Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Quia Z. Atkinson's exhibit, Lux Perpetual, opens at Jefferson Arts Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 5, and promises a stunning display of mixed media art. Inspired by the world around her, Atkinson creates three-dimensional, abstract pieces using resin and acrylic embellished with materials like glass and crystals.
“I truly find inspiration in nature and travel,” says Atkinson. “God has given us the perfect landscape for creativity: the colors in the sky and ocean, rocks, flowers, animals.”
Atkinson says that her richly fluid artwork also expresses a desire for constant movement, which is an extension of her upbringing in a military family that lived in many culturally rich places, including Norway and Morocco.
Although Atkinson enjoyed sketching as a child, she didn't become a self-taught professional artist until later in life. When her younger sister was diagnosed with brain cancer at age nine, Atkinson found solace in creating, drawing and playing the piano during the difficult time for her family as her sister endured treatment and became a cancer survivor. Growing up with parents who were Marines, Atkinson felt a strong pull to serve in the military. In high school, she was in the U.S. Army Reserves and as a result went to college on a full Army ROTC scholarship. At Florida A & M University, Atkinson graduated with a degree in Health Care Management with a minor in Military Science.
“I never thought art would be a career for me,” she says.
For many years she concentrated on work, home and family. Then in 2016 she started her own art studio at home in Tallahassee and named it QZ Design Gallery.
“I found my passion again for art later in life, and my creativity has evolved over the years,” she says. “Every time I think I've found my style, there is something new that I want to try and delve into. As an artist, we are always evolving as our lives and the world change around us. We adapt and evolve with our art. When I first began painting, I was only using acrylic on canvas. Now I use acrylic, resin, crushed class, crystals, glitter, gesso, pigments, alcohol inks, pastes and the list goes on and on!”
Working with resin can be challenging, says Atkinson, because the weather, heat application and time all affect the final outcome. It's very rewarding, though, in part because more than 90 percent of her creations are commissioned.
“The relationship between me and my client is extremely important,” she says. “I take what is in their imagination and bring it to life. It is the greatest feeling to deliver a custom artwork to a client's home and they jump for joy. I want my artwork to provide warmth, happiness and be an uplifting aspect in my client's home or office.”
QZ Design Gallery's success comes not only from Atkinson's creativity. Everyone in her blended family of five pitches in to support her.
“All of my creations are done in my home studio. I love creating at my home. I'm surrounded with family and our dog, and it helps my creative energy. My husband Morgan, whom I couldn't live without, professionally packages and ships my artwork and decor! My son James (17) is an artist as well and has a keen eye for what I'm working on. Camryn (16) helps with the business end, and Olivia (10) provides constant encouragement.”
In addition to her personal and commissioned artwork, Atkinson also offers classes during which she teaches clients her process as they create their own multi-media pieces. To see her artwork and find information about classes, visit qzdesigngallery.com.
The opening for Atkinson's Perpetual Lux exhibit takes place at Jefferson Arts Gallery, located at 575 W. Washington St., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, and will continue through Wednesday, March 2. Regular Gallery hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Or call (850) 997-3311 for an appointment outside of regular hours. For a preview of Atkinson's art, visit www.jeffersonartsgallery.com. Then make plans to see it in person!
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