Winter Edition : simplebooklet.com

M05 ODERN R Dear Readers Welcome to a new chapter of creativity and artistic passion In this month s issue we are delighted to present a variety of artists stories that record the essence of AISSANCE our shared winter journey Our team features contributions from artists from all over the world creating a diverse mix of perspectives and experiences As artists share their stories they become valued members of our ever expanding team Our mission remains untouched to make art accessible to every individual who enjoys and is passionate about it As members of this team we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and accepting environment that values diversity while also encouraging unbridled expression of individuality Modern Renaissance Magazine is more than just a publication it is a platform for voices that challenge conventions respect traditions and gently access the relationships of identity and art CREATE AL We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every reader and artist who helps to keep our magazine vibrant Your inspiration and creativity power the pages of Modern Renaissance creating an authentic representation of the art that connects us AND APAR A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS MODERNR Polyxeni Ziazia Polyxeni Ziazia Art Director

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THE CON TENT Creating a captivating portfolio Cohesive Narrative Your portfolio should tell a story Whether it s a series of paintings sculptures or mixed media pieces ensure there s a cohesive theme that ties your work together This helps curators understand your artistic journey and vision Quality Over Quantity Don t overwhelm the viewer with too many pieces Select a curated collection that showcases your best and most diverse work This leaves a lasting impression and demonstrates your range as an artist Professional Presentation Pay attention to the layout and organization of your portfolio Use highresolution images and provide brief captions or titles for each piece A clean well presented portfolio reflects your professionalism and attention to detail Crafting the Perfect Artist Statement and Bio Once you ve grabbed the curator s attention with your portfolio it s time to seal the deal with a compelling artist statement and bio Articulate Your Vision Your artist statement should concisely express your artistic philosophy and the themes present in your work Use clear language avoiding jargon that may alienate non art experts Highlight Achievements and Influences In your artist bio share key milestones exhibitions or awards you ve received Additionally mention artists who have influenced your work This not only adds credibility but also provides insight into your artistic lineage Connect Emotionally Let your personality shine through your artist bio Share personal anecdotes or experiences that have shaped your artistic journey Creating an emotional connection with the reader makes your work more memorable

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NAVIGATING OPEN CALLS Now that your portfolio artist statement and bio are in top shape it s time to prepare your submission package for open calls Follow Guidelines to the Letter Curators appreciate artists who adhere to submission guidelines Ensure your files are in the specified format and include all required documents Failure to do so may result in your submission being overlooked Engage with the Theme If the open call has a specific theme or concept tailor your submission accordingly Show that you ve carefully considered the requirements and that your work aligns with the intended focus Heading Beyond the Submission Networking and Follow Up Attend Events and Network Whenever possible attend events related to the open call or the art community Networking provides valuable opportunities to connect with curators and fellow artists increasing the visibility of your work Polite Follow Up After submitting your work it s acceptable to follow up politely Express your gratitude for the opportunity and inquire about the timeline for the selection process This demonstrates your genuine interest in being part of the exhibition Mastering the art of submissions involves presenting your work in the best light possible and navigating the application process with finesse With a carefully crafted portfolio artist statement and bio coupled with strategic submission tactics you ll be well on your way to securing a spot in the next big exhibition Good luck

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13 INDUSTRY Bridging Artistic Frontiers Navigating Differences Between US and European Open Calls Unveiling Distinctive Characteristics of US Open Calls UNDERSTANDING THE NUANCES OF EUROPEAN OPEN CALLS As we cross the Atlantic European open calls reveal a different set of characteristics that define the art landscape 1 Historical and Cultural Context European open calls often place importance on an artist s ability to engage with the rich history and cultural tapestry of the region Artworks that draw inspiration from European art movements or reference historical narratives may resonate strongly with curators 2 Multilingual Approach With Europe s linguistic diversity some open calls may accept submissions in multiple languages This reflects the continent s commitment to inclusivity and embracing the richness of its various cultures 3 Public Art Initiatives Many European open calls align with public art initiatives encouraging artists to create works that interact with the urban or rural environment Artists whose practices involve community engagement or site specific installations may find European opportunities particularly appealing DIVERSE LANDSCAPES DIVERSE CALLS The United States art scene is as diverse as the country itself with various regions boasting unique cultural identities Open calls in the US exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart Emphasis on Innovation US open calls often prioritize innovation and experimentation Curators appreciate artists who push boundaries and challenge traditional norms If your work explores unconventional mediums or addresses cutting edge concepts US open calls may be the perfect platform for your expression Focus on Social Commentary Given the country s dynamic sociopolitical landscape many US open calls seek artworks that engage with current events or provide insightful social commentary Artists with a keen awareness of contemporary issues may find success in this environment Networking Opportunities US open calls frequently integrate networking events and artist talks These gatherings offer a chance to connect with fellow artists curators and art enthusiasts fostering a sense of community within the art scene DID YOU KNOW Following Up Can Be Polite Not Pushy A polite followup after submitting your work demonstrates genuine interest It s a chance to express gratitude inquire about the selection process and keep your name on the curator s radar

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Navigating Open Call Applications in the US versus Europe Crafting the Perfect Application for US Open Calls 1 Bold and Concise US open call applications often favor bold concise statements that clearly communicate the artist s intent Avoid overly complex language and focus on articulating the essence of your work 2 Digital Presence Matters US curators frequently explore artists digital presence including websites and social media profiles Ensure your online portfolio is up to date and showcases your work effectively STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS IN EUROPEAN OPEN CALLS 1 Cultural Sensitivity Tailor your artist statement to demonstrate an understanding of European art history and culture Highlight any relevant experiences or influences that connect your work to the European context 2 Global Perspective While embracing local influences European open calls also appreciate a global perspective Artists who can bridge their cultural background with a broader international outlook may find success in this diverse landscape Artists navigating open calls in the US and Europe should be attuned to the distinct characteristics of each region By understanding the unique preferences and priorities of curators on both sides of the Atlantic artists can strategically tailor their submissions for increased success in these vibrant art communities Regional Nuances Play a Role Different art scenes have distinct preferences US open calls may prioritize innovation while European opportunities often emphasize historical and cultural connections Artists navigating open calls in the US and Europe should be attuned to the distinct characteristics of each region By understanding the unique preferences and priorities of curators on both sides of the Atlantic artists can strategically tailor their submissions for increased success in these vibrant art communities INDUSTRY TIP Following Up Can Be Polite Not Pushy A polite follow up after submitting your work demonstrates genuine interest It s a chance to express gratitude inquire about the selection process and keep your name on the curator s radar

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IVAN KANCHEV Get to know Kanchev and his artistic journey BASED IN SOFIA BULGARIA I can t determine a specific point where I began my artistic journey Rather it is an overall sense of the path of development I always knew I was going to be an artist With me things develop very consistently and gradually I ve been painting all the time since I was a little kid There were drawings everywhere in our house My mother wondered where to keep them At the beginning of my development it was mostly my father who encouraged me to become an artist He took me to exhibitions to artists studios He was an hobbyist in wood carving in sculpture He made an attempt to apply to the Art Academy My brother is a professional sculptor So there were conditions for development in my family I first studied ceramics at the Art High School in Troyan where I found myself in a favorable artistic environment for a complete professional development There far away from home at the age of 16 you are independent you make your own decisions you gain life experience early which is a great advantage Even then I was committed to art I worked extra outside the academic curriculum I dreamed of becoming a great artist Then I entered the Art Academy in Sofia

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I16 n my second year I started to develop my independent idea ceramics for the blind and the sighted In a few years I created a new field a new genre for the native reality I developed a broad tactile perception of art I spiritually involved the other part of the audience the blind Because of my research on the sense of touch I studied psychology at the University of Ruse I published two books Then I defended my dissertation at the Department of Sculpture of the Academy of Arts related to Bulgarian ceramic sculpture which again defined a new field For the first time in the Bulgarian art history I researched Bulgarian sculpture on a broad basis beyond the traditional understanding of sculpture There is only one moment of hesitation in my life whether I should continue to pursue art When I graduated from the Art Academy Bulgaria was in total stagnation a consequence of the transition from socialism to a new democratic system A large part of the population was immigrating to seek a living And I went abroad to seek my fortune But after a few months I fell into a crisis because of the work which was not suitable for me and which oppressed me I couldn t engage in creativity I returned to Bulgaria and settled in a village where I prepared my first solo exhibition Where does your inspiration come Do you have experiences that from impacted your art I don t rely on inspiration but on the need to create something with my hands It is divine that a building a chair or a female image can appear out of nothing There is nothing interesting something fateful I mentioned the only up to that point creative crisis in my life when I emigrated to Spain If we can talk about inspiration it comes from the gift There is the root cause of That turned out to be a particular test things If I don t work for a long time some for me In Spain I had fallen into a tension builds up that can be destructive kind of hole because of the Maybe the inspiration is the images in my mind which means that I am constantly inspired Unfortunately due to the slow technological process I am not able to realize all the ideas in my mind which are pointlessness of life I was able to afford a lot of material things but my soul was empty because I couldn t engage in creativity constantly flowing into each other I define myself as an intuitive author PLATE PASSING CYCLE MAN WHERE ARE YOU NIGHT VISIONS RED CLAY SOOT POLYURETHANE WOODEN BASE 160X160X15 CM 2022

