening a shop in her first-floor live/work studio and growing her online presence. This enabled her to share her passion for handicrafts with a wider audience.
TRANSFORMING INTO A DESIGN-FOCUSED BUSINESS
From its humble beginnings as an importer of handmade items, our brand has grown into a design-focused business, offering over 100 unique designs in wool-felt toys and handwoven bags. Our founder, Yian, travels to Bali and Nepal every year to collaborate with local artisans on creating new designs.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING AND COLLABORATIVE CREATION
Our commitment to quality extends to the materials we use, which are sourced with care – including pure wool from New Zealand and Azo-free dye from Switzerland. Our felt products are hand-felted in Florida and Kathmandu, ensuring authenticity and craftsmanship in every piece. Additionally, our relationship with the artisans involves a deep dive into their cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, with a focus on empowering them through our business.
JOIN OUR MISSION TO EMPOWER DREAMERS
At Ganapati Crafts, we are dedicated to supporting people who have big dreams and original ideas. We believe in the power of design and creativity to make a difference in the world. By purchasing from us, you are not only receiving unique, handcrafted products but also supporting artisans and helping to bring their stories and blessings to life. Join us on our journey and make an impact with every purchase. Let’s empower dreamers and share the beauty of traditional handicrafts with the world.
Gioia to Play
Coral Springs, FL
Karina Rocco is an artist who is proudly representing a lineage of artisan women in her family. “I grew up watching the women around me make art in different mediums. They continue to be my main source of inspiration and admiration. Gioia To Play started during the pandemic as Karina sought a way to entertain her daughters. “My artisan grassroots inspired me to experiment with different ideas. I leaned back on my academic background in Fine Arts and Art History to find creative, meaningful play ideas. I witnessed how my hands-on activities helped my daughters learn while having fun. Witnessing hours of educational and meaningful playtime made me realize that my efforts are worth sharing with the outside world. I officially launched my brand, Gioia to Play on November 2021. I am proud to bring a line of creative and playful sensory toys to homes, schools, and therapy rooms.”
Gioia To Play toys is made from natural materials such as wood, wool, and other natural materials. The toys are safe for children to play with and are environmentally friendly. They are open-ended toys. Unlike many traditional toys, which have a specific purpose or use, these toys can be used in a variety of different ways. This allows children to use their imagination and creativity to play and create in their own way. They are part of the category of toys that fits into Sensory play. The toys supplement children’s overall development by facilitating an environment where they can engage in meaningful experiences and practice essential motor, social, and cognitive skills via open-ended and child-centered play. Gioia To Play offers an array of activities for day-to-day play time, homeschooling, and teachers. Additionally, the play sets are proven aids to occupational, behavioral, and speech therapists. “Our designs are inspired by our day-to-day family life and topics that create meaningful and valuable playtime. Our playsets include themes such as sea life, construction, garden, and farm, and we continuously add new ones. We create seasonal sensory playsets to match the ever-changing seasons of the year.”
Ines Delapi
Coral Springs, FL
Ines Feliciano, IFD Ceramics & Art
“I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I come from a family that has always found ways to express itself artistically. I have lived in Coral Springs for 18 years and have been a stay at home mom to my two beautiful kids. My brother, who was an artist and poet, passed away in 2022. His passing was a wake up call to pursue my passions. With the encouragement of my family, I signed up for a pottery sampler workshop at the Coral Springs Museum of Art in May of 2022 and I fell in love with the ability to take a lump of clay and make beautiful things. I continued to take classes and develop my skills.
IFD Ceramics & Art was born from a need to express myself creatively. I set up my Etsy shop and participated in my first market in 2023. My hope is that my artistic and functional ceramic pieces bring a smile to your day. I love using bright colors and carving is my form of meditation. I also like to think that everything tastes better when you’re eating and drinking out of a vessel that was made with love and care. “
IS Projects | Nocturnal Press
Miami, FL
Born and raised in Delray Beach, Ingrid Schindall is a passionate and productive printmaker and book artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is almost always found standing next to a press at the fine art printmaking studio she founded called IS Projects. She has a methodical yet curious and experimental studio practice. Her prints and artist books have been exhibited internationally and nationally. She is devoted to her writing practice and has produced six limited edition books, all written, designed, hand-printed, and bound by the artist.
