TAOU IS FOR ARTISTS: RECENT JULY ARTISTS
From ceramists to writers and more in Richmond, get to know our community and friends! Find out what they are working on, learn about what keeps them inspired and more. —— JULY EDITION.
Natalie Kohlhepp - CERAMIST
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY:: Hello! So, I graduated from VCU in 2016 with a BFA in Photography + Film and right out of school started working in the film industry. I've been a union member of IATSE Local 487 for the last 7 years and my work has always focused on the art department, specifically Set Dressing and Props. Honey Honey was born in 2019, while I was between movie gigs I taught myself ceramics as a way to get back to myself after working a wildly rigorous schedule for film. Over the last few years, working for myself and giving what I can to Honey Honey has been far more fulfilling than any real movie or set experience I've ever had. Now I'm in the liminal zone of transitioning out of film work and into being my own boss full time. EE!
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS LIKE?: I listen to A LOT of podcasts. Usually working solo, as is the way, but I built and share a studio space with two other amazing ceramicists. As I mentioned I do all of the things for Honey Honey, and I'm in the process of really leaning in to making it my 9-5, so day to day changes from being paperwork at home days, several design and create days. It's me, a spooky podcast and a lot of mud. And of course my dog sleeping somewhere near in the studio!
Shannon Lawler - Working Designer
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: I work in a variety of different mediums in design, such as fabrics and textiles, painting, and sculpture. I love tactile design and creating using my own hands and being able to see exactly what I am doing and the impact it is having. I design largely based on what I want the project to be and experimenting on the best way to get there. My personal passion is using natural materials and allowing nature to have a place indoors, creating unique pieces that bridge the gap between nature and people.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?: I am currently working at an interior design space, helping to curate the fabrics and make sure they all come together to tell the story how we want them too. I also do abstract painting and am continuing to brainstorm on my natural materials product design which is a major passion project of mine..
Tonika Shackleford - Eclecticism
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY: I began my artistic journey as a nail artist 6 years ago as a result of an energetic shift within myself at the beginning of the pandemic. What began as an interest grew into a passion for color theory, theme, and abstract contouring. Over the years I have learned that I actually process information in colors and that has really enhanced my creative process overall as an artist and human being..
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: With my eclecticism and use of color theory I create art that feels good. i strive to provoke emotions such as joy, or even contentment and satisfaction with my pieces. I want the person studying to simply take what they need and leave what they don't. It's all about "The art of YOU."
Shayna Putnam - Hair Stylist
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: I work at a salon in Ashland. I have been apprenticing there for over a year learning the ins and outs of hair. I'm mostly interested in color work as I have a more creative mind towards color than shape.
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS LIKE?: I find myself getting lost in color work. I'm in my zone and loving it. Vivids are the most fun thing to do, but my favorite thing is to create different patterns on dimension in the hair ie. Balayage, Highlighting, Color. I work with a wonderful, supportive team. We love and care about each other and that's a special thing to have in a workplace.