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B ut thanks to this crisis I came back to Bulgaria with a new enthusiasm and greater firmness in the field of art with a sense of destiny I no longer had illusions that I could stop being creative When I get fed up with sculpture I redirect my activity for a while into making books curatorial and research projects So I follow the path of art changing the subject for a variety bake and color Then I join them together by numbering them to form the whole of the work again To gain time I work several works at once What is integral to your work as an artist These are the images in my mind It s a pure foundation for creativity that I hold onto The other is a lot of work and consistency to manifest originality if you carry it within you I have a spiritual understanding of art and life existence I encourage him indirectly to answer the eternally relevant questions of human existence Where does man come from Where is he going and does he really carry the human in him And in what direction is the world moving Is the mother earth in collapse These are the enticing and questioning messages of my artistic path And I believe that this is the basic state of freedom in the human right to exist How would you describe your creative process I define myself as an intuitive author For me instinct is greater than knowledge Before I start working I see images in my mind like a picture with color and detail What I have to do is materialize them get them out of my mind I am not one of the authors who improvise I know what I am doing Over the years I have changed my image three times by itself hopefully I will enter a fourth stage of development in the future But I don t know where instinct will lead me Technologically after I build the work I cut it into hundreds of fragments to I accept that the root cause of things is spiritual It s a matter of principle of worldview Modern art seems to have lost its vitality which is very characteristic of old cultures For me the need to do something with my hands is defining This inner need is the guiding motivation for the work not payback or proving myself to colleagues awards or career development What do you aim to say by the themes in your art Over the years the themes I ve touched on purely intuitively have been social and philosophical I try to challenge the viewer to think about the meaning of Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers I mentioned some things but I avoid explaining my work I leave that to the specialists Mostly my recent works art historians in Bulgaria and abroad say it is innovative It has an original vision with a powerful new language But in my search for newness I don t rely on cheap provocation I don t play like some contemporary artists with kitsch seduction amateurishness etc refamiliarized as originality By Ivan Kanchev Artist Based in Sofia Bulgaria Edited by Isabell Sliwinski Interview for Culturally Arts Collective December 2023 PLATE PANIC CYCLE MAN WHERE ARE YOU NIGHT VISIONS WHITE CLAY SOOT RESIN PHOTO POLYURETHANE 80X80X7 CM 2023

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CATHERINE EATON SKINNER Looking at the Azimuth Series BASED IN SEATTLE WA This spring will mark my 78th year and an art career of exploration lasting 60 years Growing up in the Pacific Northwest my backyard was woods fresh and salt waters between majestic mountain ranges Our modern home opened to the light at the end of the day on red madrone bark changing reflections on Lake Washington pileated woodpeckers climbing the old growth Douglas fir ravens chortling in the sky the unfurling of a spring fern The thread in my work has always embraced the elemental archetypes of the physical and cosmic world water ether earth fire wind and woods As a mark maker I am drawn to methods used by peoples and animals to indicate their presence and relationship to place Observation of the macro to the micro has allowed exploration of the interactions and patterning of these five elements This is expressed in my conceptual work using a juxtaposition of many materials beeswax resin graphite oil stick stones glass lead sheeting and precious metal leaf textiles and natural materials found objects old book pages and hand made papers

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The thread in my work has always embraced the elemental archetypes of the physical and cosmic world water ether earth fire wind and woods As a mark maker I am drawn to methods used by peoples and animals to indicate their presence and relationship to place Observation of the macro to the micro has allowed exploration of the interactions and patterning of these five elements This is expressed in my conceptual work using a juxtaposition of many materials beeswax resin graphite oil stick stones glass lead sheeting and precious metal leaf textiles and natural materials found objects old book pages and hand made papers I have completed well over 3000 paintings and sculptures My extensive notebooks catalog my life with completion of series references to contemporary art practices and influences from travels and study They contain a collage of words drawings notes and photos chronological markers of time The initial idea for a series generates within these notebooks during the process of encaustic work or semi conscious states at night I divide my time between studios in Seattle and Santa Fe working full time as a multidisciplinary artist in painting printmaking photography and sculpture It became clear as a child that I was able to reproduce what I saw which placed me on the path as an illustrator My first twenty years as a professional artist began at Stanford University where I received my Bachelor of Arts and Sciences working and illustrating for the Biology Department Oil painting was taught by Nathan Oliveira In Frank Lobdell s drawing class countless paper sheets were filled with sumi ink applied by bamboo pen and brush of live models The Bay Area Figurative Movement was in full force Mark making continues to play an important role in my work If an element is repeated many times your mind quits telling your hand what to do Energy and a sense of order are concentrated by the continuous reiteration of the same path and pattern Working as an artist is continually about getting yourself out of the way seeing then moving beyond I am drawn to methods that have been used by peoples and animals to indicate presence and their relationship to place It is important for me to be present with each painting each work my energy flowing through my hands Twenty years of marine biological illustration honed my abilities in graphic art and book design I was able to study the object visually turn it around in my mind then drawing it in its environmental habitat With three children a multitude of animals and farm life on an island this work had to be squeezed into my family schedule When I began painting again in my thirties workshops allowed exploration adding variation and skills from which to choose and apply to my multimedia Play has always been an element in my work Over many years in the art world adding and experimenting with new methods and combinations has been essential I begin with a concept and then different materials allow the expression of that idea the series developing with these interactions There exists a continual cross pollination that has proved to be highly productive I began using wax from my island beehives working on batik with pen and ink drawing Later I slid easily into the rhythm of encaustic wax painting Encaustic and oil stick allow me to easily build up erase fuse layers of color and score wide swathes or fine lines The wax may allow the history of the work with its transparency Texture and oil stick layering offer tonality contrast and luminosity Other materials such as paper and lead sheeting add dimension and solidity Ethereal reflection may be added with precious metal leaf Fused with a heat gun or torch there exists new possibilities with these materials Wax becomes the binder of the concept within the work An artist explores and establishes a color sense which may change place and time I use an earth red that energetically marks with a final point or single line Pale grays move through a spectrum of tints Turquoise on edges emphasizes the shape Payne s gray or deep indigo work as a rich black I have continued to explore natural dyes a skill grown from dying my flock s wool on the island farm Twhreittinenneurpsoonucloonftainnuaarltliysbt iys sbimoocmaiegbteaaslraadnnmddepenvotel indtitucsar ling day to day AZIMUTH XLVII 2018 9X12

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Traveling increases my knowledge and My work has pursued a deep visual library of cultures that fascinate me investigation of the symbolic number Asia South America Cuba Africa and 108 rich in numerological symbolism Europe I am attracted to gathering places associated with Eastern religion and of worship and natural sites of philosophy This began after an early metaphysical power My connection has travel in Bhutan experiencing lives been the investigation of humanities rich in belief and an intentional use of offerings and the patterns created in these patterns and repetition Completing a sacred spaces The Birdscreen wall series of 108 objects in one work or hangings developed after watching crows 108 relative encaustic panels in Kyoto return to their night roost In the becomes challenging to finish but Kibo series hundreds of papers with establishes a mantra often in a grid handwritten blessings are rolled configuration These complex patterns beeswax infused then placed in old express abstractions that are African metal grills Kunzi reverse wood evocative of ancient textiles or wall panels are covered with wax metal leaf graffiti My use of repetition using or lead sheeting and utilize plumb bobs primal forms such as circle spiral on threads to indicate balance and the square and triangle allow a energetic line of the axis mundi Stacks connection with the collective thought are photoencaustic of my unbound 108 and heart of all sentient beings pages when on press in Verona Italy Passages began with over 300 images Radius Books of Santa Fe published taken when traveling from Paris to London my monograph 108 including 14 years on the Eurostar train of incorporating this significant number in many forms and mediums My photography has developed over the years and is utilized in my work with various methods and paper variations silk tissue a Bhutanese handmade paper antique book papers Recently I have been In time I felt the limitation of this specific parameter I then became intrigued with horizontal and vertical lines their ideography Landscapes develop with the horizon of water plateaus and land Rain seeps and forests echo the vertical experimenting with durable simultaneously indicating man encaustiflex paper using printing standing firmly upright The earth s sumi ink graphite and permanent rotation creates currents of water and marker These layers are then dipped wind pushing these lines to move and in hot beeswax with the addition of oil flow or solidifying them constantly stick painting and hand stitched in changing the interpretation Our foundations become unstable layers to hang as scrolls The mission is to do the work Remaining focused requires being present in the studio and listening to what may come forth If you listen the life s heart and soul will speak The mission is to do the work Remaining focused requires being present in the studio and listening to what may come forth Each piece represents my personal truth When the dialog between the work and myself is complete the art must be released the power within the work hopefully becoming a magnet for others Feedback is necessary but sometimes distracting Sculptor Anne Truitt with whom I had a master artist residency at Santa Fe Art Institute described vulnerability as the guardian of integrity Over the years I have built an extensive library of monographs and art books which allow me to study and therefore broaden my concepts Morris Graves Montien Boonma and Wolfgang Laib are known for their relationships with nature simplicity and their expression of Eastern philosophies Gerhard Richter breaks the code of traditional painting refusing to stay within what is expected Cy Twombly a master in mark making had his love of line and asemic writing Picasso worked in any medium that his art demanded Anne Truitt had a steadfast career in sculpting and writing amidst family demands and the art world s criticism Nathan Oliveira with whom I returned in residency to Santa Fe Art Institute in 1999 had a love of paint and texture He taught the concept of the space created by the four lines of the canvas edges He never stopped learning WITNESS IV 2018 9X12

