When it comes to her Gullah-inspired paintings, Outsider Folk Artist Saundra “Renee” Smith is actually anything but. It’s her insider’s perspective, her deep and rich Gullah family legacy, gleaned from a lifetime of living on St. Helena’s Island that has earned our August cover artist a place among America’s great outsider folk artists, according to the National Advisory Board for the Folk Society of America. “My art is a testament of “grow-in up Gullah; it captures ladies with hats pulled low to cover secrets carried softly on the waters which run so deeply through the veins of the Gullah culture.”

One of the nation’s foremost recognized Pop artists, this month’s Pink cover artist Perry Milou is best known for creating pop culture contemporary art that frequently tributes global icons, Americana — like the striking Lady Liberty that graces our July cover—and celebrities such as Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, and his iconic painting of Pope Francis’ historic visit to America. In 2016, the spontaneous, non-commissioned portrait of the pontiff won Milou recognition as official licensed portrait artist by The World Meeting of Families.

There’s a world of playful pastels and a wise old soul in love with travel and nature living inside the imaginative mind of 18-year-old Emma Steuer.

From Pawleys Island, S.C., Emma is a Class of 2017 graduate of the Academy of Arts, Science and Technology High School in Myrtle Beach. She is currently carrying a full load of freshman classes at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, with plans for a fall transfer to the College of Charleston to pursue marine biology.

It’s a jungle out there…on this month’s cover. So much to see and discover—can you find the secret? The three enchanted birds each sharing a secret with “The Goddess,” inspired by artist Mira Scott’s daughter, are an African Grey, a White Bellied Caique and … what is the secret, you ask?
 
Alis Volat Propriis: She flies with her own wings. Surrounded by angels’ trumpets, brightly colored hibiscus, variegated ginger and monkey ball vines, can you find the motionless little observer?
A goddess has many facets, names and aspects. The worship of goddesses dates back to Paleolithic times. Evidence indicates most ancient tribes and cultures were matriarchal. Among the first human images discovered are the “Venus figures,” nude female figures dating back to the Cro-Magnons between 35,000 and 10,000 BC.

Jonathan Green, a Gardens Corner, SC native, is a nationally acclaimed and awarded professional artist, who graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1982.

“I never thought of life without art. I’ve done art all of my life and had tremendous support from the women of my family—my grandmother, my mother, aunts. I’ve always had the ability to do art within my family because it was looked upon as a special omen, if you will, the fact that someone could create something just based on looking at it. There was a tremendous sense of pride, but not from the prospective of Jonathan Green, the artist, but from the perspective of Jonathan Green having the ability and God-given talent to do these things,” said Jonathan.

Erisha Rubingh is a fashion and lifestyle illustrator. Inspired by style in every form—food, fashion and décor, her illustrations reflect her naturally effervescent and colorful personality. If Erisha had to describe her illustrations in one word, it would be, “Exuberant! Or Vivacious! It’s hard to pick just one!” she said.

Dabney Mahanes says, “I didn’t become a serious artist until my mid 50s.” Truth be told, she was a serious artist from childhood, it’s just the opportunity to fully focus on her talents didn’t present itself until later in life. She had a double dose of creativity from early on, majoring in graphic design and fashion illustration at college to divert her from her dream of being a dancer. Taking hints from society, she tried to persuade her artisanship into a practical package, which would come with the chance of a “real” career and steady salary.