Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Newman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been working as a professional photographer and fashion designer for over 50 years, been published in various media from magazines to greeting cards, and have won numerous awards. For ten of those years, I was the owner and director of The Modeling Connection, a chain of finishing schools, modeling schools and agencies in Florida, where I taught etiquette, social graces, skincare, make-up, photography, dressing for success, self-esteem building, creating resumes and skills for job interviews. I am a former Miss Florida with a degree in fashion design from Miami International University of Art & Design in Miami, FL. It wasn’t until the the images fell onto the fabric that the magic started to happen and an industry for custom designed art and accessories was born.
My family moved to Asheville in 1999 where I discovered a new world of astonishing locations and changing seasons. I can’t wait for that next new-fallen snow, or blooming flower field, or waterfall to fill with spring rain. I am continually inspired by so many of the unique settings and characters in this special city.
The Mandala Project is an ongoing endeavor of love. Each one takes days to create with endless hours of creation from the beginning of the original photograph to the finished print. Not every image can be a kaleidoscope and images such as flowers can become multiple kaleidoscopes. Each image different and unique. The art can be seen around Asheville and permanent installations at the University of Maimi, Embassy suites in Greenville, SC and the Arras Hotel in Asheville as well as on leggings, kimonos, umbrellas and scarves, and vegan leather bags.
I have taught photography at UNCA, Carolina Day School, in the homeschool sector, and I teach private classes in my home, around Asheville and Florida.
I was on the board of Genesis Alliance, for 10 years, in Asheville, which served abused women and children. I also donate a great deal of my time photographing terminally ill children, cancer survivors and warriors through “Wendy’s Cancer Warriors” and to which the proceeds of all my art sales go, providing the warriors with images as well as photo shoots in Asheville, surrounding areas and Florida. I was also a finalist in the WLOS Person of the year for my Cancer Warrior work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was a very educational road. The struggles along way were more about marketing , social media and finding the right people for my team. Finding the right manufacturers that created top quality products took a while.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love the creative aspect to everything in life. My meals are a work of art. my home brings me joy as I surround myself with all the art and beauty from my travels. At the age of 8 my father bought me a camera for my Birthday and a sewing machine for Christmas, and they are to this day my 2 favorite pieces of equipment, oh and my e bike. I love creating something from nothing or a photograph and making it something I had not ever seen or thought about. The creativity is what fuels my happiness.
The Mandala was something I had to learn to create and in very large formats, so apps were out of the question.
I started with a photo, deconstructed it and then slowly began the reconstruction with multiple layers involving products, branding, colors, quotes and no one to teach me. It took 3 years to master this art and I am still perfecting it. Then I collage 52 different Chihuly mandalas from his sculptures onto a fine piece of silk charmeuse, and start creating dresses and gowns. The possibilities are endless.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I grew up at a health resort where people from all over the world came to get healthy eating organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Buddy Hackett was a regular along with Andre Segovia and many others. Always loved talking with our guests and hearing their stories.
Pricing:
- my website: wendynewmandesigns.com
Contact Info:
- Website: wendynewmandesigns.com and wendynewmanphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendynewmandesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendynewmandesigns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-newman-2353b9201/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wendynewmandesigns507
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/wendyscancerwarriors/
