Art Archives - Inspired Southerner

Alabama artist uses artwork to bring beauty and healing to the world

December 6, 2019 By Kara Kennedy

Deb Paradise artist — Deb Paradise’s goal is to bring beauty and healing to the world through her artwork

Deb Paradise’s artwork has always been about bringing “Beauty” into the world. In fact, her philosophy has been to use art as a way to help enlighten others so that they can express their beauty inwardly and outwardly. She also believes art is a powerful tool for impacting the viewer intends that her artwork be uplifting and healing for everyone.

Deb Paradise Alabama artist — A piece of Deb’s artwork commissioned by the Hilton at Duke University

Bringing Beauty and Healing to the World

When she first began working with clay, Deb went the traditional route by showing her work in festivals and shows, but soon found that the traditional way of doing things was not something she wanted to continue to pursue. “I had a moment where it became very clear to me that I wanted to create art and sculptural pieces that would hang on the wall for everyone to enjoy. So I began seeking and finding clients who wanted to hire or commission me to create a specific art piece for their home or workspace,” said Deb Paradise, owner and founder of Paradise Creative Expressions.

Deb’s artwork hanging in a Fountain View Hotel in Dubai

Commissioned Artwork

Since discovering this about herself, she has never looked back and has continued forging her path in the world of commercial art. Deb now is a well-sought after artist commissioned to produce works of art for corporations, individuals and hotels and resorts worldwide. Deb’s work can be found all over the world, from Dubai to Cairo. And in the United States from North Carolina’s Duke University, JB Duke Hotel to Alabama’s new Gulf State Lodge in Orange Beach. One such commission for The Fountain View Hotel in Dubai was commissioned for the Majlis. The piece, entitled “Whisper” was large and had to be made in 3 panels but appear seamless upon installation. This type of problem-solving is a common challenge when working with designers.

Heirloom Pieces of Deb Paradises artist — These pieces were designed for a husband for his wife as house warming gift.

Commissioned Heirloom Pieces

One of her most satisfying commissioned pieces was for a man who wanted to do something special for his wife as they moved into a home that the two designed together. Deb met and spoke to him about his wife and what he wanted to do with the artwork. After their conversation, they agreed on the creation of three serving pieces because his wife loves to entertain. He also wanted the artwork to be unique and special to the family so they decided to incorporate the name of the street within the pieces. Deb created functional pieces, two bowls and a platter, each of which could be handed down generation after generation.

Alabama Gulf State Lodge — Deb’s commissioned work in Alabama’s Gulf State Lodge

“I had fun going back to my roots on these pieces and he was so excited, enthusiastic and grateful. My heart was so full when I delivered them to him, and they were a big hit with his wife,” Deb added.

Gulf State Lodge

Another extraordinary opportunity for Deb was being chosen to commission pieces of art for Alabama’s newly renovated Gulf State Lodge, a Hilton property in Orange Beach, Alabama. “The opportunity arose because of a client I had been working with for a long time. She had the contract to provide the artwork for the Lodge. They contacted me and I created two pieces that are hanging in the pre-function area of the Lodge. I also was asked to recommend other Alabama artists to create work for them, and I happily recommended several,” said Deb. She went on to say that it was the best feeling to have her art hanging in a property in her home state.

Artists on the Plaza

Most days Deb can be found working in her studio at Shades Mountain Plaza West in Bluff Park, Hoover. She is involved with several artists, in a group called Artists On the Plaza. They came together and formed a collective after Hoover’s Board of Education took over their spaces at the former Bluff Park Elementary School (Artists On The Bluff). Many artists landed in spaces at Shades Mountain Plaza and now they have come together collectively for events throughout the year. One such event is the Holiday Open House on Dec. 14 and 15 from 1-5pm.

Deb hosts craft nights throughout the year where artists come together for fellowship. They bring their own craft and learn techniques from each other. One of her goals for 2020 is to partner with a gallery or work with local designers in the Birmingham, Alabama area, however, for now, her work can be viewed on her website, www.paradisecreativeexpressions.com.