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Recent series are Accumulations Stacks Reiterations Reach Ankana Between the Gates and Azimuth This last series is 108 encaustic panels each of a hand pressed monotype of black on various papers Often there is a small touch of red three lines representing river in kanji As in Between the Gates these paintings relate to our precarious political situation as well as having personal resonance Several summers ago a ten foot flash flood decimated our Santa Fe property with tons of debris destroying structures and fences sweeping one of my horses a mile downriver This series developed with our observations restorations and renewal leading then to larger encaustic paintings The inner soul of an artist is written upon continually by societal and political bombardment during day to day images and events I find it difficult to separate myself or paint in a vacuum Remnants work reflects the beauty in decay as well as the chaos of destruction The question with which I struggle is painting the hope and majesty of our world within the confines of environmental destruction and the new norms to which we are exposed My series Shift acknowledges the landscape of the earth and a meditation for our future The possibility of hope for our environment and ourselves as humans comes in the form of the returning light in the morning sky My sixty year journey continues I have worked on old tables with three children running around in shallow basements and tiny attics I have had work destroyed by fire ice water and mice I love the joy of writing both poetry and prose What I have learned I share with others of all ages and encourage their creativity Who I am in my mind and spirit endures as my personal pilgrimage and my work may only stand as an offering WITNESS II 2018 9X12 AZIMUTH XCIII 2018_ 9X12 AZIMUTH XLIX 2018 9X12 AZIMUTH LII 2018_ 9X12

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Ryland West Get to know Ryland and his Adventurous Photography BASED IN BROOKLYN NY How did you come up with the idea to combine traditional landscape photography with contemporary portrait lighting techniques in your series Portraits of Ephemerality Landscape photography to me has always been more than just capturing vast expanses of nature I see landscapes as dynamic ever changing environments that reflect our influence and interactions with the natural world With Portraits of Ephemerality my aim was to capture the essence of these landscapes showcasing their aliveness and responsiveness to human impact By incorporating contemporary portrait lighting techniques I sought to elevate these landscapes onto a stage creating an intimate connection between the viewer and the scene Traditionally landscapes are often perceived as distant and untouchable but by employing studio style lighting I wanted to draw viewers in encouraging them to engage with the landscapes on a deeper level and fostering a sense of connection and responsibility towards our environment

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How can you keep a balance between producing imagery and expressing the critical idea of the degradation of the environment and climate change in your work Balancing the creation of visually compelling imagery with conveying the urgent message of environmental degradation and climate change is indeed a challenge Rather than solely focusing on the visible effects of climate change such as melting glaciers I aim to convey the broader issue at hand It s crucial to tell the story of environmental degradation in a way that doesn t overwhelm the viewer but sparks curiosity and encourages further exploration of the subject matter I aim to strike this balance by representing landscapes in immediate danger due to climate crisis prompting viewers to reflect on the broader implications of our actions on the environment You address the topic of establishing an anthropomorphic relationship with the environment by photographing ice as human portraits Could you develop the significance of this approach and how it affects viewers perceptions My approach of portraying ice formations as human portraits is rooted in my desire to reconstruct the relationship between viewers and the environment By anthropomorphizing these natural elements I aim to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the viewer inviting them to contemplate the scale and significance of these phenomena This approach challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature moving beyond the traditional perception of landscapes as mere scenic views By reducing the scenes to their most elemental forms I hope to convey both the grandeur and fragility of the environment prompting viewers to reflect on their own role in shaping the natural world Could you explain the technical aspects of your photography process specifically how you achieve the studio style lighting and techniques used by artists such as the Bechers and Reuben Wu My photography process involves a blend of traditional landscape photography techniques with contemporary portrait lighting methods Inspired by artists like the Bechers and Reuben Wu I aim to create a studio like atmosphere in natural settings I achieve this by using artificial lighting to highlight specific elements of the landscape creating a sense of drama and intimacy While drawing inspiration from these artists I also incorporate my own unique approach to lighting and composition experimenting with different angles and techniques to capture visually compelling images For example I often utilize long exposure photography to capture the movement of light and shadow across the landscape adding depth and dimension to the final images How do you hope your work will inspire viewers to take action to combat climate change and what specific changes or actions do you hope they will implement My ultimate goal is for my work to serve as a catalyst for action and change in the face of climate crisis Through my photography I aim to raise awareness about the urgent need to address environmental degradation and climate change I hope that by presenting landscapes in immediate danger viewers will be motivated to take action and implement meaningful changes in their own lives and communities Whether it s advocating for policy reform supporting sustainable practices or simply fostering a deeper connection with the natural world I believe that each individual has the power to make a difference My hope is that my work will inspire viewers to consider the long term implications of their actions and become stewards of the environment for future generations The most significant invpciehsriabisnnlpegtehteco etifuvcrseoo mm istphaooengsceiehtotiaohlonnaggto isecf atmosphere Carbon colordalieonsxsiimd oemdeomerdlieisassstieo ansnesndasriene harmless Elizabeth Kolbert

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Can you describe any experiences and challenges you had while photographing the images for Portraits of Ephemerality that strengthened your commitment to this project There s one where I kind of found out the glaciers were alive I mean not technically alive but they really feel like it So I was going out on a precovered glacier in Alaska rock blazer and I was just talking along doing some fieldwork with Lacey part of the August team We were checking stakes observing the ice melt and measuring water flow typical fieldwork stuff It was a particularly hot day because it was spring in Alaska which was unusual To get onto the glacier we had to cross a river At the start of the day the river was maybe three feet wide not too big and flowing pretty well But by the time we finished our work and tried to head back that three foot river had turned into a roaring eight foot wide beast It felt like the glacier was saying Not today I don t want you I don t want anybody I wanna be left alone We had to retreat and take a different route trekking several miles downstream Glaciers aren t flat they re filled with these big giant hills so it was a physically demanding journey Eventually we crossed an ice bridge that was around 200 feet tall and seven feet wide which was pretty nerve wracking And then when we got back I was shown a time lapse video of the glacier that really blew my mind It showed the water underneath pushing up the glacier and then receding almost like a heartbeat That s when it hit me these places are like a life they have a rhythm a system It was an eye opening experience and it gave me a personal connection to the majesty of glaciers despite the challenges we faced that day Is there a project that you would point out that you enjoyed more while working on it or that you think was more successful than the rest And do you think that there is a project that viewers seem to like more While each project holds its own significance Portraits of Ephemerality has been particularly meaningful to me due to its focus on environmental issues I believe that viewers are drawn to this project because it combines stunning imagery with a powerful message about the fragility of our planet However I ve also received positive feedback for other projects that explore different aspects of the natural world such as biodiversity and conservation Ultimately I hope that each of my projects resonates with viewers in its own way inspiring them to appreciate the beauty of nature and take action to protect it for future generations Interview with Ryland West Artist based in Brooklyn NY For Culturally Arts Collective February 2024 By Polyxeni Ziazia

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JulLiaambright My art has always been a reflection of my inner world a way for me to navigate complex emotions and experiences Could you please tell us a bit about your background and how you got started as an artist BASED IN ALBUQUERQUE NM Well it s been quite a journey I started off quite as a young child always leaning towards expressing myself visually rather than verbally Childhood is a special world with its logic and enchantment A child especially a small one sees this world differently not relying on the generally accepted norms and conventions Growing up in a situation without parents in a fairly isolated community I had to mature quickly I found solace in art expressing what I saw without any filters But it took me a while to be ready to verbally share what my work was about especially when I went back to school at almost 30 years old Even then I wasn t fully prepared to articulate my artistic expression verbally

