The possibilities of art and hidden talent within the city of Atlanta are endless. Artists in the community and at Georgia State began their work early in life and continue to find inspiration around them to guide their passions.
These underground artists have transformed their artistic outlets into methods of empowerment, as well as steps toward making a difference on both personal and professional levels.
Self Expression
Photo Courtesy of Sage Guillory
Full-time artist Sage Guillory makes a living from his work featuring graphics and a personal flare that interprets his representation of life. The artist has done numerous graphic designing, illustration and art directing jobs.
“As an artist, you have the responsibility to reflect the time and really show what’s going on,” Guillory said. “Once you put all your faith in what you want to do, and give the universe no option but to provide for you, then things turn around.”
Guillory has done a collaborative project with music artist Raury, which was featured as the album artwork, and displayed in London, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
Work featured: artguillory.com
Life in print
Photo by Justin Clay | The Signal
Fiction writer and novelist Chance Howard has already published two novels in his young life. The Georgia State student is currently studying to be an educator.
“Art can be found through pictures, words, and people themselves,” Howard said. “I can find a story in everything, and that is what made me fall in love with the city of Atlanta.”
For Howard, one challenge that affects his art style is reaching out to a social media consumed audience. By adding his own personal style, Howard is using words in a way that’s relatable to a younger audience.
“The largest impact on my art style, being words, is that people don’t use them anymore,” Howard said. “I try to use words in the best and most unorthodox way I can.”
Howard’s first novel is titled “Going Home,” and the second novel titled “Pride,” which explores the life of a teen who has conflicting relationships with a parent after coming out.
Instagram: @justchance
Access to book: readsbychance.com
Contemporary painting
Painter and Georgia State art major Brianna Adams is passionate about education, and creates work that explores self-discovery as a black women. For the young artist, everything used or seen through daily life influence the way art is experienced or created.
“I believe a lot of people appreciate art and its value, but don’t realize they do,” Adams said. “Everyone can appreciate art in their own, and it’s literally everywhere.”
Adams finds inspiration in the human anatomy, by focusing on the unfined natural state of the body. While the young artist is experienced in contemporary painting, she is challenging herself to try other mediums of art such as realism.
“I love the human body and especially the human face and all the tiny things about people that makes us all unique,” Adams said. “That’s why I really enjoy portraits and while I’m still working towards it, realism is an art style that completely captivates me.”
Instagram: @wheres_bernana
Spoken word
Poet and performing artist Sydney Sinclair has been showcased at various open mic events, bars and lounges. The Georgia State student thinks that art value is determined by the artists, and that the messages conveyed by an artist shows their passion.
Photo Submitted by Sydney Sinclair
“Within my art, self expression is the biggest influence,” Sinclair said. “I began writing and performing not necessarily to speak to anyone or on anything specific, [but because] experience helps me create.”
Poetry is not just a form of art. For Sinclair, it also helps elevate built up emotions. Being a writer encourages the poet to share experiences and thoughts with others.
“Expression keeps me sane, and my art organizes and asserts my thoughts and feelings for me,” Sinclair said. “I’m mainly inspired by other music and writers, as well as my experiences and my thoughts.”
Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud: @trippenontrip
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Spreading the talent:
There are various locations in Atlanta where artists can submit their work, showcase their art and speak their words.
Book Publishers:
- Bouje Publishing:
50 Hurt Plaza SE #1448
404-221-0703
Artwork Submissions:
- Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 688-1970
Spoken Word:
- Apache Café
64 3rd St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 876-5436
