About the artist
Lisa Ruttan Wolff creates stylized organic sculptures primarily from alabaster, marble, soapstone, and limestone. She began stone carving by apprenticing with Barbara Rheingrover in Atlanta, Georgia from 1991-1993 and has since participated in numerous workshops including the Arrowmont School of Arts and the Bloomington Limestone Symposiums. As an artist in residence, she has taught stone sculpture for 6 years at Jefferson Middle School, Oak Ridge, Tennessee and has taught privately for 8 years. She has participated in several juried and invitational shows and her works are held in many private collections, nationwide. One of the highlights in Lisa’s career was creating “Cornucopia,” an eight-foot tall, Carrara marble sculpture commemorating the city of Norris’s 50th anniversary (see the Cornucopia pictorial story for “in progress” photos and more information on this project). She is currently a member of Knoxville’s Arts and Culture Alliance, and maintains a home studio.
Simple, Strong and Balanced
My art mentor, and good friend, constantly stressed three ideas:
Simple, Strong, and Balanced.
I have found these ideas essential in good art…..and good living.
Simple
Strong lines enhanced by others, not too many, understanding the strengths and letting them dominate. Striving for focus in my life and not clutter.
Strong
The lines I see when I first view a new piece of work. The immediate impression/impact my actions make on others.
Balance
The natural….. unforced presence of the piece. The richness that the balance of family, friends, and art bring.
Studio
This is my studio….it has served me well for over thirteen years. I have really enjoyed being in my own back yard – twenty eight steps from my back door to the studio door. 
Of course, I have not been able to do the larger pieces here and that is why I am moving into a new studio about one mile from my house. The plans are for it to be finished by the end of the summer and I should be moved in and working no later then mid-fall of this year. It will be more then twice as big as my backyard studio and be 1 & 1/2 stories high. This will allow me to have a pulley system to lift big stones. I am really looking forward to having more room… and the ability to lift and turn the larger pieces as I work them. But… I think I will keep the little studio for finishing work and such, on smaller pieces. How could I ever give up being able to step out my back door… walk twenty eight steps… and be in such a special place.
Chrysalis - 7 Women, 7 Friends, 7 Artists
From left to right: Amber Bewernitz, Barb Bewernitz, Kathy Slocum,
Martha Cummins, Teri Cadman, Sheri Treadwell, Lisa Ruttan Wolff
This design group was formed in the Fall of 2003. These 7 women came together to find camaraderie, creativity, motivation and encouragement from fellow artists. Since it represented a new beginning for all of them, they named themselves “Chrysalis”.
Amber Bewernitz, Potter. “My experience in art history and decorative restoration has had a huge influence on my work. I am inspired by the brushwork found in Japanese folk pottery and the shapes and lines of mid-century modern design. I like the contrast and continuity of making pots in a part of the world with long and rich crafts tradition, while firing my pots in a kiln utilizing modern technology to harness methane to fuel the firings.” Amber lives in Burnsville, N.C.
Barb Bewernitz, Woodworking. "I receive great satisfaction in transforming "rough lumber" into a piece of fine furniture. My goal is to create a piece that endures through generations, becoming part of a family's history." Barb lives in Old Fort, N.C.
Sheri Treadwell, Clay. Sheri explored various forms of craft before resting in clay as the medium she utilizes to express her voice as an artist. Her work has varied widely as she developed as a potter, clay artist and sculptor. Being most interested in the process of art, her emphasis is always on stretching the limit of her knowledge of the materials, as well as continuing to express herself as an artist. She is currently exploring polymer and metal clays, working on some collaborations with an artist exploring jewelry as a sculptural medium, and has plans to do some work in bronze. Sheri lives in Knoxville, TN.
Kathleen (Kathy) Slocum, Stone Sculptor. “I have been carving stone since January 1999 and received instruction and inspiration from Lisa Wolff. I have produced work from my home studio and had year round schedules of craft fairs. Natural forms represented by animals and birds highly influence my work. Alabaster from around the world allows me to create these beautiful shapes. I periodically teach stone carving workshops and sell out of my home gallery while being represented by the Grovewood Gallery at Grove Park in Asheville, NC. ” Kathy lives in Knoxville, TN.
Martha Cummins, Woodworker. “Even as a child I was drawn to the natural beauty of wood. Now, through pen turning, I can transform a utilitarian object into functional “pocket art” that can be used and enjoyed every day. Woods from around the world are shaped into each pen on a lathe. I have been led to design boxes and furniture in the same way.” Martha Lives in Knoxville, TN.
Teri Cadman, Woodworker/Furniture Maker. “Each day is a gift. To experience that gift to the fullest, we must make art a part of our daily living. My work is dedicated to bringing art into people’s lives trough functional objects. The gentle curves, smooth transitions, and defined lines found in my work are a reflection of the Nature that nurtures me.” Teri lives in Knoxville, TN.
Lisa Ruttan Wolff, Stone Sculptor. “I carve stylized organic and figurative sculptures in alabaster, marble, soapstone, and limestone. While utilizing the wonderful natural colors of stone and the many different textures I can achieve, I try to keep three basic ideas in mind…Simple, Strong and Balanced….I have found these ideas essential in good art… and good living.” Lisa lives in Norris, TN
Crysalis Shows:
- “New Works for a New Season” Chrysalis & Friends, The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, Knoxville Tennessee, Sept. – Oct. 2005
- “Works from the Earth… Wood, Stone, and Clay” Chrysalis, Fountain City Art Center, Fountain City Tennessee, March – April 2005
- “Art With A View” Chrysalis, Clay Hill, Blaine Tennessee, November 2004