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It sounds like your art has been a deeply personal journey for you Could you elaborate on how you deal with the challenge of expressing emotions and experiences through your art Absolutely My art has always been a reflection of my inner world a way for me to navigate complex emotions and experiences Initially I relied heavily on intuition allowing my subconscious to guide my artistic process We often prefer the comfort of the known yet the creative process demands change Over time as I matured and gained more insight into myself and my past my approach evolved I started incorporating fragments of memories into my work exploring themes like communication and the search for identity Each piece became a means of selfdiscovery and healing allowing me to confront my past and find peace with it How do you feel your work has evolved over time as you ve gained more insight into yourself and your past Well there have been significant shifts in my artistic practice as I ve grown and changed as a person Initially my work was more focused on exploring my past and confronting unresolved emotions But as I ve matured I ve found myself drawn to broader themes and ideas such as the interconnectedness of all things and the power of art to heal and connect people My work has become less about personal catharsis and more about creating a dialogue with the viewer inviting them to explore their own emotions and experiences through my art It s clear that your art is deeply introspective and meaningful to you Have you noticed any changes in your creative process as you ve delved deeper into your personal experiences Definitely As I ve gained more insight into myself and my past my creative process has become more intentional and focused I still rely heavily on intuition allowing my subconscious to guide me but I m also more conscious of the themes and ideas I want to explore in my work I spend more time reflecting on my experiences and emotions seeking to translate them into visual form It s a more deliberate and purposeful approach that allows me to create art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant Can you tell us more about how your personal experiences influence your creative process My personal experiences are at the core of everything I create Whether it s memories from my childhood emotions I m grappling with or observations about the world around me they all find their way into my art in some form or another Sometimes it s subtle like a color choice or a particular brushstroke and other times it s more explicit like a specific subject or theme But regardless of how they manifest my personal experiences serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for my creative work Where do you see your art going in the future Do you have any specific goals or aspirations In the future I hope to continue exploring themes of identity interconnectedness and healing through my art I want to push the boundaries of my creativity experimenting with new Ways technically or conceptually the search never ends and challenging myself to grow as an artist Ultimately my goal is to create art that not only resonates with viewers on a personal level but also inspires them to reflect on their own experiences and emotions I believe that art in all its power in any form has the power to transform lives and I want to harness that power to create positive change in the world Your connection to nature and the signs you perceive seem to play a significant role in your artistic process Can you delve deeper into how these experiences particularly the loss you ve endured and the time you ve spent in introspection have influenced your art Yes certainly My journey as an artist has been deeply intertwined with my experiences especially moments of loss and reflection When I lost my hope during the uncertain times of quarantine paralleling the unexpected loss of family members it was a pivotal moment that forced me to confront my innermost emotions and search for a sense of direction Nature has always been my solace and during this period of introspection I found myself attuned to the subtle signs around me like the birds outside my studio window These experiences became a source of inspiration and guidance for my artistic expression My personal experiences are at the core of everything I create Whether it s meombesometriovoranitesiosIn fmrsoagmbroamuptpytlchinhegiwldwohirotlhod dao rround me they all find their way into my art in some form or another

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It s clear that your art is deeply rooted in personal experiences and emotions How do you balance the introspective nature of your work with the desire to connect with your audience Balancing introspection with connection is a delicate process Initially my art was a form of self discovery and catharsis but as I ve evolved as an artist I ve aimed to create work that resonates with viewers on a deeper level I want my art to serve as a catalyst for introspection and dialogue inviting viewers to explore their own emotions and experiences while connecting with the universal themes present in my work You ve mentioned experimenting with various techniques and mediums in your artistic practice Are there any particular techniques or mediums that you enjoy working with but haven t found a way to exhibit or present In the early stages of my artistic journey I experimented with a wide range of techniques and mediums from traditional painting to electronic arts While I ve found joy in exploring these different avenues of creativity I have the most excitement working with the unique character of almost forgotten mediums such as egg tempera and more recently soft pastels However each exploration informs and enriches my artistic practice contributing to the depth and diversity of my work Your approach to art seems to emphasize the importance of interpretation and open ended communication How do you navigate the balance between providing insight into your work and allowing viewers the freedom to interpret it in their own way It s a delicate balance indeed While I aim to offer insights into my artistic process and the themes I explore I also value the unique perspectives and interpretations of each viewer I believe that art should spark curiosity and contemplation inviting viewers to engage with it on their own terms By maintaining a sense of openness and allowing for multiple interpretations I hope to create a more enriching and inclusive artistic experience for everyone involved Thank you for sharing your insights with us It s clear that your art is not only a reflection of your personal journey but also an invitation for others to embark on their own Where do you see your artistic journey taking you in the future In the future I hope to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity and exploring new avenues of expression I want to delve deeper into the interconnectedness of art nature and human experience using my work to foster dialogue and inspire positive change in the world Ultimately my goal is to continue evolving as an artist and sharing my passion for creativity and connection with others Interview with Julia Lambright Artist based in Albuquerque NM For Culturally Arts Collective February 2024 By Polyxeni Ziazia

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WASHINGTON DC UNITED STATES INSTAGRAM VIANBORCHERT VIAN FACEBOOK VIAN BORCHERT FINE ARTS TWITTER VIANSARTCORNER BORCHERT BIOGRAPHY Vian Borchert is an established award winning expressionist artist Borchert has exhibited in numerous group and solo exhibitions within the US and internationally in museums and key galleries in major cities such as NYC LA Washington DC London and Berlin Borchert s artwork has been on display in prestigious venues such as Times Square on Broadway in NYC United Nations in NYC The SAM museum in PA The National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia The BMFA Museum in Texas along with world embassies hospitals and corporations Coming from academia Vian is a graduate and Notable Alumni from the Corcoran College of Art Design George Washington University Washington DC Borchert s art has been vastly featured in press interviews such as the esteemed Museum Week Magazine Arts Investments Oxford Public Philosophy Journal ARTPIL VoyageLA magazine ShoutOut LA The Washington Post OFF TOWN Magazine and on the front covers of ROIDX MOEVIR Paris based French style magazines and literary journals like PENSIVE and others Borchert is also an art educator teaching fine art classes to adults in the Washington DC area Vian also has a certificate in art therapy along with studies in positive psychology and art history Moreover Borchert has been an art writer for a number of years Borchert s artwork is in world marketplaces with auctions 1stDibs and Artsy www vianborchert com STATEMENT I am an expressionist artist I describe my artwork as a form of visual poetry I believe art is a connecting force of good that goes beyond borders instituting that art is a form of universal language by which all comprehend I seek to connect with people through my visual world aspiring for the world to come together through the arts Nature plays a huge part in my artistic journey I am an avid nature lover where contemplating upon nature helps me reach inner peace and attain moments of Zen I seek through my work to celebrate my love for nature and the environment while highlighting the importance of nature in one s lives The artwork aspires to be a bridge that intersects the connectivity of art and the environment accentuating the significance of living with nature and its benefits on humans My work captures the essence of time movement and memory in a lyrical way Hence my art aims to bring a meditative sentiment in a poetic way in the hopes of transcending the viewer to a higher realm where calm peace and harmony align Moreover besides being a multifaceted artist I describe myself as a Lightworker I am here to find the light be it in my art but also mainly in my life I am always heading towards the light even if it is at the end of the tunnel The light guides my vision and my mission in this life Through my art I aspire for this light to come through and be a source of inspiration and joy Hence I desire for my art to be a source of enlightenment to those who view it bringing hope and rejuvenation to the soul

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CHICAGO UNITED STATES PLOARUELNZ INSTAGRAM PAUL_W_LORENZ BIOGRAPHY With an education in Bauhaus architecture fine art and music composition interdisciplinary artist Paul Lorenz combines drawing sound performance music and photography into interwoven visual and audible relationships and realities The media explores the public and private worlds of place time and self Though blurring and questioning the definitions of abstraction and representation Paul s imagery and sound projects always allow the creative process to be the final subject Paul was born in Chicago After graduating from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago Bachelor of Architecture he went on to study oil painting at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago the International School of Art in Italy under Nicolas Carone and the University of California Berkeley Paul completed his MFA in Music Composition from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in February 2019 Paul s durational pieces are guided improvisations Linear Stream 2018 and Visual Training 2023 explored interior space by amplifying manipulating line drawing with graphite sticks microphones and live musicians His 2023 solo exhibition Facts and Truths at Living Room in New York City combined acoustic sounds of drawing and saxophone with suspended graphic music scores STATEMENT IMy work is my autobiography My current work explores my past and present using photography as the means to establish image and composition By examining my past images from sound projects travel locations and an on going self portrait series new ways of looking at self space and geometry have emerged Snippets of life gesture and color are brought together to form a visual scape that is both representational and purely abstract For years I have pondered the notion of what is representation reality and abstraction truth Is a photograph reality or truth Is representation abstraction or reality In an era of technology driven media do boundaries blur or do they simply stop existing Architectural abstracts volume density scale continue to be the most inspirational means to explore my visual performance and sound work The abstractions are not a style but a state of mind a balance of subtlety and boldness confidence and risk the known and that what needs to be found

