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As the founder of Kobo Gallery, Heather Lindsey Stewart was the best go-to person in order to learn more about the hottest artists' cooperative in Savannah. Over a cup of tea, I had the chance to chat with Heather about how she started Kobo and her vision for the future of the gallery. Oh, and of course, we spoke about her own work as well. Heather is a jewelry designer and master silversmith. She is soft spoken and hard working. Her work has won numerous awards, including 'Best of Show' at the 13th Annual Telfair Art Fair. Not a bad start for a young artist and now busy mother of two.
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JCP: Heather, why did you want to open a cooperative art gallery, and how did you launch 'kobo gallery'?
HLS: I have been fortunate to pursue a career as an artist alongside my role as a full time mother of two beautiful daughters. My goal in starting the coop was to allow myself to better split my time between artistic work and family. Also, and just as important to me, was the chance to work side by side with other amazing artists that live in the Savannah community. Having this opportunity to share the gallery experience with some of Savannahs' finest accomplished artists has been very rewarding and so much fun. When 'kobo' started 5 years ago there were 3 other members and of those, Christi Reiterman is still with us. Every artist who has been part of the 'kobo' family has helped shape the gallery that we have today. It's truly been a shared community experience.
JCP: Many people have asked how the name Kobo came about for the gallery. How did you name the gallery?
HLS: Shortly after moving to Savannah and surrounding myself with artistic friends the thought of opening a gallery seemed possible. One of my colleagues suggested a name given by her Japanese mother, 'kobo'. It translates to 'an artists working studio'. The gallery never happened back then but the name stayed with me. When our coop was starting up and needed a name I felt it was the perfect fit for us, I still do.
JCP: What does the future hold for the gallery?
HLS: The gallery has grown from four to fifteen members. We have nationally and internationally recognized artists as well as a waiting list. It is so exciting to see everyone working together and creating our future as we go along. I can't say what is down the line for 'kobo' except for good things. By having so many diverse artists coming from different backgrounds and each incorporating their own ideas, this helps shape what the gallery will become in the future. We have always stated we are a 'work in progress.' It's our motto. In my eyes, the future can only get better as we continue to learn and grow together.
JCP: What might you want the readers to know about the gallery that we haven't touched on?
HLS: We are a 'fine art gallery' that is approachable and community minded. Bring your children, dogs and ice cream cones with you when you stop in to visit. Due to the nature of our management there is a different artist working everyday. This is one aspect that really makes 'kobo' special. Each artist brings their own energy, talent, and expertise with them when they work. You may walk in and see an artist carving wood from a tree stump, someone sitting on the couch knitting or someone near the desk sketching and painting. We have truly become a community within our own walls.
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JCP: Let's talk a little about your own work. How did your journey as an artist begin and, how did Savannah become your home?
HLS: I believe everyone has a natural talent or ability they are born with and when given the chance to tap into it, the journey begins. For me, I have been able to best express myself through the creative process of designing jewelry. In college when I took my first metalsmithing class I knew I had found my passion. Working with fire and metal engaged me. Two months after graduating, I moved to Savannah on a whim with a college friend. Without visiting the city first, I packed my bags and headed South for a new experience. To this day I am happy I took that chance.
JCP: What informs your work and keeps you interested (your muse, so to speak)?
HLS: My creative urge is fueled by daily living. The change in the weather, the smell of simmering garlic, or music that makes me want to dance, these simple facets of life give me the spark to create.
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JCP: Tell us about your creative process and what inspires you.
HLS: When I first started taking my career as a jewelry artist seriously, I needed inspiration that would help me to refine my style. Finding the book
'Edo-Art in Japan 1615-1868' (by the National Gallery of Art (US) and Robert T. Singer et.al) was the tapstone or milestone that I needed. This book opened up a new world for me and inspired me to create a new body of work. I was in awe of the samurai, the delicate plum blossoms, and the array of kimono textiles. These simple and direct motifs often appear in my work.
My creative process starts with my perception of nature which has always played an instrumental part in fueling my inspiration. Petals in bloom create organic shapes which might help me to visualize a starting point. Stark tree branches that overlap on a crisp cool day represent clean modern lines in my minds eye. Falling leaves that are warm with color fill me with marquis shaped designs that I may incorporate as cascading gemstones. A pristine white landscape blanketed with snow takes me to a 'less is more' approach when I'm finishing a piece. Many simple yet understated occurrences in nature will lead me to new thought processes and designs.
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JCP: Do you have a vision for the next step in your artistic life?
HLS: I feel I am at a crossroads in my life right now and that I need to push the envelope...to go further with getting my work out into the world. I love to create, I have to create, it is a big part of who I am. I feel the need for my creative endeavors to take on a larger role. I would like to fine tune some of my production work and I would love to see them in production commercially.
JCP: Has your hectic schedule (due to being a gallery owner, artist, wife and mother) had an influence on your work?
HLS: Life seems to be on fast forward these days. We are all pulled in many directions and have many roles to play. I have been on a mission to find balance for myself, my family and my artwork. Through this challenge, my work has become much more symbolic, heartfelt and meaningful. My last series of work was titled 'Finding Balance.' This is a common theme in my work as well as themes of motherhood and inner strength.
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JCP: If someone said"your work reflects your personality," would you be able to see the connection? What does this connection make you think about?
HLS: Yes. I put so much of myself into my work that I feel it naturally will reflect my life and interests. The connection to my personality can be perceived by how you know me. I describe my work as being reflective, zen like, subtle, meaningful, natural, organic, clean lined, full of purpose with an attention to detail.
JCP: Heather, thank you so much for sharing with us. And thank you for embracing the cooperative spirit which has allowed 'kobo' to become such an amazing gallery to visit.
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kobo gallery
33 Barnard Street
Savannah, GA. 31401
912.201.0304
Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30 Sun 11-5
www.kobogallery.com
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