Charles Bibbs is an accomplished Fine Artist,
entrepreneur and philanthropist that has always believed that we are the
keepers of our culture, and as such, has spent much of his time working
towards developing a cohesive, energized African American Community.
Charles Bibbs’ artwork manages to fuse African American and Native
American cultural themes that make powerful cross cultural statements.
His work is thought provoking and capable of arousing strong emotions
that cross ethnic, gender and generational barriers. His artistic
renderings convey a deep sense of spirituality, majesty, dignity,
strength and grace. It is sufficient to say that however his works are
viewed or whatever individual emotions they may evoke, they remain
characteristically and recognizably Bibbs. “My
most important goal is to make profound aesthetic statements, that are
ethnically rooted, and at the same time arouse spiritual emotions within
us.”
Charles has also founded a number of organizations and businesses to
help in the growth of African American artistic expression such as: Art
2000, Art on Tour, Images Magazine and the Inland Empire Music and Arts
Foundation. Charles Bibbs’ own corporation, B Graphics and Fine Arts,
Inc., is recognized as one of the leading publishers and distributors of
beautiful African American images. For many years, we have introduced
nothing but the best quality and technically advanced prints to our
customers.
Maurice Bradford Jr. is a native of
Baltimore, Maryland who researches historical and modern art from
different countries to create masterpieces of creativity. Using oil
paints, acrylic, gouache, charcoal and other mediums, Maurice continues
to build a portfolio of fine and commercial artwork.
His art explores mature topics based on man vs. God, men vs. women, life
vs. death and other themes involving the adversities and pleasures in
life. From elementary school to his adult college career, Maurice
Bradford has shown the Baltimore community that art is a beautiful
creation when practiced and perfected.
In 1994, his parents enrolled him into the Super Saturday Art Program at
The Baltimore City College High School. During his Saturday visits,
Maurice met and befriended his mentor Mr. Larry “Poncho” Brown. Poncho
continues to teach Maurice the basics of creating artwork, which lead to
many awards and recognitions.
While attending Carver Center for Arts and Technology High School,
Maurice was able to participate in several art competitions. In 1997,
Maurice was awarded two prizes, the grand prize for the Artistic Legacy
African American Youth Art Exhibition and a medal for his submission in
the NAACP/ACT-SO competition. Again in 1999 and 2000, Maurice received
the award-winning medal from the NAACP-ACT-SO competition.
By 2002, Maurice was a well-known, award-winning artist. In 2002,
Maurice was acknowledged as Youth Artist of the Year by the African
American Visual Arts Association (AAVAA). This award was a prophecy that
Maurice was destined to conquer the art world with his ultimate
creativity and eye for beauty.
Maurice continued his art education by pursing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. With a
concentration in painting and web design, Maurice is learning how to
apply art to the needs of society. As an entrepreneur and profound
artist, Maurice is only at the beginning of his journey in the art
world.
“I love the versatility in the creative process
of making art,” says Maurice Bradford.
Larry "Poncho" Brown, a renowned figure in contemporary
African American art, is a native of Baltimore, MD. He started his first
business at the age of 17 as a signwriter and he has been a full time
artist ever since. Poncho received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree
from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD. His art, both
fine and commercial, has been published nationally in Upscale, Ebony,
Ebony Man, Essence, and Jet magazines. His art was featured in the UCLA
Fowler Museum of Cultural History Textile Series No. 2 book entitled
"Wrapped In Pride" and also featured in "Connecting People With Art" by
Mercer Redcross. His most popular artwork titled "Black is Black" and
works from "Egyptian Queens" series has been featured on the former hit
TV show "A Different World." "Sidesteppin" was featured on the HBO mini
series "Laurel Avenue", and "One Love" has been featured on "In The
House". His work adorns the walls of the likes of Bill Cosby, Dick
Gregory, Anita Baker, Susan Taylor, and Bernard Bronner just to name a
few.
In pursuing his philanthropic goals, he founded "The African American
Youth Art Exhibition" which recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. He
also founded Raising The Arts, which promotes fundraising to
organizations with art.
