Today we’d like to introduce you to Corrina Sephora.
AN ARTIST OF METALS AND MORE…
Sephora began her life-long interest in metalworking at the age of five in her father’s workshop, where she was introduced to the art of boat building. In 1995, Corrina went on to receive her BFA in Sculpture and Metalsmithing from the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. She then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she has since established her own studio, specializing in sculpture, furniture, and architectural works.
In 2005, Corrina received her MFA in Sculpture from Georgia State University. She has taught on the college level, and presented at national and international blacksmithing workshops and conferences. Her prestigious metalworking accolades include “Best in Show” from Annette Cone-Skelton of MOCA GA, Silver Award from Icarus International, the “People’s Choice Award” from the OCALA Outdoor Sculpture Competition, the “Best in Show” award at the North Charleston National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, as well as a number of other awards. Corrina’s metalwork is on permanent display in Atlanta at the Martin Luther King National Historic Site, The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, King and Spaulding’s Contemporary Art Collection, Temple Sinai, and many private collections internationally.
Corrina’s personal work often uses the imagery of boats and ships as metaphors for life experiences, and as story-telling tools. The boat form is a vessel and magical symbol for transition, while the ocean represents mystery and power, and the ebb and flow of the past and present. Corrina uses her wide range of experience and knowledge to continue developing this imagery into an aggregation of works she exhibits locally and internationally.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Corrina started facing challenges the first day of art school at Massachusetts College of Arts Boston, when her professor told the auditorium filled with a hundred fresh art school students that only 1% would go on to make a living practicing what they study while in art school. She took that challenge to heart, and crafted a living as a metalworking artist in Atlanta when she moved here in 1995.
When setting up her first metalworking studio, she faced her second major challenge. Corrina was working for several different clients as a metal worker, and would use their shops in the evening to complete commissions for her own clients. One particular client recognized Corrina’s need for her own equipment. Gladney Cooper, Corrina’s original benefactor, loaned Corrina the money to purchase major equipment to set up a metalworking studio. She has been creating work as Corrina Sephora Studios ever since.
When Corrina first created her studio, there were only about 50 women in the US that ran professional blacksmithing sculpture studios. This presented a challenge for her when consulting with companies in the metalworking industry. They were not accustomed to working with women in this capacity, and often condescended to her during professional encounters. For example, when Corrina was hired at a welding company as a journeyman apprentice, she was the only women hired in the history of the company. She has since broken through many challenges and glass ceilings, and now offers Women’s Welding Workshops twice a year to give other women the same opportunity.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Corrina Sephora Studio – what should we know?
Corrina Sephora Studios created one of a kind pieces of metal sculpture and architectural work. Her pieces are known for their organic quality and nautical/botanical themes, all created from pieces of rigid metal. Corrina’s attention to detail, conceptual research, storytelling, keen listening, and consulting with teams is renown in her commissions for clients. Some examples of what her studio has created are: The Sun Moon Nautilus Passage at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, and the Promise Land gate at the Martin Luther King Historic Center. She takes for large-scale sculpture as well as architecture features for both private and corporate clients. All of the work her studio does is custom designed and handmade.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Corrina work with a team of individuals that help her with everything from the commissions she receives to the work that happens in the office. She also has a group of loyal collectors and supporters from the community that have helped to propel her to the place she is today.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1200 Foster Street
Atlanta, GA 30318 - Website: corrinasephora.com
- Phone: (678) 718-8506
- Email: corrinasephora@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/corrinasephora.metalartist/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CorrinaSephora/
- Twitter: twitter.com/corrina_sephora
Image Credit:
Thom Milchovic
Pegasus Studios
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