Welcome to Slow Dance Art, a studio collective founded by two passionate artists in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through diverse works spanning different media, we explore the seamless fusion of methodical technique and spontaneous inspiration. At the heart of our creative vision lies the belief that art gives life a unique and meaningful essence.
Dee Blackburn
Dee Blackburn, a film and television designer based in Charlotte, NC, is a true embodiment of artistic versatility and passion. With a Master of Scene Design from the North Carolina School of the Arts and over twenty-five years of experience as a registered architect, Dee seamlessly blends her expertise in architecture and scene design, resulting in captivating and unique creations.
Dee's artistic journey was nurtured by her Great Aunt, who provided her with painting lessons at the age of eleven. This early exposure sparked Dee's innate talent and drawing ability, propelling her towards exploring various forms of art. From painting to pencil sketching and printmaking, Dee dabbled in different mediums. However, it was her unwavering passion for building and painting that truly resonated with her artistic spirit.
Following the completion of her master's degree, Dee began producing pieces that were heavily influenced by her painting classes. As an architect by profession, she found herself drawn to the world of sculpture, particularly using reclaimed materials. Barn wood, rusted metal, and antique parts spoke to her creative sensibilities and she began creating small wood treehouses that embrace imperfections. Each element tells a story, with a crooked ladder leading to unknown destinations and rusted pieces binding the structure together, alongside a metal roof that could be corrugated metal, wood, or even copper.
Dee's art reflects her vibrant personality, boundless creativity, and passion for transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary pieces. With her diverse skills and spirit, she continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, capturing the imagination of viewers and leaving a lasting impression.
Lyz Kelk
Elizabeth Kelk (Lyz) firmly believes that art, regardless of its form, should bring joy and happiness both to its creator and those who experience it. Although she graduated with a computer science degree, Lyz has been captivated by art since her early years. Embracing her passion, she embarked on a journey of exploration, seeking out mediums that resonated with her personality.
Lyz uses a wide range of media, each offering a unique avenue for her creative expression. Encaustics captivate her imagination, providing a liberating and inquisitive exploration of color and texture. Assemblage art allows her to create narratives that provoke curiosity and reflection, evoking memories of the story-telling dioramas she crafted during her grade school years. These pieces intertwine elements such as old photographs, letters, documents, her grandmother's watercolors, buttons, gears, and an assortment of found objects, even including discarded items that she’s collected on city walks and international travels. And the malleability and versatility of concrete allow Lyz to create distinctive lamps, frames, and garden fountains, manifesting her vision into tangible forms that add a touch of enchantment to everyday spaces.
Within her vibrant studio, one can witness Lyz's creative process in full swing. The space resembles the aftermath of a whirlwind, with started projects lining the walls, occupying tables, and resting in tubs, all eagerly awaiting the voice of a particular muse that will ignite the finishing touches.
Lyz is a Charlotte-based artist driven by the pursuit of happiness, creating art that elicits subtle emotions and sparks joy within herself and those who encounter her creations.