Al Garnto - my favorite artist

Al Garnto is talented, kind, hard-working, and my favorite artist. I have known Al for over forty years and have come to know the man pretty good during that time.

He not only supports himself by selling art, he also finds time to help his friends. We can call him for help and Al will be there for us, even if it means working the hay fields in ninety degree heat.

I am always impressed by Al's artwork, but I am even more impressed by the way Al lives his life. Al is a God fearing man that loves the Lord. He is also a guy that wears many hats, from beekeeping and gardening to caring full time for his aging mother.

Who is Al Garnto?

Al Garnto is an award-winning artist who was born in Blairsville, Georgia in 1968. He showed an early aptitude for art, and by the age of four, he was mastering his mother's drawing techniques.

Garnto’s outstanding drawing ability was gaining notice by the 1980’s, so after high school Al went on to study at Young Harris College and The Atlanta College of Art.

In 1994, Al opened his own business, the Al Garnto Fine Art Studio. Now in 2023, Al Garnto remains the premier artist of Union County. He is well-known and respected throughout the region and beyond.

Garnto's paintings, collages, and other art

Garnto is a prolific artist who has produced a wide range of art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, cut-outs, mixed-media collages, folk art, murals, patriotic monuments, and knives. His pieces are characterized by their bold colors, expressive lines, polka dots, and energetic compositions.

Garnto's art is inspired by his surroundings, including the natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains and the people and culture of the region. He is also influenced by the work of other artists, such as Alexander Calder and Howard Finster.

Garnto's work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and homes throughout the United States and Canada. His art is collected by private collectors and public institutions alike.

Garnto is a dedicated artist who is passionate about his work. He is known for his work ethic and his willingness to experiment with new techniques. He is also a generous mentor to young artists.

Garnto's knives

Al Garnto is not only a talented painter, but he is also a skilled blacksmith, metalworker, and knife maker. He began making knives in the 2000s, and his work has quickly gained a reputation for its beauty, craftsmanship, and functionality.

Garnto's knives are made from high-quality materials, including Damascus steel, stag horn, and buffalo horn. He uses traditional methods to forge and shape his knives, and he pays close attention to detail in every step of the process. The result is a knife that is both beautiful and useful.

Garnto's knives are not just works of art, they are also functional tools. They are well-balanced and easy to use, and they are made to last a lifetime. Garnto's knives are perfect for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

In addition to his custom knives, Garnto also creates leather sheaths. Using ancient leather-working techniques, the sheaths are works of art that add value and functionality to each knife. If you are looking for a beautiful and well-made knife, then you should consider a knife by Al Garnto. His knives are sure to impress you with their quality and craftsmanship.

Al Garnto is a true master of metalwork and knife making. His work is a testament to his skill and passion for the craft. His metal pieces are sure to be cherished by their owners for many years to come and will go on to become family heirlooms.

The Appalachian Sculpture Project

Al Garnto is most known for several art installations and exhibits. The Appalachian Sculpture Project, one of the most popular, is a series of kinetic sculptures that are installed in Meeks Park in Blairsville, Georgia.

The Appalachian Sculpture Project was conceived in hopes of exposing areas of the Appalachian Mountains to art that would otherwise not be attainable by small community funding.

The sculptures are made from recycled materials and then put into motion by harnessing the wind's energy. This makes them a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to add beauty and interest to a public space.

Al's sculptures are also interactive, and they encourage people to come and explore them. This makes them a great way to engage the community and promote art education. The Appalachian Sculpture Project has been a success, and it has helped to make Meeks Park into a landmark destination.

The Appalachian Sculpture Project attracts students from surrounding colleges and school systems, utilizes recycled materials, and adds to the beauty of the park.

Advocating for art education

Garnto is a passionate advocate for art education, and he believes that art can be a powerful tool for social change. He hopes that his Appalachian Sculpture Project will inspire others to create art that can make a difference in the world.

Garnto's kinetic sculptures are a testament to his creativity, his skill, and his passion for art. They are a valuable addition to Meeks Park, and they are sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages for many years to come.

Here are some of the kinetic sculptures that are part of the Appalachian Sculpture Project:

• Stargazer
• Fish Weathervane
• Kinetic Kayak

 

From Nottely River to Byron Herbert Reece

Al Garnto is also known for his paintings of Nottely River. These striking paintings depict the water, the red clay banks, and trees in a bold, graphic style that is almost abstract.

Garnto is a serious artist, but he has a whimsical side. Using found objects and other mediums, his dinosaurs, lizards, birds, and other creatures are loved by children and adults of all ages.

Al Garnto is a true inspiration to artists everywhere. He is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. His art is a celebration of life and a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world.

Significant contributions to the art world

Al Garnto is a talented artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of art. His work is vibrant, expressive, and thought-provoking. He is a true original who is sure to continue to produce great work for many years to come.

Al Garnto’s work often reflects a spiritual sensibility. For example, in his paintings of the Nottely River, one gets the sense of the river as a sacred space. In his paintings of Georgia poet, Byron Herbert Reece, the viewer can feel great emotion ranging from joy to great sadness. Some of Garnto’s most recent work incorporates religious symbols and favorite quotes from the Bible.

Art and the spirit

Garnto says he believes that art can be a powerful tool for spiritual exploration.

He said, "Art can help us to connect with our inner selves and with something larger than ourselves. It can help us to see the world in a new way and to find meaning in our lives."

Garnto's work is described as being "spiritual" or "lyrical." His paintings and sculptures often depict nature in a way that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. They often seem to suggest that there is something more to life than what we can see with our eyes.

Garnto’s work suggests that he is a spiritual person who finds meaning in nature and in the creative process. His art is a testament to his belief that art can be a way to inspire and uplift the spirit.

If you want to know more about Al Garnto’s relationship with Christ Jesus, he is willing to share his testimony. All you have to do is ask!

 

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