How to buy art for others
By: Lauren Hodges - December 18th, 2009
Those few remaining names on our holiday shopping lists are staring up at us expectantly, waiting for us to buy them the perfect gift. These are the people who always seem to elude our brilliant and thoughtful ideas, demanding a mix of originality and style. (Damn them! It seems like they already have everything!)
Well, there is something that none of them have: that brilliant work of art sitting in a local artist’s studio or hanging on the walls of a downtown gallery. True, it’s a little hard to buy art for others. It’s personal, specific, and it all comes down to taste. Fortunately, there is something for everyone in the Wilmington art industry that will help add color to our gift giving. No, I’m not referring to that oh-so-racist shopping guide in The New York Times this year. Local art is all about personality.
The (Inner) Child: Candy Pegram
If it’s possible to find a piece without a red dot on it, Pegram’s playful characters look straight into one’s fidgety soul and pull out a sense of simplicity. Usually painted on pieces of raw wood, Pegram’s peoples and creatures are the must-have for kids’ rooms in Wilmington.
“I hope my art appeals to the inner child in all of us,” Pegram says. Visit her work at Bottega Gallery on Front Street.
Also research: John Slobot, John Golden, J. Coleman
The “Japan-iac”: Michal Wisniowski
Everyone knows at least one person who is inspired by Japanese culture, whether it is their video games, fashion, food or just the fact that they take their shoes off at the front door. For the Tokyoan in all of us, there is Michael Wisniowski. His anime creations focus on his subjects’ emotional eyes, making for the perfect piece of pop art.
“My work has always appealed to anime fans,” Wisniowski says, “but it also appeals to the toy culture and anyone who appreciates the contemporary.” Visit www.michalwisniowski.comto look through his work.
The Progressive Parents: Amelia Hutchins
No matter how many kids they have, there are no chocolate stains to be found on this couple’s couch. They teach their littles ones foreign languages, buy them organic clothes and take them to yoga classes. A portrait by Amelia Hutchins is just what their chic house needs.
“I think my portraits appeal to the modern, design-savvy parent who prefers something a bit unconventional,” Hutchins says. View her colorful, slightly moody and always-striking portfolio at www.ameliahutchins.com .
Also research: Sullivan Dunn, Tien Chang
The Beach Boy/Bunny: Keith Ketchum
A collection of Ketchum’s surfing photography is the perfect complement to a drippping wetsuit on a hallway chair. The frothy action shots will inspire the beach addict in anyone’s life.
“I prefer to take edgy, high-contrast photos, but the crowd that typically likes this is young or has a taste for art,” Ketchum says. Find his shots at www.keithketchum.com.
The Tim Burton Fan: Everett Freyberg
“I’m an outsider,” Freyberg says. “My art belongs in tattoo parlors, biker clubs and punk bars.” Having done commissioned work for porn stars and rock bands, Freyberg’s art is for the darker friends and family who prefer Jack Skellington’s version of Christmas.
From photographs to trunk diaramas, Freyberg is a master at making “the weird and ornate.” E-mail him at everett447@hotmail.com for more information.
The Environmentalist: Dixon Stetler
If anyone has ever given us the evil eye for not recycling a water bottle (or even drinking out of one), they deserve one of eco-activist Dixon Stetler’s recycled masterpieces. Stetler has spent the year teaching kids how to make wreaths from plastic bags, and mini-trees out of doomed paperback books. One of her garden-hose baskets or bike-tube mats would be the perfect sustainable gift for the person most likely to ask if we used recycled wrapping paper. Call 910-520-4546 to speak with her about her projects.
Also research: Abby Spangel Perry
The Dreamer: Darren Mulvenna
The tell-tale signs of a dreamer usually include a tattoo of their zodiac sign or a book about dream-decoding on the nightstand. Mulvenna’s otherwordly images transport viewers into the subconscious, making them perfect for anyone who likes to find hidden messages in life.
“My fans often tell me that my paintings project a mood more than anything,” Mulvenna says. “They are very emotional without being totally straightforward. They require some analysis.” Find the perfect one at www.facadedesign.org.
Also research: Wendy Kowalski, Mio Reynolds
The Fashionista: Cammeron Batanides
This person never fails to impress (or at least raise an eyebrow) with her outfits. Of course, gift cards are probably best to avoid having to hand over the our present’s receipt—but gift cards always feel so lazy! Batanides’ fashion-inspired portraits can accessorize the dwelling of any clothes maven. See her pieces at www.artbycameron.yolasite.com.
The Healer: Jan Allen
Whether it is a brilliant chiropractor or a great listener always ready with a cup of tea, everyone has a healer in his or her life. Allen specializes in heart art, which debuted at ACME Art Studios this year. “I think my heart art works would appeal to the hopeless romantic or the heartbroken looking to find a little tongue-in-cheek humor about it,” Allen says. Contact her at www.janrayeallen.com.
The “Room with a View”er: Cheryl McGraw
Needing to be around natural beauty at all times is this person’s trademark. Whether they demand it in a hotel room or insist on taking the scenic route no matter how much longer it takes to see the spectacular views will put this person at instant piece. Landscape paintings are easy to find, but the work of Cheryl McGraw will inspire them to face all furniture in its direction.
“All of my coastalscapes are defined by a lively, organic movement of strand grasses and vegetation moved by sea breezes,” McGraw says. Browse her collection at the Wilmington Art Gallery on Caste Street.
Also research: MJ Cunningham
The Party Girl/Guy: Leslie Pearson
Celebration is an age-old tradition, and the most loyal worshippers of this ancient pastime are on everyone’s lists. Pearson’s leather masks are the perfect remnant of parties past. View them at www.lesliekpearson.com. Also research: Barb Scalia and Addie Wuensch
MASKED PRESENTS: Masks (such as the one pictured above) made by Leslie Pearson are great for that party girl or guy on our holiday gift lists. Photo (by Justin Pearson).
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