MARIA D'SOUZA FINDS HER ARTISTIC NICHE: UNIQUE BEADED SKULL ART IN HIGH DEMAND
Some visual artists transfer their inspiration to canvas, sculptures or even graphic designs. Maria D’Souza, already an award-winning artist, found her creative outlet using beads and design talent on animal skulls to produce captivating works of art coveted by celebrities and collectors around the world.
Maria was born in Portugal, and while following her dad’s job, lived on five different continents, spending three years living in Bahrain. As her artistic work transitioned from canvas to wood, she encountered artists using skulls in their designs and became transfixed on the idea of using beads. In fact, she’s the first artist to take this particular medium into the fine art world.
“I’m an animal lover, so it’s imperative that the skulls I acquire come from ethically sourced providers,” says Maria.
“Most of my domestic skulls, such as Texas Longhorns and Bison, are acquired from small family farms and animal sanctuaries, and have lived long lives. More exotic skulls are usually found in the wild and have died by natural causes or predators. All of my providers are registered and have purchased special ‘tags’ that allow them to remove animal remains.”
Acquiring skulls via this method is more challenging, yet the ones she selects for her clients are amazing. When Maria began creating her beaded skull art six years ago, her first hurdle was finding the right glue. After trying dozens of options, she found someone who took the time to develop the perfect glue combination for the bead to permanently stick to the bone.
Each beaded skull takes about 150 hours to complete, depending on the project's size and scope. “Big game hunters like my work because they see I’m honoring God’s creation, and that’s important to me.”
Tracey Bregman, the Emmy-winning Young and The Restless actress, ordered a custom, beaded skull from Maria after seeing her work in Moo Country’s Leiper’s Fork boutique.
“Maria is so talented, intuitive, and spiritual. I am so honored to have her extraordinary piece called ‘Nashville Soul,’ in my home,” Tracey told Brentwood Lifestyle.
For custom pieces, Maria takes direction from her clients. She also consults with them about the room or location where the artwork will reside, color combinations and other considerations. If Maria feels the client’s color scheme or design concept isn’t working, she’ll offer her insights.
“I want the client to receive the most amazing beaded skull artwork. If needed, I’ll suggest what I believe works best. So far, I haven’t had a single client that didn’t accept my recommendations.”
Because her completed skulls were once living, breathing creatures, Maria wants those who acquire her work to appreciate the animal’s life and contribution to nature. If possible, she also wants them to know the animals' history because some were pets or recognized by the natives for years.
Some of the proceeds for the skulls she purchases are used to help feed and clothe tribes in Africa. “Everything cycles back and I love seeing an animal's life benefit others and being part of that process,” she says.
SINGING COWGIRL IS READY FOR 2021: EMILY ELGIN PREPARED HER ENTIRE LIFE FOR SUCCESS THAT LIES AHEAD
One can’t travel around Music City without bumping into an aspiring singer-songwriter trying to make it in the music industry. Many try, but only a few find themselves staring into the spotlight with thousands of fans singing every note of their latest hit. Emily Elgin is destined to be one of the “few.”
After winning a series of American Idol auditions, she arrived in Hollywood. Although she didn’t make the popular show’s final round, the Oklahoma cowgirl learned a valuable lesson. “Always follow your gut and listen to your instincts,” says Emily. “The advice others give isn’t always in your best interest.”
Some artists may've been too devastated after not capitalizing on their 15 minutes of fame. For Emily, the opposite occurred. “Not making the American Idol finals made me want success even more.” One solid piece of advice was that she should move to where the music is created. She sold most of her worldly possessions for the trek to Nashville.
Soon after arriving, Emily found support from successful artists. She landed a job waiting tables at Gray’s On Main in downtown Franklin, spending her free time perfecting her songwriting, guitar and singing abilities. Emily also was fortunate to surround herself with a team dedicated to the long-term goal of preparing for her success.
Emily wrote or co-wrote five songs for her first EP. The title track, "This Woman," showcases the attributes that have helped her stay focused. “I wanted to tell other women it’s OK to be sassy, sexy and confident. Being comfortable in your own skin is important, especially today.”
“Don’t Come Knockin’” is not only a rockin’ fun song, it tells guys not to waste this feisty redhead’s time. “After suggesting to a former boyfriend that he head down the road, he sheepishly asked if the tongue lashing he received would find its way into a song.”
Fast forward to March 2021, and Emily sits on the brink of success. Like most successful entertainers, the path wasn’t always smooth. A solid work ethic instilled by her blue-collar dad pays daily dividends.
When Emily takes a break from songwriting, chances are she’s perfecting her roping skills with trainer Cody Jenson at Triple Creek Ranch, near Leiper’s Fork.
2020 taught Emily the importance of patience. When the pandemic interrupted her tour plans, she doubled down on her songwriting. Today, Emily sits on a catalog of tunes she hopes to record and sing soon.
“My team and close circle of supporters have firmly stood by me,” says Emily. “I live my dream every day. Now I want to share it with others.”
Learn more about Emily and her music at EmilyElginmusic.com.
GINA JULIAN: VIBRANT, SHOWSTOPPING COLOR FIELD PAINTINGS
Hard-edge abstraction painter Gina Julian seeks to explore energy and motion through the use of flat color. This Nashville native enjoys evoking emotions by varying colors according to hue, saturation and value.
“I’ve long been fascinated by effects of color on the human psyche,” she admits, confiding that she herself collects food art.
She follows a style of abstract painting that’s often referred to as the color field painting movement that emerged in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s. Additionally, she’s guided somewhat by visual principles perfected during previously working as a graphic and web designer.
“I’ve always loved art crawls and the art industry, painting in my spare time,” Gina says.
Her color palettes experiment with color interactions, and how perceptions of colors can be altered based on surroundings, not visible brushstrokes. She also enjoys using color to suggest movement in her works, often giving viewers multiple perspectives on the direction of her crisp lines. From her Franklin-based studio since 2017, Gina classifies her acrylic paintings as Optical Art.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the positive impact of living with art and experiencing it on a daily basis,” says Gina, who also appreciates contributions of personalized interior design.
In the past, Gina says many people wanted to surround themselves at home with calming, neutral colors, as a way to relax from busy work spaces. However, self-quarantining due to COVID-19 has left people instead needing stimulation in their homes, she explains. “Now, a lot of people are starved for color, as well as happiness in their homes. They’re looking for something to liven up their residences. My large blocks of color help do that,” she says.
Using her bold artworks as desired and sought-after Zoom videoconferencing backgrounds even caught on rapidly by word-of-mouth and social media.
“I’m told my op art paintings definitely become focal points,” she quips. “Some even tell me that my artwork makes them super happy because looking at the creations prompts them to feel like they’re opening a fresh box of crayons.”
Gina typically releases collections of paintings a handful of times each year; in fact, during February, she just released a small works collection within 12x12-inch wooden or metallic frames. She’s planning a large works release for early April.
Additionally, she’s open to commissioning paintings in-between releases. To discuss custom options, email gina@ginajulian.com.
This summer, Gina plans to experiment with a new form of painting called realism, which is a mid-19th century artistic movement characterized by subjects painted from everyday life. The term also generally is used to describe artworks painted in a realistic, almost photographic, way.
Instagram @gina_julian
GinaJulian.com
Art is too important not to share. ~Romero Britto