Admirers often site rhythm, movement, and unity, as favorite elements in
his work. He primarily works in acrylic, although he uses a variety of
mediums and styles to express his interests in Afrocentric themes,
Ancient Egyptology and dance. Poncho's unique style combines past and
present art stylizations to create a sense of realism, mysticism, and
beauty, which gives his art universal appeal. His contemporary paintings
are a reflection of his personal values and pay homage to ongoing themes
of family, community and spirituality.
Karen Y. Buster, native Baltimorean,
received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dillard University in New
Orleans, Louisiana in 1981. She is a graphic artist who’s unusual style
of handcutting originated while silkscreening for Bustertizin' Designs.
During the ten years Karen resided in Louisiana, she developed her own
“style of flavor” within her work. Karen has become a skilled artist who
has mastered a unique cutting technique using an X-acto Knife. For over
twenty years, Karen has perfected her precision with the knife along
with a keen eye of perception. She loves the strong statements that
negative and positive spaces project.
Karen’s work has the ability to intrigue the viewer’s eye through
simplistic, repetitive, rhythmic, geometric shapes. Karen’s work has
been received by such celebrities such as Queen Latifa, Denzel
Washington, Cheryl Lee Ralph, Toni Braxton, Jada Pinkett, Charles “Roc”
Dutton and a host of others. Both the Beverly Hills and Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce have adorned their walls with her work. The Artist
was recently presented an award for "Favorite Emerging Artist" for 2002
by the Black Heritage Visual Arts Association. She was also presented
the Arts and Culture Award by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women,
Inc. Karen says, “God has given me a gift, that
I love to share with others”.
James, a
native of Baltimore, developed a special interest in art while in his
fourth year of grade school. It was then that he decided to be an
artist. James was blessed with having the opportunity to nurture his
talent through participation in various community art programs and
workshops during his preteen years which prepared him for an academic
art education at the Baltimore School For The Arts High School. After
which he went on to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in visual
communication from the Maryland Institute College of art. After college,
James began a career in freelance commercial art. He has completed
illustrations for various publications including Physical Therapy Today
Magazine and Umoja Children Inc. Greeting Cards. His work has also been
showcased in various art exhibitions throughout Maryland.
Today in addition to freelance illustration, a major portion of James's
time is devoted to the fine art market through which he makes available
to clientele his original artwork and reproductions of his original
artwork. James also offers such commercial services as website
development and logo design.
James believes that his art is a gift from God and thus a vehicle
through which he can creatively express his three convictions: cultural
awareness, family values and his faith in God . It is these convictions
that have led James to establish his own art company, Something For Your
Soul (SFYS). Through SFYS it is James's goal to provide art that is more
than merely cute wall decoration. He wishes to set a standard of art
that penetrates the surface of one's admiration and ministers to the
soul.
Kenyan born artist
Grace Kisa is best known for her skills as a colorist. Touched by the
colors and cultures of her childhood years spent in Kenya, Ethiopia and
Botswana; Kisa works primarily in acrylics creating a mesmerizing blend
of energy, warmth and texture.
It was after her family moved to McLean, Virginia in 1978 and Kisa
started junior high that her innate talent began to be nurtured. A
graduate of York University in Toronto, the Atlanta College of Art and
the Art Institute of Atlanta; Kisa holds degrees in both graphic arts
and fine arts.
Kisa’s work hangs in Hartsfield Airport, Atlanta, the corporate offices
of Ryder Corporation and Upscale Magazine, and has been used on the
covers of several books and magazines. Painting in styles as varied as
realism, impressionism, and abstract, about which she says
“In the abstracts, I try to express the play
between the lyrical and the minimal. The intent is to create images that
go beyond the traditional surface to grasp the soul of things.”
Gwendolyn E. Redfern is a multi-talented
artist expressing her talents in pottery, painting, and mixed media
collages. She remembers painting as always being a part of her life. She
discovered pottery while completing her B.F.A. in painting at East Carolina
University in Greenville, North Carolina. Selecting ceramic classes only to
fill up her schedule, it became another gift of her creative expression.
