Last week I addressed some of your questions and concerns about buying and collecting art. Today I’d like to share a few local artists creating stunning work at accessible points of entry. Something else to keep in mind, almost all of the wall artwork listed is a standard size, which means they can be framed in any standard size frame.
The Sassy Surgeon
Prints starting at $32
I discovered Brie while doing research for this piece and I can tell you right now, she’s going to be big. She’s a surgical innovation fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital and paints the most delicate and dynamic watercolors of anatomy (those are her works in the first photo as well). She described her artwork as informing her surgical work and vice versa. That marriage of left and right brain skills was fascinating to me. I think it speaks to the importance of art and (forgive me for this one) the art of surgery. Her prints are museum quality reproductions, an incredible value for the price.
Right now she’s offering a limited edition hand signed and numbered print (pictured above) of two N-95 masks intertwined in a heart. She saw two masks in this position after a shift and was inspired to turn the hopeful image into an artwork. Proceeds from this piece go to a COVID-19 relief fund.
Pamela Arroyo
Resin works starting at $35
The handmade works Pamela creates with resin and paint are absolutely mesmerizing. They’re also very practical. These coasters, a hallmark of her current collection, are both beautiful and functional. Pamela’s been working in resin for about a year but she’s very talented in other media as well, she paints, creates notebook designs, and takes custom orders.
Purchasing items like these from a local artist is a great way to invest in art while also filling a need. Why buy cheap coasters from HomeGoods when you can have one-of-a-kind coasters made by a local artist?
Ian Babylon
Prints starting at $60, originals starting at $150
Ian and I met years ago while working at Art New England magazine and I’ve been a huge fan of his work ever since. He primarily works in collage and has such an eye for pairing shapes and images together. Ian is also an art intellectual in the truest sense and brings an unmatched level of clever cultural commentary to his work.
On top of his talents in making art, Ian is also a professional art handler. He’s a wealth of knowledge about framing, hanging, and caring for work. Be sure to ask for his input on best displaying your piece!
Pipe Dream Pottery
Ceramic works starting at $25
Michaela, the artist behind Pipe Dream Pottery, is known for her cheeky mugs with breasts and butts on them. She also makes dishware, planters, and seasonally painted mugs. Pottery is another great way to add art to the everyday, each handcrafted piece is incredibly special, but, yes, can also hold your morning cereal. With Michaela’s work you have to act fast, especially during the holiday season she sells out very quickly. Keep an eye on her Instagram for re-stock dates.
MakerJake
Prints starting at $5, originals starting at $30
MakerJake makes pieces that blend traditional Indigenous symbols and styles with contemporary media like spray paint. The combination references his constant balance act between his Native American lineage and his experience in the contemporary American cultural context. Accessibility is also an important part of his mission, which is why his artworks are priced at such a steal.
Porsha Olayiwola
Books starting at $16
Porsha Olayiwola is Boston’s Poet Laureate is an extremely talented writer and performer. Her book “i shimmer sometimes, too” explores her experience as a queer, Black woman and her observations of the world around her. Her mastery of language and feeling shine in this beautiful, resonant book. Don’t forget about local writers when you’re shopping, they’re artists too!
Saraphym Art
Resin sculptures starting at $12, trays starting at $35
Saraphym makes resin sculptures and trays that are, frankly, magical. She has a way with the resin to cause light to reflect in a very unique way. The trays are perfect for highlighting special jewelry pieces or other mementos and the pyramids, her speciality, bring joy to any living space. I like the interpretation of the triangle as the most grounded and strongest shape. Here, this delicate, beautiful object is also a bastion of strength. It reads to me like a metaphor for a lot of the women in my life.
Stephanie Rita Creative
Prints starting at $25, originals starting at $30, mini originals starting at $18
Stephanie is a wonderful human and artist who used to shoot photos with me for Trends and Tolstoy! She’s now begun selling her paintings and prints and I’m so glad she’s sharing her art with the world. I love the vibrancy and accessibility of Stephanie’s pieces, and I love her mission to bring art to everyone. She offers prints, original canvases, and a lovely compromise between the two, mini 6 x 4 originals on canvas paper.
Zena Kelly
Original paintings starting at $30, ornaments starting at $10
Zena is a very talented local painter. I love her Wonder series, abstract pieces in soothing pastel colors. I was also drawn to her hand painted ornaments available for the holidays. Though her paintings are very reasonably priced as well, these beautiful ornaments are a great entry level art purchase or gift. If the ornament you like is sold out, shoot Zena an e-mail, she may be willing to create another for you.
Digs Enamels
Jewelry starting at $45, wall art starting at $95
You may remember my visit to Digs Enamels over the summer. I wanted to remind you all of their beautiful artwork! This is another moment when you have a lot of options. They sell jewelry, art pins, paintings, and sculptures in a variety of styles and price points. The clean, contemporary look is a hit with interior designers (and with me!).
Jourdan Christopher
Photographs starting at $25
Jourdan Christopher’s photographs probe the inner life of Boston. Seascapes, streetscapes, and portraits capture moments and emotions in time. His images are powerful depictions of urban life and the humanity that can be found within the cracks of chrome and glass. I purchased this photograph and the order had the option to have it pre-framed. I haven’t received it yet, but I’ll report back on that experience when I do.
Gateway Arts
Gateway Arts is a fantastic nonprofit organization that supports artists with disabilities here in Boston. They do of course sell artwork and they also sell wearable art like this face mask by artist Lyubov Rozenfeld. For every purchase, 50% of the proceeds go to the artist and 50% go into the organization, typically for materials and one-on-one support for the artists.
Shana Paleologos
Original work starting at $115
I met Shana five or six years ago and she let slip that she was an artist. She probably regretted it because I’ve been hounding her for the last six years to get her work out into the world. And she has! Shana’s a multidisciplinary artist so you’ll find paintings, charcoal, sculpture, and other media in her portfolio. Her work has an edge to it that I’m drawn to time and time again.
Helen Eddy & Juliana LaVita
Helen Eddy and Juliana LaVita are two local card artists! They’re both very talented, with radically different styles. I wanted to bring them to your attention because guess what, this is another way to buy art! Honestly I’m consider framing the upper left hand corner piece instead of mailing it to someone. Whether you gift or frame, this tiny artworks are handmade and bring joy wherever they go. You can pick up Juliana’s work at The Wine Press in Fenway.
Looking for a medium that wasn’t represented here? Let me know! I’ll see if I can connect you with an artist.