“I have been an artist as long as I can remember and have been lucky to have family and friends who have been supportive from the get-go. I fell in love with printmaking in high school and haven’t looked back- attending the California College of Art in San Francisco for a precollege printmaking program then receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in printmaking and book arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. After graduating, I traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to work as an apprentice printmaker at David Krut Projects then ran a small book binding studio in Baltimore for a couple of years before growing tired of winter and setting my sights on somewhere warmer. I was born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida so when I started making plans to set up a more substantial studio, South Florida was naturally in the running. I found FATVillage, the main art district in Fort Lauderdale, and after a very fruitful conversation with the founder, Doug McCraw, I signed a lease for a small studio space. I set up IS Projects and Nocturnal Press in 2014 and we have been the premier public-access fine art printmaking studio in the tri-county area since. Looking back, it felt like the area was really ready for someone like me, with a bunch of printmaking equipment, to come down here and help bring the community together around these niche and amazing media. I’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of local and visiting artists to create everything from artists’ book editions to business cards. We’ve taught hundreds of workshops and hosted an annual Small Press Fair for 5 years straight bringing together thousands of print, book, and zine artists, enthusiasts, collectors, supporters, and curious. Throughout the years, I have continued to make my own work, consisting mostly of artists’ books and experimental relief prints, and exhibit them locally and internationally. I’m an optimist at heart and my wish is that anyone who comes through the door of IS Projects gains or expands upon enthusiasm for paper books and print. Our collection of equipment includes pieces from the mid-1800s that we still use to create printed works for the likes of Redbull and the Norton Art Museum. It’s an extreme challenge and responsibility to keep this ancient craft relevant but it’s also a joy to come into the studio every day, whether working on the business or creating new artwork, and smell the ink, history, and potential that the space holds.”
IS Projects encourages local artists to practice their craft by providing knowledge, training, and a supportive workspace. In 2016, she founded Fort Lauderdale’s first small press fair, SPF’16, with the help of Sarah Michelle Rupert. She is currently planning the next edition of SPF and Tropic Bound, an artist’s book fair to premiere in 2023!
Khaos Creates
Pompano Beach, FL
Kimberly Ferguson is the artist behind Khaos Creates. Originally from the Caribbean, Kim is deeply inspired by nature and its chaotic forces. She first tried ceramics in college as a fluke and fell in love with “creating something cool from a blob of clay. I declared an art minor but never took ceramics (or being an artist) seriously.” “A few years later, while nursing a broken heart, I found some unfinished pieces from college and decided to complete them. I did one session at the wheel and literally threw all of that negativity into being creative again. It was therapeutic. All my energy went into completing the ideas I sketched years before but was too afraid or insecure to complete. To my surprise, other people began connecting with the pieces, and soon after Khaos Creates was born.”
Khaos Creates Ceramics is about turning life’s chaotic energy into creative, positive, and even comical outcomes. Each piece challenges you to see the glass half-full and encourages embracing chaos as a transformative power. The works are heavily influenced by the fierceness and fragility of nature and womanhood. “I create content with a primary focus on sharing joy, light, and helpful tips. I collaborate with brands I believe in and share honest product insights with my growing online community. I enjoy working with multiple platforms and engagement tools to evoke strong feelings about my collaborations. Much of my worth is highlighted by nature and successfully connects my Khaos family with quality products and services.”
Like an erupting volcano creates fertile land, Khaos Creates celebrates authentically loving all your parts; magical and otherwise.
Le Chic
Miami, FL/ San Antonio, TX
Born and raised in Seattle, Lydia McConnell relocated to Miami about five years ago finally ending up in Texas during the pandemic. “I love to travel, that’s actually what brought me to Miami in the first place. After a long six-month solo backpacking trip through Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia, I decided to make my final stop in Miami before returning home to Seattle. I immediately fell in love with Miami. The architecture is like nothing I had ever seen before. Any time I am traveling discovering new places, cultures, and food, I am full of joy and feel the most alive. Not to mention looking at interesting architecture. I went to school for Interior Design in Seattle and always gravitated toward bold patterns and colors in my designs. Seattle is a wonderful place but most people are afraid of wearing bright colors or using color in their homes. My designs in school weren’t always understood or appreciated by my peers but they brought me a lot of joy. After finishing design school, I knew I wanted to do something creative and design related but I wasn’t sure what. I also knew I wanted to work for myself and not work in an office. I’ve always been a creative person and have always loved working with my hands.