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CHICAGO UNITED STATES MMYACLINH INSTAGRAM MILLIE_D_MAC BIOGRAPHY My Linh Mac is a Saigonsese multi media artist visual designer and art educator based in Fort Collins Mac is best known for her digital paintings traditional oil paintings and her series of contemporary galactic no brush paintings Ranbu As an accomplished painter her works portray beauty in humble places with her signature style of deep and vibrant accent colors Mac discovered nontraditional techniques bring further variety to her paintings through the use of color and medium manipulation and exploring different possibilities with hybrid like presentation platforms What makes her work stand out among young emerging artists is how she incorporates not only technical skills and knowledge from multiple creative fields of design art and technologies but also her personal experience and cultural exposure from different parts of the world as a traveler My Linh s works have been displayed at art exhibitions and showcases around the world She demonstrates an exceptional talent for creating depth and dimension in her iconic series Ranbu 2019 and Constellation 2022 incorporating traditional painting techniques and unconventional design elements to produce a unique visual language Her abstract works are represented by institutions worldwide including the Queen Victoria Museum and Gallery in Tasmania Australia the Angard Art Hotel in St Louis Missouri the Brauer Museum in Valparaiso the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art CICA Museum in Gimpo South Korea and the Museum of Outstanding Design MOOD in Como Italy STATEMENT IAs a distinctive artist and graphic designer my creations are a testament to my unique vision infusing the discipline of design with the spontaneity of fine art I found my artistic voice through transforming conventional materials and platforms crafting pieces that challenge perceptions of their medium My work is a playground of experimentation with painting techniques each piece a reflection of my playful and bold personality In my recent series Constellation I delve into the intersection of spirituality and art Drawing from my diverse religious upbringing rooted in Buddhism and nurtured in Catholic and Lutheran settings I interpret the world through a complex lens My art serves as a visual dialogue utilizing the universal vocabulary of geometrical shapes and lines to convey profound concepts The circle a recurring element symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the divine energy that fuels existence embodying wholeness and perfection My vision for this series is to spark a joyful and thought provoking dialogue with my audience inviting them to reengage with their spiritual heritage in a way that s as exhilarating and nostalgic as a day spent at an amusement park Through my work I aim to evoke the essence of cherished memories and to celebrate the continuous cycle of life and spirituality

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SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA HTTPS WWW SAATCHIART COM SIDARTS SKIADTRAGADDA BIOGRAPHY WSiddharth Katragadda has been painting since he was around five but started exhibiting and selling his art only in 2008 From 2008 to 2015 he was very prolific selling nearly 50 of his Abstract Dark Indian Women series paintings to private collectors across the world In 2010 his work was acquired by famous filmmaker Mani Ratnam He took a break from painting in 2015 to focus on films and writing before returning to art in 2022 when he painted a series of 12 Western paintings in what he calls Holeism style based on various humanitarian issues including abortion race war violence against women climate change guns and border issues He also returned to his abstract Indian women creating the first of his Timism style paintings As an artist he believes that an artist s primary objective should be to capture a culture and that a culture can be best understood through its women He aims to develop his own styles of painting that progress art in new directions His experiments are seen in all his paintings He says my art has three sides Meaning Social Impact and Innovation My work is not strictly meant to decorate walls but to decorate minds each with a story a message for social change A hundred years from now I want my art to be a time capsule of society as it exists today I also place a high value on innovation as Picasso said every painting series has to move art in a new direction never repeat yourself or others I am proudly the founder of the Holeism Timism Soulism Classicism and Feminism art styles which I hope to popularize Sid s paintings have been exhibited and collected worldwide He has sold over a 100 paintings in a career spanning from 2008 to present with collectors in India Dubai Australia Singapore and America He s also an award winning filmmaker and author poet Solo Shows Chitra Kala Parishath 2008 San Diego Art Walk San Diego 2009 Delmar Taste Stroll San Diego 2009 Mixture Gallery San Diego 2010 Indian Art Collectors Featured Artist 2012 2013 Palm Meadows Bangalore 2008 2013 Palm Retreat Bangalore 2013 Mission Federal Art Walk San Diego CA 2014 Oceanside Art Walk Oceanside CA 2014 Kensington Art Gallery San Diego San Diego CA 2014 Wine Vault San Diego San Diego CA 2015 Culturally Arts Solo Show Online Milotska Center for Exhibitions 2023 Group Shows Saatchi Group Show Online 2023 Renaissance Gallerie Bangalore 2013 Eclectic Explorations Kalarasa Bangalore 2014

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RUTLAND AND LONDON UK LCUADCYE INSTAGRAM LUCYCADEARTISTZ BIOGRAPHY Lucy is a painter and educator She is currently enrolled on the Turps Offsite Studio Programme She completed an MA Fine Art at City Guilds of London Art School in 2023 She was the recipient of the Charlotte Bonham Carter CuratorSpace 18 and Oppenheim John Downes Memorial bursaries Lucy was shortlisted for the Wells Art Contemporary 2023 Jackson s Painting Prize 2022 and The Alpine Fellowship Visual Art Prize 2021 She has published her writing about the experience of being hospitalised with postnatal psychosis and the importance of artmaking in Ache Magazine earlier this year as part of the I Felt That collaboration She is a private tutor in art and art history and will begin lecturing for The Feminist Lecture Program with the Vagina Museum in 2024 Recent projects have included The wounded oyster turns grit into pearl an Arts Council development grant to explore her own postnatal psychosis a collaboration with sound artist Eleanor Turner about modern and traditional notions of motherhood and a collective project I FELT THAT run by curator Josephine May Bailey which addressed gendered pain Recent shows include a guest artist slot in the Young Masters Art Prize exhibition at The Exhibitionist Hotel hosted by the Cynthia Corbett Gallery a group show with Stretch a collective of artist mothers at Somers Gallery London Material Presence at Fitzrovia Gallery which she also curated and auctions such as Bid the Gap and Art on a Postcard STATEMENT My subject is female portraiture with an emphasis on portraying subjectivity agency and the transformative potential of extreme emotional states such as psychosis Employing film imagery I redeploy the look and feel of cinema and its associated histories of stereotypes and narratives to interrogate the depiction of women I paint on an oval cameo shaped support to allude to the historical tradition of female portraits as sentimental keepsakes however the women I portray don t seem in the mood for being kept instead asserting moments of difference and divergence My light touch wet in wet use of paint suggests the seductive qualities of film yet the cool almost monotonal palette distances us from the experiences being represented I paint wet into a thick underlay of saccharin pale pink or blue which enhances the sentimentality of the cameo shape More figural than figurative these marks can be seen as performing the uncanny the trace of trauma The painterly touch is tender but slippery the images are fragile and slip from the gaze oozing into pure paint I often paint women undergoing mental distress however as images interspersed from different moments in a range of films they suggest a personally resonant network of recollections reflective of an embodied experience of mental illness even a coping mechanism expressed and validated They aim to give voice to a range of experiences viewpoints and emotions

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LEE S SUMMIT MO NERICKKER INSTAGRAM NICKERKER_ARTWORK BIOGRAPHY Nicholas Erker is an American realist with a narrative and expressive vision Born in Wellington Kansas in the early 1980 s Born and raised in a small Kansas town he learned a great deal from his large family One of the greatest skills he learned from his family is the art of storytelling It is so important to maintain a tradition of passing our history from one generation to the next His family were experts in the oral tradition He has spent his professional life depicting images from that oral tradition and telling these stories through his artwork These images not only recall his own past but also invite the viewer to recall their own past by means of relating to the bright dreamlike images seen in his work Memories and the fragility of our memories are at the core of his artwork STATEMENT Our hometowns and places of origin play a major defining role in who we are I use color and narrative to give deep meaning to not only my story but also to the many people who grew up in the small nameless American towns that pepper the land I learned a great deal from my large family One of the greatest skills I learned from my family is the art of storytelling It is so important for us to maintain a tradition of passing our history from one generation to the next My family were experts in the oral tradition I have spent my professional life depicting images from that oral tradition and combining them with the visual arts These images not only recall my own past but also invite the viewer to recall their own past by means of relating to the bright dreamlike images seen in my work Memories and the fragility of our memories are at the core of my artwork I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education from The University of Kansas and Master of Arts in Art History from University of Missouri Kansas City This background in art history allowed me to draw from the traditions of such European artists as Eugene Delacroix and Sir Anthony van Dyck as well as American realists Edward Hopper Jamie Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth Another major part of my personal story involves my work as an art teacher which gives me the opportunity to teach future artists new techniques In turn my students have taught me new and inventive ways of using materials sometimes by making errors In my work I embrace errors and misused materials which has led to new ways of applying paint and texture to a surface These colors and textures add to the experience giving more depth and interest to the narratives

