Jessica Graham

Having been born into a multigenerational family of artists representing multiple mediums and styles, it was genetics that I couldn’t deny. Working corporately for several years, I continued feeling drawn to creativity and the arts. Upon making a major decision, art is now my career, continues to be my passion and allows me to continue the legacy of my extremely talented family.

To capture the essence of a subject but leaving out the obvious. I continually strive for softer edges, luminous layers, and less details instead of more. Abstract realism gives wings to the viewer’s imagination, and I love the challenge of deconstructing the image to its most simplistic form.

Samantha Hamrick

Life is complex and sometimes it’s confusing and messy, but it’s also beautiful and intriguing.  I truly believe that “everything has beauty but not everyone can see it” (Confucius) or at least not all the time. After wading through my own dark times and struggles with depression, I’ve obtained an understanding to look for that beauty far and wide through the reaches of space.  Through my own spiritual journey, I’ve developed a unique viewpoint to consider beauty in less obvious places and contemplate the layers of life that present in the complexities of human emotions, mathematics science and even pop culture. It might be my background as a nurse and therapist influencing me a little, but I deeply feel my role as an artist is to inspire others.  My desire is that it will inspire others to have a glimmer of hope and find the light in the darkness. Even if that spark is only for a fleeting wink in time, what is life but a series of such moments?

I gravitate to anything solid I can hold like a brush or a pencil.  Chalky things are not for me. I have had a long, mostly self-taught journey through various styles of art ranging from mandalas to fine art portraits. I don’t think art should have restrictions. Therefore, my artwork is quite diverse in its presentation including but not limited to watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, colored pencil and sometimes a combination. I try to listen to each piece I’m creating and consider what medium will do it the most justice.  Notably, some of my pieces are less complex and simply a representation of where I was in my artistic journey. They serve as a reminder that it’s ok to just start where you are at and grow. After all, growth itself is also a beautiful thing.

Aiken Artist Guild Member Show

The highlight of the AAG year is the Member Show here at Aiken Center for the Arts which invites each member to submit two works, which are eligible for awards and available for sale. Come see the wealth of talent in our community!