I moved to Miami and I kid you not it was like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz leaving black and white Kansas and entering into the colorful world of Oz. Suddenly it wasn’t only okay to wear color but it was weird if you weren’t wearing bright bold colors. Miami and the culture around me really influenced my designs. I didn’t feel limited by the monochromatic color scheme of Seattle or the judgment of my peers. I was able to create designs that truly made me happy and I hoped would make other people happy too. I joined a makerspace where I learned how to use their laser cutter. I started making earrings and decided to try and sell them at a local weekend market. After that, the business just took off. It might seem like a weird transition to go from Interior Architecture to User Experience Design to owning my own jewelry business but I use most of what I learned in school on a day-to-day basis. The first half of design school was focused on space and the use of shapes which I use daily in designing. Color theory is also something I use daily.”
Le Chic Miami creates unique hand-painted wooden earrings. “My design process is to create the earring designs in Illustrator, I then laser cut the earrings out of wood and finally hand paint them. As a brand, I am most proud of our relationship with our customers. We really appreciate our customers and take all their suggestions to heart. Whenever one of our customers asks us to make their custom design, we’re more than happy to do so. Many times, their earring ideas have ended up being a part of our permanent collection. We want our customers to not just wear our brand, but feel a part of our brand. When I started Le Chic Miami, I wanted to create something that brought joy to the world, and that made people smile. I wanted whoever was wearing my earrings to feel a sense of joy when they put the earrings on.”
We have now grown to a team of 4 artists based in San Antonio, TX. Our goal is to create unique hand-painted wooden earrings that will brighten your day.
Mongo Art
Coral Springs, FL
South Florida based artist, Michael Andress, illustrates using the same vibrant colors that can be seen around the city of Miami. His relationship with the ocean and the tropical environment is apparent in his artwork, with many of his works referencing palm trees and ocean waves. As a member of the surf/skate community, Andress creates artworks that are inspired by the style driven surf/skate culture. Taking pride in his uniqueness, the name “Mongo” derives from the term used by skateboarders for those who use an abnormal pushing stance.
Specializing in digital illustrations and canvas paintings, Andress’s personal style can be categorized as psychedelic-abstract, with many of his works containing some form of illusion. Besides ocean related subjects, original characters of all shapes, colors and sizes fill his compositions, which Andress credits to his desire for inclusiveness of all types. He describes his artwork as “stimulation for our imagination,” urging the viewer to maintain an open mind as his images will reveal new forms with each unique perspective gained.
Older Sister
Celebration, FL
Laurel started her jewelry line as a mode of catharsis during the pandemic, and as an homage to her family, who has always supported and encouraged her to “create magic.” Her earrings are handmade with love, often imprinting them with antique trinkets from her grandmother and beach shells from her travels.
On Cloud Flow
Miami, FL
Where Pottery Meets Flow State: On Cloud Flow stands as a testament to the experience of being in flow state. Flow state, often likened to a trance, engulfs our minds, immersing us fully in the present task while the outside world fades away. Within this space, creativity flourishes effortlessly and time seems to stand still. Pottery serves as my gateway to flow state, says artist Dani Portuondo. When I am on cloud flow my creativity is infinite. I invite you to join my journey and embrace the beauty of flow through each piece. It’s more than art; it’s an invitation to find your own flow.
I’ve always had a creative spark. Over the years I’ve explored drawing, oil painting, and photography , but it was pottery that took my creative journey to another level. Pottery has become my ultimate canvas for artistic expression, merging all my acquired skills. No matter life’s twists and turns, I’ve consistently found my way back to creativity, even within the field of nutrition as a Registered Dietitian. I firmly believe that if something aligns with your passion and soul’s purpose, it has an uncanny way of finding you again, as long as you remain open to its call.
Join me on my journey as I channel flow into ceramic art. Who knows? Along the way, I might just uncover a magical fusion of art and nutrition together. Stay tuned!