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KKILKIMI T INSTAGRAM KLIMTKIKI BIOGRAPHY Kiki Klimt is a researcher of life She moves mostly within art but she often wonders in search of understanding from mythology ancient spiritual writings modern physics and chemistry to cosmology mathematics history and philosophy She graduated from painting in 1997 finished her master s degree in sculpture and in 2009 got a doctorate in art She was a guest professor at universities in Istanbul Sofia and Lisbon Today she is pro dean at Arthouse College for Drawing and Painting in Ljubljana Her works were present in galleries in New York Berlin Zagreb Ljubljana etc She experimented on conceptual art photography performance installation illustration and design For the last nine years she has returned to the tradition of painting and has been developing a unique way of painting based on ancient knowledge contemporary science and her own study and experience Painting with light combines the physical emotional and rational aspects of painting Her art is based on ancient knowledge of numbers geometry and colors STATEMENT Art is a journey not a goal Painting is a journey not a destination Painting is really a game as each new painting is made in a new way We can discover the principles of life through images because painting is a game of life but in the changing game of life there is only one point of connection with unchanging objectivity This point is the breath the dance of air in the body which triggers the game Being an artist means discovering exploring and marvelling at creation Every step is entering the unknown Every time again We speak a lot about creativity today But to be creative we must not be afraid With every step we take we step into the unknown On the other hand there is endless grace here Discoveries come gradually like veils that reveal to us the true image of the world You never look at things but behind them into the void You never look at the clouds but the blue sky behind Man sees the sky only when there are no clouds A true artist always sees it whether the clouds are here or not You never look at an image you never watch the vibration which it creates but the emptiness behind them Blacklight emptiness silence I started painting again nine years ago But differently than before Painters create images with colour Colour is the foundation of artistic communication through images So my first question was what is colour Is it light outside or inside the world around us Is the world just a reflection of light or does it vibrate and emit colour I challenged and asked myself What if a certain particle vibrates and because of the different vibrations of the matter around us we see a certain colour So if the matter is vibration then what is thought Vibration Different vibrations are interdependent What if the vibration of thought affects the vibration of matter and its colour According to Socrates the ray emanating from the eye touches matter and a common vibration creates what we see However according to modern colour theory man is only a passive spectator of the world This is not the case in the ancient teachings of various nations For them man is an active being a creative being that is aware he is creating the world with his thoughts This has been proven today by experiments in modern physics Man is the active creator of what he sees

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UNITED STATES TIM GRIFFITH INSTAGRAM TIMGRIFFITHSR BIOGRAPHY Timothy Griffith was born in St Louis Missouri in 1958 He began painting in 1968 and in the 1980 s briefly attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago However it took many years to return to education and he graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2020 Tim s work has been exhibited in New York City Washington DC Chicago Laguna Beach CA Bethlahem PA Grand Rapids MI St Louis MO and many other locations throughout the United States Tim s work reflects the continuum of Art s long history In his creations you will see elements of many styles Believing that art is an evolved craft and holding on to past aesthetics he makes his work a modern invention of those past successes Drama and emotion are forefront in the compositions and he calls the apparent style Neo Baroque and within you can also see Realism Surrealism American Regionalism Neo Art Nouveau and Neo Art Deco His recent efforts are a take on Precisionism think O Keefe Primarily a figurative oil painter Tim incorporates the many techniques and styles listed above and the nexus of these elements is nothing like any artwork you may have ever seen before His work has been called bold bright severe and smart with thoughtful subject matter and skillful use color unique and often forced perspectives they elicit drama and emotion from the composition My artwork is an extremely well crafted product I produce artwork from long lasting high quality pigments and substrates lightfast non toxic paints heavy duty stretcher bars fine cotton or linen canvas and forever lasting acrylic primer I use gallery wrapped canvases and continue the composition to the sides and slightly around to the back I call my method Painting to the wall The finished work is thoroughly varnished They can be hung without framing and are visually complete from all viewpoints After a covid delayed graduation Tim relocated from Milwaukee to north central Illinois for its geographic proximity to art communities from Chicago Crystal Lake Woodstock through Rockford and Freeport As of December 2023 and since 2015 Tim has created 128 large scale artworks most 24 x30 or larger entered 121 exhibits been successfully juried into 85 of them totaling 297 invited pieces and earned 10 awards STATEMENT Very much like DaVinci I oil paint because I love the way glazing produces smooth transitions of shadow and much like stacking stained glass how it brings to your eyes colors not achievable through the simple mixing of pigments Subjectively I capture and reflect candid moments of human moods emotions and relationships with the world where the subjects coalesce out of dominating shadows or brightness My works elicit the perception of sensuality from both the object and it s aesthetic composition My orchestration of design and material produces objects of beauty and quality I paint because I m a lousy singer yet I have a desire to joyfully express myself At age 10 I began my artist life by painting still life and landscapes in particular trees In the 1990 s I transitioned into figurative work as I observed human similarities in trees particularly at the intersections of branches which mimicked the joining of arms or legs to torso or fingers to hands Concurrently I began studying Dali s oil painting techniques and found an affinity with the visual vocabulary of surrealism I periodically return to landscapes and still life but primary create figurative work immersed in surreal imagery My visual vocabulary has grown such that everything I create like a tableau vivant is a living picture full of story symbolism and meaning both overt and covert I paint most everyday or research exhibition opportunities participating in 15 shows on average per year and occasionally earn an award Lately I have been cataloging and publishing online my body of work from 56 years of creating art I am so very fortunate to have been able to continue making art these many years although at times the survival efforts of life nearly extinguished that flame

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SCHHEERNRY INSTAGRAM PAOGERUANYU BIOGRAPHY Xinyue Chen s currently study at Camberwell College of Arts in London her practice focuses on exploring herself and her identity as a woman and extrapolated to a broader cultural context For her a woman is a very inclusive term an object of male desire and fantasy a snake haired siren a goddess of wisdom or a mystery a spell More importantly she is always the other Her works often have chaotic spaces and physical that have some utopian qualities It is characterised by delicate elements soft colors and images full of metaphors The non linear narrative of the work gives the viewer room for interpretation Her happiest moment is when the viewer interprets the metaphors created by the rehearsed combination of elements in her images She is currently researching the connection and transformation of Eastern philosophical cultures and personal cultural identities from a female perspective She won the Digital Art and Design Competition 2022 and her work has been selected for Creative Quarterly 2023 National Youth Cup Art 2021 and the Creative Challenges 2021 Her work has been recognised as a new talent artist in the World Illustration Awards STATEMENT As an artist I am driven by a curiosity surrounding personal identity particularly the intricate layers of my own identity as a woman and the diverse identities within various cultural frameworks I was born and raised in a small inland town in Shandong Province China where being a woman is always more regulated When my life was full of scrutiny sometimes I would observe it all from an outsider s perspective as a female And I find myself embroiled in narratives with an ironic twist the social roles that gender limits me to are in conflict with true creative freedom and these conflicts always inspire me I was drawn to these contradictions and wanted to combine them with my own cultural

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CHICAGO ILLINOIS MHEEAGDHAN TIKTOK MEGHANHEAD BIOGRAPHY Meghan is a contemporary visual artist known for their dynamic and emotive creations Born and raised in Chicago Meghan discovered a passion for art at an early age and is majoring in it at Temple University in 2024 Through participation in the Digital Illustration class and the Advanced Teen Track program at Hyde Park Art Center Meghan has not only broadened her expertise in the field of illustration but has also honed her skills to a more advanced level The artist s work is characterized by a blend of vibrant colors intricate textures and a deep exploration of human experiences emotions With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries Meghan invites viewers to engage with their pieces on both a visual and emotional level Drawing inspiration from Gustav Klimt multiple musical artists and animators Meghan continues to evolve their artistic voice capturing moments of beauty and introspection in every stroke Whether working with traditional canvases or with unconventional materials the artist remains committed to creating thought provoking and visually stunning pieces With an ever growing portfolio and a commitment to artistic exploration Meghan strives to make a lasting impact on the world through the lens of art STATEMENT As an artist my work is a reflection of my own emotions experiences and a specific theme Through mixed media I aim to capture the essence of emotions exploring my mind and creating a therapeutic space for my ideas and emotions to flourish Drawing inspiration from other artworks my pieces often feature different textures and vibrant colors inviting the audience to feel conflicted with the abstract paintings My creative process involves a dance with spontaneity and control as I embrace the unpredictable nature of my materials while maintaining a deliberate and thoughtful approach Each brushstroke layer and texture contributes to the artwork s narrative allowing for a dialogue between the artist the piece and the observer By incorporating elements of abstraction and symbolism I invite the audience to interpret and connect with the work on a personal level transcending the boundaries of explicit representation Although most of my artwork reflects my delicate mind I also like to have fun drawing different characters or creating my own showing my representation for me and my audience In essence my art serves as a visual poetry a love letter to this interesting life Through my work I aspire to create a space where viewers can pause reflect and find solace in my artwork and feel conflicted

