November 2011

The Art of Sykes Gallery in Goose Creek, SC, Opens with First Exhibit

The Art of Sykes Gallery, a contemporary art gallery featuring sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and mixed media works announces its plans for their grand opening in Goose Creek , SC, on Nov. 4, 2011, from 7-10pm. The opening exhibition will showcase wire sculptures and jewelry by Eugene Jenkins, paintings by DeWayne Sykes and Faith Sykes, and drawings by Makeeva Omari Spann. The exhibit will remain on view through Dec. 31, 2011.

Faith Sykes was born in Los Angeles, CA, but at the age of 10 she came to Charleston. The culture and landscaping in the Lowcountry intrigued her. She started drawing subjects that caught her eye. She encountered many inspiring mentors that got her into many art exhibits which landed her several awards. Over the years, Faith mastered perfection and became an art teacher. Her art became a fixture in many homes and businesses throughout the world. From life’s struggles, her escape became her creativity, bringing out master pieces defining success of life and rich culture, sharing with the viewer a unique life voyage.

DeWayne Sykes “a self-taught artist” in his early 30’s was born and raised in Charleston, SC. DeWayne was recognized at an early age for his creative drive and was inspired by family members who are also gifted in the arts. Being encouraged by family and friends, DeWayne practiced art throughout his child hood. His style has been influenced by his cultural heritage, religious inspiration, and stories told to him when he was much younger. DeWayne’s work is created in a variety of styles and has been described as “effectual and powerful.” His use of bold color and texture creates an energy of uniqueness to his painting style.

DeWayne will also introduce his art using Pyrography. Pyrography is the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. It is also known as pokerwork or wood burning. Pyrography means “writing with fire” and is the traditional art of using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural materials such as wood, leather, paper, etc.

Eugene Jenkins was born and raised in Charleston, believing art is a way to express himself. In the early 70’s he started his voyage, his religious inspiration leaded him to becoming a self taught jeweler. Becoming a hard driving, imaginative, and innovative, as well as a perfectionist, has brought the artist great success. Jenkins continues to develop and refine his own work each time making his art alike but not of the same. He specializing in custom jewelry designs, and jewelry sculptures. Since 1973, Jenkins’ creative work has spread all around the US.

Makeeva Omari Spann is a world-renowned artist residing in Charleston. He specializes in drawing/painting portraits, live sketches, and celebrity art pieces. His artwork is featured in the Historic City Market located in downtown Charleston.

Spann (MoSART) originally hails from Atlanta, GA, with a host of creative artists within his lineage. At the tender age of 3, MoSART and his family relocated to Charleston. It was then that a very young MoSART saw his mother draw a picture of his younger brother, which sparked in him an appreciation for the arts. Like most children his age, he enjoyed doodling. Fortunately, his mother realized his talent and encouraged him to continue cultivating his craft.

By the time he was in grade school, MoSART’s ability to draw far surpassed that of his peers. Unfortunately, most of MoSART’s teachers believed that he devoted too much time to drawing, often balling up his sketches and tossing them in the trash. However, his first art teacher, proved to be the exception by encouraging MoSART to pursue his passion for artistic expression.

At the age of 11, MoSART’s parents separated, placing a financial strain on the family. As a way of earning extra income, MoSART would sell illustrations to fellow classmates so that they could complete class projects. In addition, he would even draw cartoon characters on his classmates clothing. All of this created an entrepreneurial spirit in the budding artist.

After the untimely death of his father, MoSART became reacquainted with a cousin, artist Ashanti Johnson, who stressed the importance of pursuing his God-given talent of artistically conveying images on canvas as a profession.

The Art of Sykes Gallery will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10am-7pm. The gallery will hold future monthly exhibits featuring well-known and emerging national and regional artists.

For further information check our SC Commercial Gallery listing, contact Karen Ingram, Gallery Director by calling 843/628-2286 or visit (www.ArtofSykes.com).

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