Photo Trouvee
Coconut Creek, FL
Photo Trouvée Magazine is a contemporary art platform with a focus on vintage found photographs and nostalgia. Our publication and opportunities aim to showcase artists from around the world who work with or are inspired by found or family photos. Founded in 2020 by Twiggy Boyer and Juliana Naufel, Photo Trouvée Magazine was created out of a need for a place in the artworld specifically dedicated to found photo artists. Since then, Photo Trouvée Magazine has become much more than just a magazine; our platform has hosted exhibitions, virtual artist residencies, collaborated with other platforms and most importantly, created an international community where artists and collectors can make meaningful connections around their love and passion for found photographs.
Twiggy Boyer is best known for her nostalgic mixed media collages often created using vintage found photographs. Boyer’s mixed media works explore themes of nostalgia, memories and connections and incorporate collage elements, drawing and painting. Born and raised in Paris, France, Twiggy studied painting and curatorial studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD and graduated with a BFA in 2012. Boyer has been a part of a number of group exhibitions most notably at the Coral Springs Museum of Art and at Yale University, and has permanent works collected in the Doug & Laurie Kanyer Art Collection. Over the last 10 years, Twiggy Boyer has worked as a teaching artist in the museum education setting, as a full time elementary art teacher and in the form of teaching adult collage workshops. In February of 2020, Twiggy co-founded Photo Trouvée Magazine– a Contemporary Art Platform that showcases contemporary artists who use found photographs as a medium in their works. She currently works and resides in South Florida with her daughter and partner.
Juliana Naufel is a Brazilian artist, art therapist and visual communicator who uses affection as her primary subject. Her artworks are strongly influenced by the healing aspect of embroidering photographs as a way of making amends with the past. Naufel’s artworks are in a number of private collections around the world, including Taube Museum of Art, USA, The Wonders of Women Museum, USA, and The Kanyer Art Collection, USA and Museu da Bandeira, Brazil. Naufel is one of the longlisted artists of Women United Art Prize 2021, and has received 3rd Place at the SeeingWomen 2020 Awards, by Photos de Femmes, France. She has participated in artist residencies in Brazil and exhibited in Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. Naufel earned her MA Degree in Art Therapy from NAPE and a completed a graduate program on Art Therapy by Universidade Cândido Mendes and her BA in Visual Arts from São Paulo’s State University and is represented by PxP Contemporary and Kobbi Gallery. In February of 2020, Naufel Co-Founded Photo Trouvée Magazine — a Contemporary Art Platform that showcases contemporary artists who use found photographs as a medium in their works.
Renee Divins
Pompano, FL
“I create small batch custom-designed handcrafted ceramic serveware with a modern and upscale aesthetic. Perfect for dining service where chefs and hostesses alike can showcase their culinary creations with a blend of artistic expression. Each piece is inspired by nature’s raw beauty and contemporary design.”
Rhona Schonwald
Lake Worth, FL
The creations of Rhona LK Schonwald have won the trifecta—-awards in painting, sculpture & photography. Her paintings are in the permanent collections of Duke University Freeman Center and the Consulate of Dubai. She is a founding member of 2 galleries in Maryland. Schonwald has been juried into Women in the Visual Arts as well as National Association of Women Artists and she was president of the Bethesda chapter of National League of American Pen Women for 5 years. Galleries and museums throughout the country have exhibited her work and they have been collected by patrons throughout the USA & Canada.
Schonwald’s images have also been used as covers by internationally acclaimed Swedish musician Tommie Haglund for his music cd’s as well as his international biography. She was invited to exhibit her works during the annual music festival in his honor presided over by the King of Sweden.
Art lessons began at age 11 and she has continued creating at every opportunity since, whether in or out of school. She majored in Art Education at University of Maryland and loved teaching art at the elementary school level. She found the imaginations of kids fascinating. She continued her education beyond the University, studying sculpture at Baltimore ClayWorks with Frieda Sohn & Chin Yuen Chen and painting with Gladys Goldstein and then experimenting and evolving continuously on her own.
Rhona LK Schonwald was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland, and has recently relocated to south Florida with her husband. Her wonderful family, friends and numerous interests provide constant inspiration.
