Monday, October 25, 2010
Huntington wedding and portrait artist loves connecting with his clients
Huntington wedding and portrait photographer caught the photo bug from his parents at an early age. Introduced to the art by shooting with film, Joel Rotunda's path to photography was never linear. His parents owned a photo studio is South Carolina, but it wasn't until he received encouraging comments on his private Flickr photos that he considered it a profession. In 2008 he started his own business, and this past April, Rotunda and his wife relocated to Huntington to pursue better job opportunities. "Being around photography constantly peaked my interest in the field, and, eventually, my parents took the time to show me how to take basic photos," Rotunda said. Because his unique line of work takes him all over town, Rotunda gets by …
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Arlington photographer loves working in the Huntington area
Arlington photographer Maggie Winters has been working in the Huntington area for the last five years with everyone from families to local businesses. Her most recent local project was photos for a book about women entrepreneurs from around the neighborhood. She currently works out of her home studio, preferring the comfortable space to an impersonal rented studio. "I love the energy of this area; everyone is so inspired here, politically and otherwise. It's a great place to work," Winters said. After winning a "Washington Post" travel photography contest at the age of 13, Winters was hooked and has been a professional photographer ever since. Encouraged by her high school photography professor, Allen Beland, to shoot every day and enter …
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Belle Haven jewelry artist uses natural materials in her unique pieces
Jewelry artisan Leah Sturgis has been a creative person her entire life and has been selling her original pieces for the last 12 years. In 2003 her husband earned a spot in the United States Naval band, and they moved to the area from Alaska, where she ran a little shop in Juneau featuring dozens of Alaskan artists. The relocation inspired her to pursue a full time jewelry design career and her work is now available in over a hundred shops and galleries, all over the country. Her studio is based out of her Belle View home, and she can sometimes be found working at Unwined in the Belle View shopping center. Her unique style revolves around the mystery of nature and many of her natural materials originate in Alaska. "You will find shell, …
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Husband and wife co-own two tattoo shops in the DC area
In 2000, Sandy and Charley Parsons opened Great Southern Tattoo in Alexandria and have been Huntington's go-to tattoo shop ever since. Starting with an apprenticeship in the late '70s, Sandy and Charley have been practicing for over 30 years and still own their first shop in College Park, Md. The idea behind their shop was simple: a clean, family-friendly atmosphere where clients can expect great art and superior workmanship. Since Charley grew up in Franconia, moving back to the area to be near family and opening a second location was a no-brainer. "We have been a family-owned tattoo studio for the last 30 years, and we take pride in our work," Sandy said. While they are versed in all styles and types of tattoos, they particularly enjoy …
38.78375
-77.078188
6134 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA
Great Southern Tattoos
/articles/artist-spotlight-sandy-and-charley-parsons
/locations/2014174
Friday, September 10, 2010
Local artist shares her loves of swimming, music and cats through colorful art
Artist and cellist Deb Milan Brudvig loves the water. Before moving to the Montebello condo community in Huntington, Brudvig and her husband lived on a houseboat in D.C. Working from a small home office, Brudvig creates colorful and abstract art, graphics and licensed logos. Focusing on the most important parts of her life, she primarily works with music, swimming and cats. "Inspiration comes from things I love doing," Brudvig said. "Everything in your life affects your art. I think that swimming is still the most fun topic because it is still a fairly new part of my life." Her tools of the trade? Brudvig uses merely a sketchbook, Wacom drawing tablet, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. After getting a certificate in computer graphics from …
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Huntington muralist and portraitist uses exaggerated colors to bring her work to life.
Jenny Burgei is a Huntington muralist and portrait artist with a colorful gift. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, she moved to Alexandria seven years ago after her husband got a job in the defense field. Three years ago, they relocated to the Jefferson Manor neighborhood. As a lifelong artist, Burgei attended the Columbus College of Art and Design and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts. After graduation she worked in arts education but had little time to pursue any painting—personal or profitable. After a co-worker requested a mural for her baby's nursery, Burgei began advertising her painting services to make money on the side. Her popularity quickly grew, and, for the last four years, she has been working full time as a …
38.768049
-77.120475
6919 Telegraph Rd, Alexandria, VA
/articles/artist-spotlight-jenny-burgei
/locations/1897693
Nancy A Burns
4:42 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Great article on Leah Sturgis~~she not only makes totally beautiful jewelry but will customize her designs to meet your specifications! Nancy Burns more ›