some northwest flavor

If you've ever been to the Northwest, you've probably walked by a fair share of tribal art and eaten some pretty phenomenal seafood.

Metal artist Gator Chamberlain pays tribute to our Northwest culture through both wall hangings and free standing sculpture.

First exposed to Gator's work through a mutual friend, I was impressed by the intricate detail in his wall hangings. Each of these birds and creatures have designs cut into them that are as elaborate as a fine lace.

Besides the skill and craftsmanship, I'm intrigued by how expressive each of the characters are, each having a soulfulness - each of them seems as if they have a story they could tell.

Gator has also started a new series of human-sized, larger-than-life, free-standing fishing flies. As of yet, he doesn't have a website featuring his fine metal work, but I have a feeling we'll be hearing more

from this artist who has captured the spirit of the Northwest.

oh, carla, how i love thee.

Visit Carla Sonheim's website, and you will primarily see her series of adorable girls. In her own words, they are "inspired by the special and fleeting innocence of girlhood". I might choose to emphasize the word fleeting. Though simple in form, the colors are rich and sometimes somber, and the complete image is never childish, making these most appropriate as fond remembrances for adult women who may have been these girls years ago.

While the girl series is wonderful and noteworthy, I enjoyed digging deeper.

Her blog provides fascinating insight into her life as an artist. She has a great sense of humor, offering to entertain her students with spontaneous outbursts of song. I also appreciate that she shares her works in progress, sketches, and student's work., where many artists, myself included, are uncomfortable with revealing the not entirely finished. I love the lighthearted spirit that comes through.

My favorite pieces of Carla's are her mixed media animals. Check out the very human features on these cats, and a combination of bold tones with richer, deeper browns and grays. I think she's successfully achieved a balance of whimsy and sobriety that make all her pieces like a thoughtful daydream.

For more, visit www.carlasonheim.com.