Sir Charles Doggy Provisions
Miramar, FL
It all started with a love of crafting and of course, dogs. “When I was 3 years old, I had fashion shows with my dolls and stuffed animals. As I grew older, I always knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry somehow. I grew up watching my grandmother sew couture dresses from scratch without ever having a formal education. I lived and breathed fashion, creativity, and crafting. When I went to college, for a brief moment, I thought I could be a child psychologist (lol!). I was good at it and I fell into the self-doubts and other people’s voices in my head telling me I’d never make enough money in a creative field. I tried for one semester and quickly realized that you can’t force a creative person to do something they don’t love, just like you can’t teach someone to be creative, they just are! So, I go my degree in fashion and somehow ended up as a footwear designer, which I absolutely love. I never imagined I’d end up designing shoes, especially men’s dress and athletics which I’m doing now. I won’t deny, I often fantasize about doing something different career-wise, but even then, they’re always creative careers. I couldn’t imagine not having art or creativity in my life!”
Growing up, I was the kid that always brought home stray dogs, or volunteered at the animal shelter. I love dogs and I’m still that kid in many ways. Being a designer and someone who’s always had one or two dogs, I taught myself how to make a lot of accessories for them. I love making things that are a little different from what I see in the marketplace, sometimes taking inspiration from the fashion world to make trendier pieces. My dog Charlie is the muse for all of my creations. One day, I decided to cut the collar off a man’s dress shirt to put it around his neck and the rest is history. I hadn’t really seen anything like that for dogs and he got compliments everywhere we went, so I decided to start making more. I make lots of other accessories now too but the shirt collars are really what started it all, combining my love for designing and creating with my love of dogs.
As a creative, I’ve always had a full-time job designing, but I haven’t given up on the idea of doing something for myself and owning my own brand or business. I started taking my hobby of creating dog accessories and apparel more seriously and started thinking of it more as a business. I started on Etsy and now I sell on my own website and local markets. I feel that my dog accessories are unique because I create things that are practical but also kitschy or trendy. There’s a lot of competition out there but I still really love what I’m doing and I think that reflects in my products.
Socami
Pompano Beach, FL
For people who love natural ingredients, Socami soaps and skin care products are made with plant-based oils and vegan butters, naturally colored with clay, herbs, and hand-processed organic fruit peels. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for the benefit it brings to the skin. Socami is a small family-run business offering 100% natural handmade products. They are dedicated to crafting high-quality healthy skincare that customers love to use or buy as luxury eco-conscious gifts.
“We are passionate about looking after our beautiful planet and take pride in creating sustainable zero-waste products delivered in plastic-free packaging.”
2WIN! Studio
Miami, FL
Sarah Ferrer was born and raised in Miami. After graduating from the New World School of the Arts in 2013 she completed her BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute majoring in Ceramics. She was also able to complete a certificate program focused on Asian art. Through the influence of the certificate program, after graduating in 2017, Sarah moved and started a new life in Amami Ōshima (奄美大島), Japan. In Amami, she completed an apprenticeship in the ceramic studio, Yachaboyaki (野茶坊焼). She studied under the ceramic master Junichi Ikenomi (池波陶柳) for three years becoming his first and last apprentice.
Since returning to the US in 2020 Sarah became a founding member of 2win! Studio in 2021 alongside her twin sister Samantha Ferrer.
Tagu Artsy
Miramar, FL
The demand for animal ivory has brought the elephant close to the edge of extinction. The Tagua Nut provides a practical alternative, since its vegetable ivory looks like its animal counterpart, is extremely hard, takes a high polish, and absorbs dyes readily.
THE PROCESS
The seeds are set out to dry under the tropical sun for between one and three months, depending on their water content. Afterward, they are peeled, classified according to size, cut into slices, drilled, dyed and polished. Then our local artisans hand select and combine the pieces to make beautiful handmade jewelry.
ABOUT THE STORE
Our main source of inspiration as a company comes from the natural and cultural offerings of the Tropical and Mountainous Regions of South America. We work together with local indigenous artisans to design, develop and share these high-quality natural eco friendly Tagua Jewelry with the world.
From Nature’s Heart to Yours
