Artist Profile: Brackin

By Brandi Price

Upon entering Ed Bs Studio 54, youre immediately intrigued by this non-traditional art gallery. As you look around, youll get a sense of the owners talent and creativity. At a young age, Ed Brackin left Charleston, SC to explore the country. Eventually, he settled in Georgia and opened his thriving art studio, Studio 54. For thirty years, Ed has worked for a fire protection company and has always loved creating, but he became intentionally artistic three years ago.

After purchasing and renovating the dilapidated studio property, Ed was eager to learn to weld. Upon learning the craft, he and his daughter began exploring the local scrap yard every Saturday morning, finding treasures to create metal sculptures. Once he completed some of his unique, folksy pieces, Ed decided to enter his first art contest at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, and his piece, Sax Man, took Best of Show. Ed was tickled to death. Channel Two Action News was even present to broadcast his greatest artistic moment.

The inspiration for Eds work is both his community and an overactive, highly creative mind. After mastering steel, Ed wanted to do stained glass, so he created a glass room at his studio, which has also been successful. After glass, Ed moved on to pottery and casting, where he molds peoples hands, feet and bodies. Ed is adamant about incorporating the unexpected in his work, as he is tired with the often-overdone themes of nature and landscapes. Ed likes to surprise, and he loves when people are shocked by the pieces throughout his studio gallery. Not only does he generate pieces for Studio 54, but it houses almost twenty local artists, along with his own personal finds. New pieces arrive frequently.

On advising artists, Ed says, Just let it fly, man. He believes you limit yourself when you stick solely to what youve been taught. Ed thinks breaking barriers and doing what makes you happy is important. Another key aspect of Eds art is that he doesnt create for mass selling. Ed says, I create what I want to create. If you dont like it, itll go home with me. Although, thats not to say he doesnt love for his art to make people happy. He explained that, I just love doing things for people. I just enjoy it. Its not about money to me. Its just fun. I love to see people happy. I love to see the enjoyment. I love to hear the laughter when theyre coming through here. Ed has found continued success with his work all over the state, selling and making commissioned pieces. His piece, Hula Hoop Girl, can be seen in Woodstocks Elm Street Sculpture Garden. Hes even shipped a piece as far as Utah. Though Ed advertises little, you can find him on Facebook, and make a worthwhile visit Ed Bs Studio 54.

Facebook.com/edbstudio54/
678-848-4306