Lillian Blades works with assemblage of objects and fragments in her attempt to make sense of life observations symbolically. Components and symbols such as eyes, empty frames, buttons, quilts and reflective surfaces like mirrors and glass frequently appear in Blades’ mixed media wall hangings.
Beverly Buchanan is an African American artist noted for her exploration of Southern vernacular architecture through her art. She notes that tobacco barns have played an unconscious role in her life as an artist in making what she was calling shacks. Her focus on these shacks and houses are meant to pay tribute to the human struggle and survival.
Beverly Buchanan’s work includes miniature churches, houses and shack sculptures. Some are quite colorful while others are starkly devoid of color. Lillian Blades’ pieces are large-scale, mosaic-style mixed media wall hangings. Both artists share an interest in the African American southern experience with each maintaining homes and work studios in Georgia.