Traditionally, our Arts & Music issue has been heavily weighted to the music side, but this year we decided to let the visual medium shine in abundance. Music seems to be a tad bit controversial in the Lowcountry right now. (#iykyk)
In preperation, these past few months were spent with artists like Lindsey Spears and Amiri Farris, who grace each of our October covers. While they both create striking works of art, their paths to the profession could not be more dissimilar, with Farris taking the traditional route of schooling and Spears being unabashedly proud of being self-taught. One of my favorite quotes in the entire issue is the pivotal moment of her being postpartum, in her own bedroom and thinking, “It’s ugly in here.” So, she painted a mural to pretty it up, posted a photo on Facebook, and thus began her art career. You’ve seen her art pop up all over recently, from Harbour Town to Palmetto Bluff – and she has a style distinctly her own. We even asked her to paint a CH2 logo and cover, directly on the wall at the CH2/CB2 intergalactic headquarters – and that’s what you’re seeing on our CH2 cover.
Amiri Farris, on the other hand, had extensive schooling, from the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach to the Savannah College of Art & Design, where he eventually earned his master’s degree in painting. Despite their differences in reaching the intended destination, it’s safe to say both artists have arrived, with their paintings being featured in multiple locations around Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and beyond. Swing on over to page 50 to read about these talented artists in back-to-back features.
Rounding out our artist features is the delightful Murray Sease, whose bright creations adorn the walls of La Petite Gallerie on Calhoun Street. At Mayfest, I came home with one of Sease’s darling chicken paintings and thus began the story that you can find on page 66. If you are interested in becoming an artist yourself, head on over to our feature on the Hilton Head Art League (page 70). There is always a lot happening at this creative nonprofit, from their popular “Got Art?” event on October 10 to multiple classes covering artistic avenues from oils and watercolor to creating collages at the Art League Academy on Cordillo Parkway.
Watch a time- lapse video of artist Lindsey Spears painting this mural on CH2’s social media pages later this month!
I’m running out of space, but please do not miss Brooke Peck’s feature on fashion at the Concours d’Elegance (page 63), Barry Kaufman’s tribute to Mike Kavanaugh (page 92), and Cheryl Ricer’s stories on two remarkable new homes (page 108 and 122). I’d also like to welcome back Taylor Kent to our editorial team, in a story where she brilliantly highlights local business people who make time for music at night.
… and one more thing! It’s FESTIVAL SEASON! So, check that calendar at the back of the magazine and I’ll see you out there. (Oh! And go see Ty at Luxury Nails at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina – and tell him I sent you.)
OK. I’m done now. Sorry this is probably printed in 5 point type to fit in all my ramblings. Break out those readers!