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COLUMBUS OHIO R JAMES LAFEVER TIKTOK MEGHANHEAD BIOGRAPHY Ryan LaFever is a conceptual artist illustrator videographer and dinosaur enthusiast with a bachelor s degree from Columbus College of Art and Design Freelancing after college and specializing in pet portraits Ryan s notability grew and has now been showcased in various exhibitions galleries and Columbus Underground magazine Ryan currently works as an illustrator with the game company Nuttheads Brands with artwork featured in the Kids Against Maturity card game line He is also the creator developer and illustrator of the card game Rock Paper Saurus STATEMENT I tend not to be a fan of writing artist statements Generally how I view and what I think the meaning of my art is will change over time and thus it seems almost pointless to sum everything up in some overarching statement or thesis Inspiration hits me at random and from random sources whether it be a vague concept of a visual or a stock image photo that happens to stand out to me When that inspiration hits I simply begin working on the piece Once it s finished then it ll start to come to me what the significance of the piece might be only for me to come to a different conclusion sometime down the line My work tends to be simple in that there is usually one subject with little to no background experimenting with vignettes and negative space In this regard my work can be viewed as a type of Rorschach test opening it up to the viewer to come to their own interpretation and conclusion Is this piece simply an intimate portrait of a Spaniel dog Or is it an invitation for the viewer to see into the soul of an animal Things of that nature

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SLUPSK POLAND INSTAGRAM WALDEMARTLUCZEK_WALDZIOR FACEBOOK WALDZIOR WTLAULCDZEEMK AR BIOGRAPHY He was born at 1958 in Poland and has art education From the beginning of his professional career after graduating from the Art High School in Tarn w he exhibited his works at individual and group exhibitions in the country and abroad In the years 1988 92 he lived in Germany in Dusseldorf where he made a living from painting and attended the Kunstschule Dusseldorf In the years 2010 2013 he lived in Oslo where cooperation with the artistic community resulted in individual exhibitions and participation in a group exhibition during the Days of Polish Culture 2012 with the participation of the Polish Embassy Now he lives and works in Slupsk on Pomerania in Poland He is a painter graphic artist illustrator he designed book covers made screen printing stained glass and worked on the renovation of antiques Currently he mainly deals with easel painting and works in the medium of oil on canvas His works of art found their way into private collections in Poland and were purchased in many countries through galleries exhibitions and personal contacts in Russia Canada the USA Germany the Netherlands France Austria Norway Italy and Lithuania STATEMENT I want my art to be timeless far from imposed fashion and for my painting to connect me with the viewer I believe that art must defend itself and inspire the viewer to seek their own experiences and understand the message Images must provoke thought and leave no one indifferent to their content Art is intended for people who think independently not based only on the opinions of mainstream art critics There are plenty of formal experiments around paintings showing many colorful spots on the canvas but it is an art from which nothing follows which does not convey important content an art that needs explanation and narrative My paintings are a poetic narrative of my reality and my goal is to trigger the viewer s free imagination so that they can establish an intimate relationship with the painting My art goes beyond the framework of the real world but does not leave it it is like a medium connecting two worlds I create personal paintings with themes drawn from my own experiences experiences and thoughts I direct my painting towards conveying emotions I do not follow artistic trends I put on canvas not only my own world but also my personality and state of mind The artistic credo is to be honest in my message my painting is a reflection of my soul which knows many dark but also light colors bitter and sweet flavors that life has Waldemar Waldzior Tluczek

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SLUPSK POLAND INSTAGRAM WALDEMARTLUCZEK_WALDZIOR FACEBOOK WALDZIOR EERPPIKEARLY BIOGRAPHY The lotus flower is known throughout different cultures to represent a variety of meanings The flower blooms through muddy waters yet emerges beautifully above the surface The dichotomy of a beautiful flower birthing from the mucky environment is a metaphor for transcendence of purity despite the environment it grows in This 16x20 inch acrylic painting features a beautiful lotus flower reaching upwards and opening itself The background is an aura of yellows pinks and purples with sparkles and bubbles floating around the lotus flower STATEMENT Erika Epperly is an acrylic painter known for her floral imagery with surreal backgrounds Erika s art mainly focuses on ethereal themes using dream y color palettes and surreal motifs Her works are a narrative of exploring spirituality manifestation and femine ity through her psyche The subject matter of her work includes florals sparkles and bubbles with girly vibes that reflect these motifs A DELICATE LOVE DETAIL OF JUST GIRLY THINGS PINK PARADISE BLUE BREEZE JUST GIRLY THINGS

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DALLAS TX AREA INSTAGRAM LISAWOMMACKFINEART LWISOAMMACK BIOGRAPHY Lisa Wommack is an American abstract artist born and raised in Texas Throughout her life she engaged in numerous creative outlets in her spare time such as writing drawing sewing refinishing furniture and photographing her travels A retired IT consultant she did not indulge her desire to paint until two years ago She began exploring the world of acrylic paints mediums substrates and techniques by reading voraciously taking online classes participating in art communities and painting daily in her home studio She found a new passion and quickly realized her ardent wish to share it with other art enthusiasts and collectors STATEMENT My abstract paintings feature vivid colors and interesting textures to convey my emotions and memories of people things or places that I love I primarily use acrylic paints on canvas occasionally incorporating collage markers pencil or oil pastels My art is bold and evocative reflecting elements of my other passion travel I am inspired by the power and beauty of nature and the complexity of personal relationships and I love to try and represent those dynamics in fresh and authentic ways I am intrigued with the concept of how the magic of that which we cannot fully see or define influences our lives and our art and how that calls to others I love that art instantly creates a community of people who resonate with and gravitate toward similar things In this sacred space there is unity There is no need or room for differentiation exclusion or prejudice The souls are in communion and for that moment that is all that matters I paint because I want more of that in the world

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ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA USA INSTAGRAM SUSANNE_TABET ART STAUBZEATNNE BIOGRAPHY Drawing inspiration from my diverse experiences living and working across Western Europe Africa and the Middle East I create paintings that celebrate femininity in all its forms Now based in Alexandria Virginia I work on largescale semi abstractions from a studio within the Torpedo Factory Art Center Though I discovered painting in my early twenties it was only five years ago that I started sharing my work with the public Since then my paintings have been featured in several group exhibitions including the Intersection Identity and Culture Falls Church VA the Local Art Show at Northside Social Arlington VA and Savage Muse an online exhibition presented by Hanbell Gallery San Antonio Texas as part of the Culturally Arts Collective Artist inResidence program I was also honored to secure First Prize in the RCWA National By and About Women competition for my collage titled Donna and to have my work featured on the cover of Modern Renaissance Arts Magazine Issue 12 STATEMENT I create large scale semi abstract paintings that celebrate femininity in all its forms By portraying women not as objects of desire but as individuals with their own agency and experiences I challenge traditional perspectives in art and culture Through this work I aim to offer a distinct perspective on the female experience Inspired by the Abstract Expressionists I experiment with a diverse and unconventional color palette to evoke moods and emotions I want to amplify the female voice through unapologetically bold colors and dynamic compositions My subjects often gaze back at the viewer as embodiments of strength courage and autonomy The act of painting itself is a significant component of my practice I apply spontaneous brushstrokes building up layers of paint to create a tactile and visually engaging surface with texture and depth My final works often border on abstraction with unrecognizable elements that invite diverse perspectives and reject prescriptive fixed meanings I strive to enable viewers to engage with my paintings in a way that is personal and meaningful to them

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USA MTOICUHSASAELINT INSTAGRAM MPTOUSSAINT BIOGRAPHY Michael Toussaint is a Denver Colorado based creative Several themes and concepts are integral to his work the transformation of the everyday or common through perception and context the use of chance operations the formalization and implementation of a system working with series and those series being unstable and in flux an oeuvre that intentionally is decentralized and marginalized to name a few Each theme and concept approach and material is a tool utilized to establish new forms While embracing diversity in his work he searches for new forms of expression and representation This search is the core of his art STATEMENT The series The Flower Reaches Toward New Forms of Expression explores an experimental approach to photography called Painting With A Camera which blends elements of photography and painting The subject for the series is flowers a traditional focus for photography and painting The result is a unique cross breeding of mediums where painting and photography merge and the viewer is unsure of the medium and what they are seeing The art is an exploration of dialogues Pictorially it creates a dialogue between representational and non representational figurative and abstract art The series also becomes a dialogue between traditionalism and modernism in its use of subject matter and artistic approach It expands the conversation that has ensued for over a century between painting and photography Conceptually it explores the dialogue between a formulated approach and chance opportunity The series realizes these polarities of opposition embodying the contradiction between chance and systemization The results are depictions of flowers portrayed as gestural swirls of color At times the flowers are lightly abstracted other times the subject is pure form and color The final images have about them the sense of the familiar while maintaining the character of the unique PAINTING WITH A CAMERA THE FLOWER REACHES FOR NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION 1 PAINTING WITH A CAMERA THE FLOWER REACHES FOR NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION 2 PAINTING WITH A CAMERA THE FLOWER REACHES FOR NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION 3 PAINTING WITH A CAMERA THE FLOWER REACHES FOR NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION 4 PAINTING WITH A CAMERA THE FLOWER REACHES FOR NEW FORMS OF EXPRESSION 5

