The Artist | Whitney Hornbuckle
I'm a Mobile, Alabama native with a creative bent since birth. From a young age, I have delighted in drawing and painting, making things with my hands, writing poetry and stories, enjoying the beauty of nature, and all the other things a typical right-brain dominant individual enjoys. I'm a God-fearing, deep-thinking, coffee-drinking, animal-loving, avid-reading, creative inspired by the beautiful locale I call home: the Alabama Gulf Coast. From the rich history and culture to the captivating flora and fauna, around here, there's no lack of inspiration (or Southern charm).
I spent the beginning of my higher education days at Auburn University where I received a B.S. in Apparel Merchandising, Design, & Production Management, as well as, an International Minor in Human Sciences studying art, language, history, architecture, and culture during a semester abroad in Italy. This experience also included a semester-long immersive internship in the fashion industry of New York City. From there, I continued my education at the University of South Alabama earning an Alt. M.Ed. in Secondary English Language Arts. My academic background is eclectic to be sure, but it is steeped in artistic expression through art making, graphic design, concept creating, and storytelling in various forms. I am thankful for how every stage of that journey has shaped who I am, what I do, and how I see the world now.
Speaking of now. I live my days as a wife, mother, pet owner, animal rescuer, part-time children's ministry assistant, amateur gardener, substitute teacher, friend, neighbor, school volunteer, and artist. I get to do all these things, and I want to do them well. God has put me in these places to do good for His glory, which leads me to my life verse:
Never tire of doing what is good | 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Lord willing, I never will. And my sincerest hope is that part of the good I get to do is making beautiful, meaningful art to be enjoyed and shared by people like you.
Brand Story | Logo Inspiration
I started this small, creative business in 2015 with prompting from my Dad but also with the full support and encouragement of my family behind me. I come from a family of medical professionals, business people, and accountants; and while my giftings have always been different from theirs, they have always been valued.
When it came time to make my business official and design a logo, I knew it had to feature hydrangeas, a flower beloved by the women in my family. This flower was my great grandmama's favorite. She was ours too. She cultivated varieties of hydrangeas in her garden and proudly displayed them in various styles of her pink Depression glassware when they were in full bloom. And can't you tell by the photo? We've always favored those blue and lavender hues.
I don't know if I ever told her, but my logo is a tribute to her and all she poured into me. She loved me so big. She talked to me about Jesus and lived like Him. She taught me to love reading, especially the Bible. She encouraged me to create and to use my imagination. She prayed for me every day. She instilled in me a love for plants and making things grow. She appreciated beauty. She believed in me. And because of those things and so much more, my logo is for her. It's also a nod to all the powerhouse women in my family.
As for the Southern Whit Studio brand, I want the art and products and whatever else I create to reflect what I cherish - family, faith, sentimental moments, the beauty of God's creation, special places, and other meaningful things of significance both great and small.
The Art | Mediums & Influence
Initially, I worked strictly in watercolor adding pen and ink to highlight details. But as I've progressed in my craft, I've also added working with acrylic paints, gouache, pastels, and paper collage to my repertoire. I've learned through the years that different subject matter lends itself to be communicated in different materials, and I'm happy to change things up when the inspiration strikes.
My body of work is as varied as my background and personal interests, but I believe the variety of art I create to be exciting and reflective of my growth as an artist. I also believe it portrays some of the same points of inspiration - the coast, florals, wildlife, history, architecture, culture, and charm of my region - in different ways with fresh perspective.
From home and pet portraits to botanicals and city scapes, the art I create reflects the significance of the influences all around me but also the things that are deeply significant to my clients.
The best way to see my most recent offerings and creations is over on Instagram. Say a quick hello to me there or leave some encouraging feedback. I love hearing from you!
