“If You Don’t Feel it, it’s Not Doing You Any Good”
Steve Mann is a commercial photographer and the co-owner of West Asheville’s Double Crown, the atmospheric pocket bar where he shelters his other passion:…
Quilter Deconstructs the Fabric of Tradition
Judy Simmons began by making a traditional quilt. But she didn’t like working with a fixed pattern. So for the second one, she tried…
After Looking at a Child’s Hands, She Quit her Job to Revive an Ancient Art Form
Portrait by Matt Rose In 1997, Julie Schantz became so smitten with henna body adornment, or mehndi, that she quit her job as a…
His Work is über-Meticulous, but his Studio is a Raging Hot Mess
Patrick Ober of Ober Metalworks has worked with metals since 1992. But while most machinists use computerized pneumatic tools, Ober does everything manually, with…
Duo Gets into the Groove to Support their Touring Habit
Christy Barrett and Ryan Schilling posted a disclaimer on a recent musical project: “No albums were hurt in the making of this video.” But…
Twirling Molten Glass in Public Wasn’t Asheville Enough, So They Added Beer to the Action
Those ripples and waves in antique window panes were likely formed by human breath. That’s because glassblowers of old were relied upon to create…
One Couple’s Crazy Secret to Achieving Longevity
Ceramic artists Carl (he’s in his 90s) and Jean Saake (late 80s) are thought to be the oldest active potters in WNC, and maybe…
Mosaic Teacher Leaves a Little Piece of Her Heart (and DNA) in Every Project
In the hands of Asheville mosaic artist and teacher Linda Pannullo, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Ten years ago…
A Search for Spiritual Leggings Took Her to Tibet and Back
Asheville photographer and fashion designer Wendy Newman incorporates intricate mandala patterns into her signature apparel-and-accessories line, including scarves, leggings, kimonos, and umbrellas. Inside…