Episode #7 Eric Kalata

Christy Kinard, an internationally collected artist, describes her work as a vibrant symphony of American life.Flowers are the central theme in her artwork, influenced by the presence of fresh bouquets in her childhood home. She relates the boldness of her work to the strength and creativity of American women. Christy Kinard’s passion for art began early in life, leading her to study and pursue a career in painting. She also had the opportunity to live and paint in England, where exposure to museums and galleries influenced her work. Christy Kinard is grateful to have turned her passion into a full-time career.

A lifelong creative, and now a self-taught painter, Pamela’s expressive and intuitive abstract work is a translation of all that surrounds her; the nature of the New Hampshire Seacoast area where she grew up and lives, and the small moments that make life beautiful. The forms, lines, textures,and colors in her work may evoke Sunset Meadows (across from her home studio, the mystery of the North Atlantic, or the laughter, love and joie de vivre that linger and are woven into every layer. Her website is https://www.pamelabates.com IG: @pamelajbates FB: Pamela Bates Studio

From Kimberly Grigg Designs: “I grew up in a small southern town called Graniteville “on the other side of the tracks.” But, I always aspired to the good life and knowing what luxurious beautiful homes were all about. So, one day, I climbed a fence to attend a debutante party (that I wasn’t invited to!) just so I could get a peak at my all time favorite “wealthy” home atop the hill on the “right side of town!” It was then my love of interior design was born. In my spare time I can be found painting every morning, binging on Netflix, enjoying my kids and grandkids, cooking up a storm, walking my giant standard poodles Ivan and Alfred and shaking it down 4 days a week at my local boot camp.” https://www.kimberlygriggdesigns.com You can find her Kimberly’s art here: https://kimberlygriggart.myshopify.com

From Cari Ray’s website: When I was in preschool, my favorite time of day was when I was allowed to draw and paint. As I got older and life got busier, I lost my connection to the arts. At the age of 51, I decided to try and rekindle our love affair. Enter Cari Ray Paints. My true passion. My soul fulfilling 'hobby'. I hope you'll enjoy it with me. Take my online course - Amateur to Earning Artist in 60 Days to do your own original paintings and make MONEY! I use many different mediums, such as gouache, acrylics, inks, markers and pastels. I believe that working in a single medium is restrictive to my process. Each idea manifests in its own individual style. Take my online course - Amateur to Earning Artist in 60 Days to do your own original paintings and earn extra income! I enjoy the beauty and simplicity of things in my every day life. Things that bring me joy and spark positivity when I see them. Beautiful skies, a nice view from a window (or a patio if the weather cooperates), bright colors in clothing or designs in my home just to name a few. All of my pieces are directly influenced by these things and so much more. I love creating things with bold and vibrant colors that evoke feelings of joy and light. Take my online course - Amateur to Earning Artist in 60 Days to create your own art and paint your way into extra cash in your pocket! www.cariraypaints.com IG: @cariraypaints

Eric Kalata is a sound technician and aspiring writer from Richmond, Virginia, where he has lived his whole life. He enjoys spending time outside, with cats, and with friends. Find him on Instagram at @errrcccccc

Tia Dowler is a true boss babe that’s taken life by the horns. She lives life to its fullest potential and we can all learn from her example. She’s a wife, a mom of five, a jewelry designer, an online health and beauty entrepreneur, and personal trainer. She has West Virginia roots but now lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She lives her life “out loud” in her Instagram stories. I love her business sense, her inner and outer strength, her thirst for knowledge, her wit, her realness, her willingness to laugh at herself and her contagious energy. I truly cherish this friendship. Please follow her on Instagram at @tia1971 and click the link in her bio to access her business ventures.

From her website www.wendymcwillians.com “I am married and have two grown children. We have three rescue cats, Gypsy, Walnut, and Ash. I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my husband and family. My pieces are influenced by so many experiences and my joy of living. It is my wish that this translates to the viewer. am an abstract painter that works from intuition and emotion. I strive to create one-of-a-kind paintings, every one containing a piece of my world and life experiences. I use acrylic paint and my pieces vary between paper and canvas.”

Karen is a second generation artist based out of Germantown, Tennessee, but born and raised a Texan. Painting, for her, began as an outlet for healing, and quickly turned into a life necessity. Each one of her pieces is a work of love, full of individuality and personality. She works primarily in acrylic, often including oil, oil pastel, inks, and/or handmade papers. Her love of color is apparent throughout her abstract works. "While some artists start off with a plan and don't stray, I let the colors and tools do the talking and guide me through the process. I've always tried to listen to my intuition, and it's no different with my art. I'm attracted to, and inspired by, the 'imperfect'. It's so fulfilling to have people connect with something that is so personal to me." www.karenradiloff.com

Windy O’Connor is an award-winning American painter whose work is collected around the globe. Her art and design passion developed into a lifestyle brand of textiles, wallpaper, clothing, and home accessories. She has a degree in Interior Design and has studied under artist Andy Braitman in studio painting. Her work is guided by the notion that “life is a pursuit of creating something that brings another person joy” and conveys an experience, emotion, memory, or person, thanks to her dedication to utilizing various mediums. Her series of abstract portraits of women she calls Chicas has taken on a life of their own. “That is the power of energy in the creative process!” Windy’s Chicas represent the intricacies, humor, strength, and power of women. They are our mothers, sisters, friends, and history makers. Windy’s work has been featured in House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Traditional Home, The Zoe Report, and several Charlotte publications. She was chosen as the Mint Museum Artist for the Women of Vision Luncheon in 2019. Her work was recently in a group exhibit entitled “Local/Street” at the Mint Museum, and she will be a part of a group show at Elder Gallery in Charlotte, NC in late 2021. Her studio and showroom are located at Camp North End in Charlotte. https://windyoconnor.com

Joe Dillon is a sound engineer for Backstage LLC. He’s a master at assessing a bands’ signature sound aesthetic. This makes for amazing music quality and guaranteed enjoyment of concert fans.