The Battle of Atlanta - ITP vs. OTP: The feud over cultural and lifestyle superiority.  Many things make Atlanta a great city, but foremost is the cultural diversity. Our restaurants, gathering places, artists and galleries exemplify this! Having 99x.com based here in Atlanta allows us to offer insight into all the city has to offer, as well as show a side that some might never expect.

    The State of the Arts blog is my way of sharing and comparing the gems found in the mountain of a city that is growing at a mind-blowing rate. I get to bring you the best of both worlds - ITP (inside the perimeter) and OTP (outside the perimeter) in both culinary and visual arts.

The trees sprouting their leaves and every color of flowers blooming brings around a feeling of rebirth and fertility, and the need to create and explore awakens from deep within. It’s primal. Even in these rushed days we live in, it is nice to take a break and enjoy the beauty of a painting or photograph; something that a person has created solely for the purpose of contemplation, discovery and enjoyment.

Every spring, Atlanta is showered with all sorts of art festivals celebrating community and the beauty of the season. They range from the grand production of the Dogwood Festival to intimate neighborhood gallery get- togethers.

There are a couple of artists I’ve been gaining interest in lately. They differ in the mediums they use to convey their images. Zae Ulrich is a painter and he uses oils on canvas. Lorri Honeycutt is a photographer that uses a camera and some strategically placed miniatures. Their approaches to their art might differ but their goals are the same in getting the viewer to think.

"Epiphany"

        "Fields"

Zae Ulrich is a long time resident of Atlanta. With his paint and canvas he creates bold colors and abstract images of expression vibrant with energy. They are all on fairly large canvases averaging somewhere around 5ft x 5ft. His compositions convey a sense of space. Zae considers himself to be a non representation abstract artist, which means the images are non tangible. He attempts to capture your senses or trigger the viewer emotion through color and composition rather than a literal interpretation of an image. The goal is to connect with the art in a creative way. This is both an outlet for emotion for the artist and the admirer. There is a freedom to this kind of art because it frees the viewer to connect to it on their own terms. He also permeates the painting with texture and the layering of paint to create multi dimensional, saturated tones. Exactly how he layers remains a trade secret.

Zae is now showing his art at the Huff Harington Fine Art gallery and if you’re a member of the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center you can view his work at Smith Grubb Associates. You can also check out his website www.zaeart.com Please contact Robins Blue inc. at 678-697-8748 if you are interested in owning an original work or commissioning a piece.

                    "Golf Genie"

I have to give props to 99X.com DJ Steve Craig for turning me on to this next artist. She was recently at the Dogwood Festival this past April. He bought three pieces and listed her website www.bigworldphoto.com on his page at 99X.com. Lorri Honeycutt is a photographer from Texas but she will be showing her work back in Atlanta at two of the best festivals of the season, the Decatur Fine Arts Festival and The Virginia Highlands Summer Fest. Lorri Honeycutt’s work is very unique. The photographs are beautiful with a slight comic element if you look close enough. The first time I saw these I kept trying to figure out how they were made! Turns out that she uses the miniatures you find in hobby stores to create small scale model trains, city scenes, or doll houses. The comic element doesn’t take away from the stand alone quality of the photographs. They have vivid color and graphically interesting composition. With the use of these whimsical little figures she entices the viewer “to look closely and then laugh”.

Check out these websites for more info!

www.zaeart.com
www.huffharrington.com
www.vahi.org/summerfest.html
www.bigworldphoto.com
www.decaturartsfestival.com/

    Genki specializes in sushi and yakitori (fancy word for food on a stick). They offer high quality, laid back, hip vibe and lots of menus choices! Whether you’re on a budget or high rolling, you will definitely be satisfied. As the sun goes down this place starts to fill up because locals know that Genki is tried and true. My personal favorite is Cheese Kari Kari; its warm, melty crab and cheese on the inside and crispy on the outside. This is the perfect upscale bar food. Seriously GOOD! 

    If you dare not to cross the border that is 285 and are looking for a little refinement in you culinary life by, all means PLEASE go to Sperata. Now I say refinement, but don’t let that scare you. Sperata is a white table cloth establishment but it’s also comfortable and inviting.  

    Executive Chef / Owner of Sperata, Christopher Alan Hope and his wife have worked hard to make it that way. Chef Hope has worked in London, Hamburg, Zurich, Hong Kong and Atlanta. He has received awards and medals at culinary competitions, being recognized for his creativity and high standards by some of the most highly regarded food critics. He brings all of his expertise to Historic Main Street in Buford, GA. Yes, that’s right… Buford. Trust me this place would make fellow Brit Gordon Ramsey of TV’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ proud! My fave on the menu here…. that’s really hard to say. The steamed mussels are served in a savory broth that you will want to drink it’s so good! If you’re a total carnivore the 18oz. Angus rib eye on the bone is perfection. Vegetarian? Try the handmade butternut squash ravioli with goat cheese, spinach, char grilled peppers and asparagus in a lemon-vanilla sauce. Get the picture? Be adventurous and expand your horizons; take the 30 minute drive Sperata at 9 Main Street in Buford .

Visit each restaurants website for more info!
http://www.genki-inc.com
http://www.speratarestaurant.com