“I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares.” –Saul Bass
I first heard this quote when I was studying design at university. It stuck with me not only because I was a little obsessed with Bass’s work, but also because it continues to ring true for me in my work.
For most artists, creating is not just a hobby or job, but a way of life. The need to make art is woven in the very fabric of their being, and external validation does not dictate whether or not they create. Luckily for those of us in the Upstate, we live in a community that cares about creative expression; where art and design are integral.
In our Art and Design issue, you will see inspiring examples of how creativity can manifest in a multitude of ways. Explore our issue and you’ll find whimsical edible sculptures, intentionally designed painted portraits, and a creative duo that is literally a marriage of art and design. We also showcase a hotel that focuses on art, a poet on a new adventure, and a ceramicist who makes tools that are useful and beautiful. And that’s just the beginning.
The Upstate is full of talented creatives, but I would wager that most people—even those who don’t view themselves as artists—are more creative than they give themselves credit for. Creativity isn’t just an activity; it’s a way of participating in the world.
