Whether you’re seeking funk-filled canvases coated with abstract visuals or paintings of charming critters that will make you “aww” out loud, Cobb County is filled with passionate artists with a lot to offer.
Art brings the walls of a home to life, and Cobb County has its share of artists who can brighten the day with their inventiveness.
Here are profiles of three artists who shared their stories and artwork with us – Jason Sirotin, De’ Quan Williams, and Kelly Wright.
Jason Sirotin
Jason Sirotin with two of his works — photo by Lauren Leathers
“I love finding everyday objects,” Jason Sirotin said, clutching his favorite piece, Demon Head. “I do a lot of junk stuff. Pretty much anything I can find in mass quantities.”
The Indiana-born, boundary-pushing artist is a one of a kind – focusing on free, funky and creative expression through his work. He uses wood, bottles, video game controllers and anything else he can get his hands on in combination with bright colors to bring his art to life.
His works can be found around Cobb County at places such as Treehorn Cider in Marietta.
He is influenced by the artist Takashi Murakami, although he finds inspiration from day-to-day items. Sirotin says visions for his art come from anything around him – even an exuberant shirt color he notices someone wearing in passing.
During the day, Sirotin works at ECG Productions in Cobb County. His work at the production studio consists of creating music videos and paintings, which adds fuel to his creative fire. He began fashioning his own side art projects two years ago as a stress reliever.
“I do it for me,” Sirotin said. “If other people like it, that’s awesome too. It gets me super excited.”
He completes multiple projects each week. Currently in the works are a project of “pallet people,” where wooden pallets are given human-like traits and their own personality to create a unique story. His latest is “Peggy Pallet.”
Sirotin says his biggest reward in art is seeing his kids get in tune with the process of creation.
“My kids are my biggest inspiration,” Sirotin said.
The garage at the Sirotin household is littered with an overflow of multifaceted works. To clear space for future creations he is considering leaving his art around town to be found by locals, a recent art movement that not only makes the community smile, but is gaining momentum both nationally and internationally.
“I think found art is a really big movement,” Sirotin said.
Sirotin plans to continue his outward movement by bending the rules and pushing the boundaries of psychedelic art. To him, creating the funky art is an intimate release.
“It’s something I’m passionate about,” Sirotin said. “I just love art.I love how it makes me feel. I love looking at other people’s art, bad art, good art, I just like looking at expression.”
Sirotin does not do commission pieces, his art is all for fun, but concedes that he is happy to sell a few of his works to those interested. To inquire about purchasing his art, contact Sirotin via his website, https://www.jasonsirotin.com/.
De’Quan Williams
De’Quan Williams shows one of his paintings — photo by Lauren Leathers
De’Quan Williams, 11, creates abstract art with spray paint and acrylic paints. He may be young, but the talent and style shown through his unconventional artwork is undeniable.
The 6th grade entrepreneur creates atmospheric space scenes and exhilarating images with spray paint, acrylic paint, paint pouring and sketch work. His intriguing works are popping up around Cobb County, specifically at the Marietta Square Art Walk and on display at Brumby Elementary school. Keep an eye out for him, as he may be the Vincent Van Gogh of acrylic.
“I enjoy doing art because it opens up my personality and lets me explain stories as pictures on the canvas,” Williams said. “It lets me be open with myself through paint.”
In the early days, Williams and his uncle, Tim Shelton Jr, would complete acrylic and spray paintings together at his uncle’s shop, Tim’s Artistics, located in Albany, Georgia. He said much of his artistic influence comes from Shelton, who died six years ago from cancer.
“I’m just carrying on his legacy,” Williams said. “I’ve been carrying on what I’ve seen and what he taught me.”
Williams lived in Cobb County from 2010 to 2016, attending elementary schools including Kennesaw Elementary, East Valley Elementary and Brumby Elementary. He painted and gifted several canvases for his teachers during his time in elementary school.
Amy Calley, the art instructor during Williams’ time at Brumby Elementary, saw the raw, natural talent he possessed and referred him to the Marietta Square Art Walk.
Williams has been displaying his work at the Marietta Square Art Walk since summer of 2016 and has been invited back each year to participate.
In addition to painting, he is extremely active and enjoys displaying his diverse array of talent through basketball, soccer and singing. His future plans include becoming an artist or a singer. He mentions his biggest influence in singing is Dee-1, a Christian rapper.
To view and purchase William’s art, check out his website quanssavageart.org, or view his Instagram at quanssavageart.
Kelly Wright
Painting by Kelly Wright — photo courtesy of Kelly Wright
Kelly Wright has lived in Georgia for more than 26 years and currently resides in Kennesaw. Her day job is managing a flower shop in Marietta, but she holds another passion close to her heart – painting charismatic animals.
Half of the sale price for each painting she sells is donated to one of four charities: Mostly Mutts, Loving Arms, Cobb Moms Helping Cobb Moms and Preemptive Love.
Although Wright has been an avid painter since childhood, in December 2016 she began painting animal portraits for herself and friends. Her husband suggested that she donate some of the pieces. Last January she donated five pieces. From this donation, the idea to create a website blossomed, as Wright wished to donate more.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in February and uses her art as an outlet. Wright finds happiness in giving back to the community.
“For me, it’s been a nice outlet to give back,” Wright said. “That’s who I am.”
She enjoys painting animals because they make people smile. As a dog owner, Wright understands that pets are part of the family.
“Don’t critters just make people happy,” Wright said. “What could be better than that?”
Her pieces are on display in Roswell and at the Art Station in Big Shanty. To view and purchase Wright’s works, check out her website.