Her pottery is known for its sleek designs, carvings, and spectacular
glazes. With impeccable craftsmanship, style and design, Gwendolyn molds
clay into fine art.
Gwendolyn’s oil and watercolor paintings are vivid journeys to other
dimensions. She forces her audiences to consider self and spirit and to
question the influences of powers greater than our own.
“My art represents my life experiences --hidden
secrets of mine, experiences forgotten or wished forgotten. Experiences that
move the soul so hard that they entice a warm smile or bring on laughter or
evoke many tears.”
“ I believe that I am only a vessel through which energies flow to tell
stories of life’s journeys…yours and mine.”
Gwendolyn E. Redfern is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. She creates her
works of art at the Redfern Fine Art Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Vibrant, colorful, and full of texture
describes the paintings of Deborah Shedrick. An artist who paints with a
palette knife, every color under the sun can be seen in her work.
Shedrick lives and loves art. What began as painting lessons in 1986,
honing her artistic skills through workshops with other prominent
artists, has developed into a career of her artwork being used
Nation-wide on book covers, television shows, and fundraisers. Articles
have been written about her work in several newspapers and magazines.
She fascinates her audience with a style that is uniquely her own.
Expressing herself through acrylic, pastel, clay, mixed media and
printmaking, her work is improvisational and innovative. Her passion for
art shines through her work. A combination of realism and abstraction,
she captures the nuance of a moment, celebrating color and energy. Her
artwork strikes a harmonious cord from a universal perspective and she
is part of collections throughout the United States and abroad.
Shedrick states, "As I create, I reflect on the
Master, the Author of Creativity, God. I share with you the spirituality
of which my art is born. Hear the art speak to you of love, inner peace,
strength and joy."
Andre’ has become a household name to the
art world and even a greater name in Christian households. His
tapestries are breathtaking, his watercolors are loose but yet defined,
and his subject matter of God touches the hearts of many that view his
works. It is so clear that collectors find inspiration in Andre’s
pieces.
Just like a prepared sermon, Andre’ asks God for each and every one of
his pieces. God has never failed Andre’: giving him pieces like “Real
Men Pray”, “If God Said It”, “Lord, It’s me Again”, “I Surrender All”,
and many more that follow suit.
Andre’ has not only made a splash in the art world, but has also used
his fashion illustration background to take on the fashion industry. He
is truly a man who realizes the importance of branding. Andre’ has
recently launched his signature handbag line, which is already getting
rave reviews. Andre’ has also been extremely successful in the home
décor industry, designing custom windows and doors for homes.
In the city of Atlanta, Andre’ has used his gallery to truly make a
difference in the community. As the owner of Art on 5, one of the
largest African American art galleries in the nation, Andre’ has really
brought the art scene to the forefront. He has partnered with
world-renown artists to strengthen the art industry, as well as mentor
youth. His “Painting With The Masters” program has parents thanking him
for finding a positive creative channel for youth. He has also been
successful building the brand of “ARTAINMENT”. Andre’ has blended the
worlds of art and entertainment seamlessly. He is responsible for the
creation of art social events such as Paint By Numbers, “where everyday
folk become artists.” He also is the creator of “The Coloring Book”, an
animated theatrical production coming to the Atlanta Fox Theatre in
Spring 2008.
Andre’, a native Virginian, received his BFA in Fashion
Illustration/Textile studies from Virginia Commonwealth University. Born
the middle child and only son to Rev. and Mrs. Charlie Thompson of
Petersburg, VA., he finds it easy to apply his childhood and growing
experiences and testimonies to his art. His clientele includes Fantasia,
Bishop Eddie Long, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tom Joyner, Tavis Smiley, Richard
Smallwood, Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha), Reginald Vel Johnson (Family
Matters), Dottie Peoples, Gail Devers, Erykah Badu and a host of
consulates and dignitaries throughout the world.
