6th Annual Regional Artists Community Exhibition
Participating Artists
Though born in Massachusetts, I’ve lived in a small rural town called Quitman in South Georgia most of my life. I am widowed with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Professionally, I taught high school art for 25 years and recently retired to JUST PAINT and to
help with my grandchildren.
Artist Statement
Living in the country has created memories for me that are both funny and scary to look back on. We had all types of farm animals and a garden with dogs and cats and a pet racoon named Charlie. I have realized how important these and the memories yet to come are. My artworks are a sort of documentation of my experiences. Not only visually but sounds and smells as well. The beach reminds me of summer vacations with the sounds of the waves and smells of salt water. I used to lay on the trampoline and look at the clouds. They are so calming as they move into shapes of animals or people. I feel that being still, hearing birds, bees and insects, guides me to feel closer to God. My faith is in everything I do, including my subject matter and the painting process. My media of choice is watercolor and acrylic. However; I do drawings in pencil and charcoal. I use a traditional style with an Impressionistic flair. I LOVE color! I do more realistic paintings abstracted by color choices. I also do commission work that mostly involves portraits of people or pets. Often; the people are from different sources placed together in my work. It’s very special to be included in making memories for other families too.
While devoting her resources and energy creating art with underprivileged children, not only did the children discover a safe space via self-explorative painting, but they discovered their own personal value while creating paintings together with other students as well as the teachers using the concept that teachers learn from their students. During the covid years Suzanne bought a casa in the central highlands of Mexico. The culture and vibrant colors of Mexico empowered Suzanne to continue her lifelong search for toxin free materials that could bring her closer to self expression. She discovered she could use materials from the cold wax process to produce the ethereal layers of color and meaning. She could submerge her writings within the layers of the painting in a way that more closely resembled her thoughts in the studio. She also returned to using micas, marble dust, powdered pigments and gold leaf.
LINES GRIDS & BORDERS - keep things in. Or out.
EDGES - where wars or love begin.
LAYERS - lives, soil, generations, strata, bones, fossils
SKIN, SCARS, BANDAIDS, transparency, illusion, film, gauze
GOLD, MICAS & CRYSTALS - metaphysical powers, symbols, healing, love, new beginnings
COPPER - Venus & Aphrodite, the scientific symbol Cu, you see
ENVELOPE & ENVELOP, QUILTS & PATTERNS - trapped in a pattern or secure in a cozy quilt?
CACHE - a safe place for hiding valuables
ATTIC - atelier, a place to create and learn, the topmost part of the brain, the creative center
TREEHOUSE - a time to play, to commune with the true inner child
PAST HURT, present healing, inner child, adult hero
WORDS PAINTED can bridge to broader what ifs.
She earned two degrees, a BFA in art education and a MEd in Elementary Education. She has garnered awards in regional and national juried competitions, exhibits in invitational solo and group shows, and her work is held in numerous public and private collections. She has been published in The Palette and Southern Living magazines and other publications around the South Georgia area. See her work on her website (annettecrosbyart.com), Facebook, Instagram and her gallery Artists on Ashley in Valdosta. But she will also effusively add, “and you can come to my studio!” at the Turner Center for the Arts, where she is artist-in-residence and teaches classes.
Like her personality, her abstract work is vibrant and lively, full of energy and sensation.
Painting has changed my life. I rarely go three days without a brush in my hand. I’m a very realistic painter. I love to paint birds, landscapes, people, animals, still life; it doesn’t matter what I’m painting as long as I’m painting. I want the subject of my paintings to be recognizable, to bring a smile or a memory to the viewer. Painting is a trip to a far away place for me…It’s relaxing and comforting. It’s a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s sunshine on a rainy day. It’s something I should have started before I was 58 years old!
My Rug Hooking Journey
I’m a 43-year-old mom and rug hooking artist. I have a background in retail and graphic art. Certified McGown Teacher, I focus on learning everything, I can about rug hooking so I can help you on your journey. I dye, color plan, custom patterns, video tutorials and personal lessons in my home or through the web camera. We sell kits, wool, and more.
In 2021, after finishing my PhD, I took a job in the English department at Valdosta State. Looking for something to do, I started taking classes at the Turner Center. Once I discovered the glass studio, I immediately fell head over heels, and soon was there every weekend. The studio is my happy place -- breaking glass is both creative and cathartic. I also really love my work there as an instructor, helping people see themselves as creative and artistic in their own unique ways.
I frequently attaching moniker "desult" to the work that I create. It acts as a guiding philosophy for my creative approach. Often, I begin without knowing what something is ultimately going to be. I embrace the idea of starting something and cast it into the world to have it's influence on others. These things can spark imagination and be built upon in ways that the original creator might never have envisioned. It's ok to create despite no end vision.
In 2016, Lanell moved to Valdosta Georgia for her husband's career. It was at this time she began oil painting at Turner Art Center.
Eight years later, Lanell joined Curate Collective; a gallery and studio in downtown Valdosta, where she teaches children and adult art classes.