For me, visiting the Atlanta Dogwood Festival this year was kinda weird...in that I'd planned on going Friday afternoon, which was totally rained out, thus not getting to go until Sunday afternoon because of work commitments.
As it turned out, that was the best thing that could have happened. I got to see some old Festival friends, tons of Atlantans I know, and some new Festival features!
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Travis S. Taylor with Greg Stones,
Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
The one person I definitely wanted to see was watercolor artist Greg Stones, who recently granted me an interview for wanderlust ATLANTA. Sure enough, he was there—although I'm now convinced that they never put any artist in the same place twice!
Greg was not only there, he had won "Best in Show" for watercolors! That means that he's automatically guaranteed a spot at the Festival next year, so count on seeing him again.
I got a copy of Goodbye, Penguins, Greg's first book, personalized by Greg, and learned that his book, Zombies Hate Stuff is not in what I thought was its second printing...it's in its sixth printing! Way to go, Greg!
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| Elaine Rader Jewelery |
Before finding Greg, I ran across Georgia artist Elaine Rader, a jewelry artist I wrote about a couple of years ago. I was so enthralled with her gorgeous jewelry but more by her incredibly charming personality.
Elaine splits her time between Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Mississippi. I was at the Festival with Barry who lived in Mississippi for a few years and he and Elaine's friend got to talking and turns out they know a lot of the same people. Gotta love small world stories!
I was incredibly flattered to learn that Elaine has been using a photograph I made of her a couple of years ago for some of her marketing material. And she's just such a totally awesome, cool, and charming person...I think you'll love her the moment you meet her.
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| Bill Tyndale Turned Wood |
Barry is a huge fan of turned wood, and has an impressive collection of it. I too like it and more so after hearing from Barry the complexity involved in creating these pieces. This bowl is by artist Bill Tyndale of Woodstock, Georgia.
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| Mary-Louise Coil, Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
Maria-Louise Coil is another returning artist who has a unique perspective on Atlanta...love her work!
I didn't take nearly as many photos this year as I usually do, but that's in part by the artists who post signs that read, "Absolutely no photography!", which I think is a total miss. First of all, how do you enforce such a policy? Secondly, do you want sneaky smartphone photos posted online to represent your work?
Why not boldly accept that there are bloggers like me who want to promote your amazing work? If your 'no photography' policy is because you're afraid someone will copy your work and take market share away from you, then it's time to step up your game and dare someone to reproduce something as amazing as what you're doing. Enough soap box on that topic.
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| David Lasker, Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
I'm always blown away by art that is incredibly subtle and incredibly remarkable at the same time. It's so much easier to be profound via simplicity, which David Lasker totally gets...although, I mist say that simplicity in art is not all that simple. That takes talent.
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
Scale can make or break and some of the Festival's artists tip the scales to the side of large format...and brilliantly so!
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival has grown its programming so much that there's definitely something for everyone...and people like me, who are on a tight schedule, have to pick and choose what they can see on a particular day—not a bad problem to have. Actually, I'd like very much to say "Thank you!" to the Festival organizers/programmers for giving us so much to choose from...you guys rock!
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
I feel that I would be remiss in my reporting if I didn't note that this was, what seemed, one of the rare occasions when dogwoods were in bloom at the same time as the Atlanta Dogwood Festival...gorgeousness everywhere!
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| Dog Disc Show, Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
I love animals, but I'm not a pet person...I'm just too busy, so it wouldn't be fair to any animal companion of mine to be left alone so much of the time. BUT...I totally enjoyed the Dog Disc Show. These dogs are amazing and so much fun to watch. I think they secretly enjoy all the attention, too.
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival |
While non-competing canines are not permitted at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Service Dogs of course are. This little fella is a Service Dog, although I would have never guessed it...must be in the service of cheering up people!
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides |
I said the Festival has something for everyone...have a look at this thing and you'll know what I mean!
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| Atlanta Dogwood Festival rides |
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