Artisans

Photographing nature and traveling to unspoiled natural places... those are two of the things I enjoy most. I spent countless hours in my youth wandering the mountains and streams of northwest North Carolina, and it was there that my love of the natural world was born and nurtured. Later in life, nature photography grew from those early experiences. I completed course work with the New York Institute of Photography and my cameras and lenses became the focus of my time outdoors. My work is concentrated on the southern Appalachians in general and the Blue Ridge in particular, but also includes many images from places farther afield. My images are sold in limited editions and are individually signed and numbered with certificates of authenticity. I hope my photographs inspire others to a greater appreciation of wild or preserved natural places.

“I have always been drawn to beauty, whether in the art of calligraphy, the human form, or the design elements in nature. I believe in the divinity of a creator who took into account every unique detail of each subject, and I strive to honor His creation. It is my hope that as you view my paintings you will experience a sense of serenity and joy that will remind you of the beauty all around us, if we will take the time and have eyes to see.” ~ Deb Sosebee

Mia Milani Design was born out of creativity and love of beanies. I design knit and crochet clothing, accessories and home decor. My inspiration comes from what I see and the materials that I use. I like to use wearable breathable materials that allow for easy care and wear. As a local artisan I strive to perfect my craft by learning new techniques and styles. This allows me to produce one of a kind items.

   
While working at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture I became interested in wood working. In 1994 I received a table saw from my co-workers as a retirement gift. The next week while traveling I purchased a small wood turned bowl in an artisan shop in Georgia. During that trip I also visited a store building that was a grocery store in a previous life and where I had conducted many inspections during my career at NCDOA. that grocery store now housed wood turned items for sale. After seeing wooden bowls and vases I was inspired to venture into the world of woodturning.

I have been drawn to creativity in all forms throughout my life and I have taken the opportunity to explore many types of media. I’ve enjoyed painting, glass blowing, jewelry and clock making, computer graphics even a black smith! But in 2009 I took a beginner’s pottery class at the Wilkes Art Gallery and found a passion in me for clay. I love its versatility and hands on quality.

My husband Mike and I, natives of Watauga County, are fortunate to live and work on the farm that has been in my family for over a century. We have two children, Cole and Ivy.

Being raised on this farm, which lies along the “Old Buffalo Trail”, I have seen many changes. I remember farming with horses and when family farms were plentiful. Today I am seeing families leave their farms and this has made me aware of how precious the “old ways” are and how fast they are being lost: not only the loss of farming but also the loss of handicrafts and traditional fiber arts.

Jane produces a variety of decorative and functional wares from clay. Often the piece begins as a traditional, wheel turned pot that is then altered to suit her whimsy. Her training as a painter shows through in her sculpted faces and animals. She earned her MFA at UNC-G and has taught all levels, pre-school thru university.

My Dad introduced me to photography when I was in grade school and I was hooked. Surrounded by family members with artistic skills, I found the camera to be the instrument that let me do “my thing,” as I envisioned my subjects through the lens the way they would look as a painting. You would say I am a self-taught photographer, and I’m also an “online learning” fan as a school to learn digital image editing. Now that technology has opened newer doors for me, I can spend hours tinkering in the world of digital image editing.

As a self-taught continual experimenter I am currently creating quilted wall hangings. My designs are twists on traditional patterns, original sketches and photos reflecting the colors, textures and forms inspired by my North Carolina home. My favorite work starts with purchased fabric I manipulate by hand painting, sewing and embellishments to create the color pallet and look I desire for my designs. Most of my wall hangings are completed with free motion sewing on my Brother home sewing machine.

I graduated from UNC CH with a BFA. After taking a production pottery course with Zedith Teague Garner, I worked in her shop (Teague's Pottery) for 2 years. My husband and I moved to Ashe county in 1976, the first activities being to build  a clay workshop and a wood-fired groundhog kiln. Over the next 25 years, I never grew tired of the wood-fire process; We did change to a larger down-draft style, though. I used a mid range stoneware, wheel thrown, decorated with figures brushed or etched through the slip.