Artist, Sonya Clemmons, tells inspiring southern stories through her artwork

November 19, 2017 By Kara Kennedy

Inspired Southerner, Sonya Clemmons — Photo courtesy of Sonya Clemmons

If you’re looking for Christmas gifts that show your Alabama state pride, look no further than at artist Sony Clemmons’s folk art. Her whimsical Alabama folk art ornaments, prints and textiles can be found in stores throughout North Alabama. Each piece of art is drawn- by- hand and tells a story about the people and places of the South. She also has gives back to her community through her artwork.

[Read more…]

pencilpress – Susan Shoemaker – artist

September 9, 2017 By Sheree Martin

This week we’re rewinding episode 27 of the Birmingham Shines podcast featuring Birmingham mixed media artist Susan Shoemaker, who works under the name pencilpress.

As it happens, Susan / @pencilpress / is the featured artist for this month’s Birmingham Artwalk downtown.

Susan markets her work under the pencilpress brand, which connects to her college art studies in printmaking and her love of drawing. And she also presses hard with her pencil. Hence, pencilpress.

Susan is known for her animal-focused art and she explains how she conceives and creates animal drawings, paintings and other works.

Art as Calling, Art as Career

We get into art-as-calling (a little bit) the creative process, art in schools and what it’s like to pursue art while working a full-time day job.

Susan also explains how she gave up art for some years after college, while she worked full time, and then returned when she found that art was something that she could not let go.

Susan also talks about some of the challenges that artists are facing—and they might surprise you. One is the challenge of dealing with bad weather during an outdoor art show. Another stems from the frequent requests that artists receive to donate their work for fundraising campaigns. This is something that the artist community, overall, is facing and working to address.

We also talk about the challenge of pricing and value and perceptions of price, time, value and quality in the context of art AND food.

PencilPress.org (not .com)

Thanks to Chris and Ana Newsome for letting me commandeer a corner table at [the original location of Ollie Irene] at 4 p.m. one November Friday afternoon to record the interview and thanks to the house staff for being so accommodating with the request to turn down the background music a bit. Excited that Ollie Irene will soon be reopening in their new location in Crestline Village.

Wordless Wednesday: There’s So Much Going On In Birmingham, Alabama!

April 12, 2017 By Kara Kennedy

Every week or almost every week, I try to attend an event in Birmingham. I often wonder if people know how many events take place in this area on a weekly basis.

Last week I attended two theatrical performances that were outstanding. One was ‘Rain, a tribute to the Beatles’ it was similar to a performance I saw in London about five years ago. Performers who looked eerily like the Beatles performed a history of the Beatles music. It was a loud rock n’ roll event, but it kept us all entertained for two and half hours.

Friday I went to a performance of ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ which proved to be as entertaining as it was in London. The actor who played the Phantom was exceptional. There were few changes in the production itself, but overall, it was very well done.

I can truly say if you want something to do in Birmingham, you can find it.

Wordless Wednesday: The Color of Music

October 19, 2016 By Kara Kennedy

Wordless Wednesday:

This past weekend I attended an event called Music We Stand which was an event benefiting The Color of Music organization in Huntsville, Alabama. This event was a showcase performance and panel discussion in front of an all-star music industry cast for songwriters. The event was geared towards aspiring songwriters who were looking for their chance to make it in the music industry or how to make it in the industry.

About the Color of Music:

According to their website: The Color of Music organization is a youth driven with programs and activities geared to motivate kids of all ages. They teach children the values of life through the arts; music, spoken words and visual arts. We believe spending positive and creative time with our youth will help provide a safe avenue for their untapped creativity and keep them off the streets. The organization is for children of all ages that strives to connect young dreams with music industry leaders; giving everyone a chance to live out part, if not all of their dream while working together in year round entertainment. Our professional staff and volunteers are dedicated to the mission. We welcome and facilitate the development of strength and character of all who participate regardless of race, creed or national origin. I hope to give more volunteer hours to this wonderful organization.

Photo: Grammy nominated songwriter Clay Mills who wrote the hit song Beautiful Mess for Diamond Rio and he also is the owner of Songtown a website for songwriters.