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PUERTO RICO INSTAGRAM PUFFEDPERSIMMONSSTUDIO KMCAIOMLNBCTEAARNLLOVYO BIOGRAPHY Kimberly Montalvo Calcano is a 27 year old Puerto Rican artist living in Gurabo Puerto Rico Some of her earliest inspirations are the feminine embodiments of mythical creatures such as fairies nymphs sirens and harpies These beings delicate in appearance yet fierce in conviction display a remarkable dichotomy in storytelling Therefore John William Waterhouse and Evelyn De Morgan have been the most striking influences on her work She is also attracted to the visions of Hayao Miyazaki Henri Toulouse Lautrec and Jessica Roux These illustrators inspire her to combine the sullen with a romantic essence Some of the hobbies influencing her work are hiking going on long drives and creeping through Google Maps for new coffee shops She enjoys small and intimate places that allow the unseen to thrive She uses her work to build atmospheric personifications of surreal beings spindling their gazes and curiosities in the real world Thus her goal has always been to make people feel and see themselves in stories where grocery store receipts are spells and foggy bathroom mirrors are portals to other worlds She lives with her sister and three cats and yes they are all well fed yet none sleep as much as they should STATEMENT Kimberly Montalvo Calcano s artwork is primarily created through digital media depicting phantasmagoric illustrations of creatures and beings of unknown origin She believes her academic background helped shift her artistic influence towards reimagining old folktales and spoken word poetry She draws from the transcendence of narration and philosophy where nothing is certain progress is subjective and each character can transform into the heroine of their own story Botanicals and magical realism also play their roles throughout the worlds she imagines She incorporates these themes with Greek and Norse mythology in the works submitted She enjoys the mixture of melancholy depictions under beautifully colored and delicate paintings Her use of pigment is a combination of soft pastels and bright hues that give off the appearance of watercolor Kimberly s Belladonna reimagines the Atropa Belladonna seedling into a pensive anthropomorphous creature linking it with the name s Greek mythological origin Otherwise known as deadly nightshade this poisonous plant s botanical composition can be found throughout the artwork Here Kimberly s work calls upon Atropa the eldest of the three fates whose primary responsibility is preserving the balance of life and death through delicate threads Known for her cruelty Atropa s responsibility was severing the ties of fate yet she is placed at her doorway decorated with violet threads carved into the wood stepping through and beyond wherever it might lead her In Alvis at rest Kimberly appeals to the Norse god of the same name Alvis King of the Dwarves is depicted as a fierce yet asleep feline specimen Spoken of as one of the Dwarven Realm s mightiest rulers he appears serene almost trancelike in this work Choosing a catlike creature sought to reference the position these animals held as beings of protection against any malignant presence Holding a restful state Alvis is gathering his energies hermitlike as most potent beings have done before a great battle

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NEW YORK CITY USA INSTAGRAM PAWELPIETRYKA PPAIEWTREYLKA BIOGRAPHY As a former designer and art director I ve embarked on a journey of self expression and creative autonomy I m a GermanAmerican with Polish heritage who is splitting his time between the East Village and Silverlake I grew up in Hamburg and faced adversity in my youth growing up in poverty and subsidized housing in what we called Sozialwohnungen It was equally challenging to break into the design industry especially after having just moved to England but I ve learned that perseverance and hard work can help In 2022 I attended the full time program at the Art Student League in New York for several months focusing on learning figure drawing painting and sculpting Now I am thrilled to be able to paint with complete freedom and to live and die by my own merits both the good and bad This journey is about more than just making a living as an artist it is about fulfilling a lifelong dream and creating something meaningful that connects with people My art is deeply personal and emotive using figurative work to tell stories that are important to me I m not afraid to comment on everything from societal and social issues to my own political beliefs My goal is to create an open space for interpretation by the viewer while still conveying a clear narrative Although I m currently focusing on oil paintings my artistic interests span a wide range of disciplines including sculpting film architecture animation coding writing typography and tattooing I m eager to explore new ways to express myself and make connections across those fields STATEMENT My debut series serves as a bridge between my former self and the person I am now The subjects portrayed share similar narratives playing a pivotal role in inspiring me to relinquish my previous occupation relocate to New York enroll at the Art Students League and fully embrace the path of an artist The goal was to narrate the stories of remarkable individuals who offered boundless inspiration hope and the courage to pursue my true aspirations in life What unites the subjects I have painted and me is our shared experience of once belonging to the corporate world yearning for something more profound This series showcases a diverse array of individuals at various stages of their journeys some just embarking on newfound independence while others like my grandmother are in the twilight years of their lives It is a vibrant tapestry of people engaged in ceramics music art knitting ideas interiors textiles and architecture epitomizing the rich diversity of human creativity It was paramount for me to portray individuals who have taken significant risks and serve as living testaments that despite challenges uncertainties instabilities and financial concerns it is possible to embark on a transformative journey towards self realization

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BROOKLY NY THE U S AND SEOUL SOUTH KOREA YNOAOMYEON INSTAGRAM YOOYEON_NAM BIOGRAPHY Yooyeon Nam lives and works in Brooklyn NY and Seoul South Korea Growing up in Korea Nam had a rigorous academic education and although she always wanted to be an artist there was an immense amount of pressure to study something more financially stable She began art but then took a long hiatus first to study business then to work in an office before finally she came to the U S to be a part of a larger art scene She earned her BFA in Painting from Pratt Institute graduating with the highest honors and excellence in academic achievement Her artwork has not only helped her explore what her culture means to her but to understand others as well in a way she hadn t been able to experience before arriving in New York She believes that all people understand each other to a certain extent and no more than that That is natural and everyone encounters other people carrying things that only he or she alone can understand which she loves about humans and which she represents from her imagination Occasionally the lonely things understood by one person shine incomprehensibly with strange but beautiful colors She strives to capture them as a colorist painter Her recent solo shows include Perfect Kidnapping in Brooklyn as a part of Chashama project and a virtual show Kidnapped at Artists Living Room NYC She had more solo shows in Seoul through 2016 2020 She participated in numerous group exhibitions in Brooklyn and Seoul from 2015 2023 including juried or invited exhibitions like Oasis of Color at Van Der Plas Gallery in Manhattan NY Dark and Scary at Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn NY Asian Students and Young Artists Art Festival in Seoul and Tradition to Modern at Monmouth Museum in New Jersey She won the first grand prize from Arthouse Z Art Prize held by Kaleido Art STATEMENT Yooyeon Nam is a colorist painter who paints from full imagination The paintings represent all kinds of relationships from love and longing to hatred and evasion To achieve the strange feelings and weirdness of the relationships and the world in which they reside in Nam uses a wide range of colors and places figures in incongruous spaces that have both interior elements and landscape elements In Nam s recent series Kidnapped round faced nose less characters frequent her paintings The works are about the weird and strange nature of the world and relationships and these bizarre characters emphasize feelings of uncanniness since they are seemingly too cute and adorable to suffer or be violent These feelings of eerie discomfort are further evoked through Nam s usage of a wide array of colors Finding precise colors that do not mumble about the truth of the world and relationships is important to her Nam paints from full imagination in order to elevate the emotions that reside deep in her consciousness The unassuming almost naive nature of Nam s characters adds humor to serious narratives which in turn makes them paradoxicallymore serious Throughout Kidnapped Nam allows these characters to take her wherever they may and guides the viewers into a new world This leads us to the age old question Is the artist the mere summoner of a hidden world already in existence or the creator of a new universe entirely

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VANCOUVER BC INSTAGRAM CHRISTINE DELAY ART CDHELRAISYTINE BIOGRAPHY As Journey s frontman Steve Perry once crooned his raspy voice filled with longing Just a small town girl living in a lonely world She took the midnight train going anywhere A simple yet poignant set of lyrics that sums up Christine Delay s early life beautifully Born and raised in a small isolated town in Northern Canada Christine was not exposed to fine art when she was young As a matter of fact she didn t experience a gallery or museum setting until she was completing her undergrad in art Influences that seeped into her consciousness from an early age were plucked from pop culture a vein of images words and sounds in which she continues to draw blood from to this day Currently living amongst the mountains and trees of Burnaby BC Christine is passionately dedicated to her full time studio art practice which she started in 2021 She spends her spare time volunteering for local art institutions like the Shadbolt Center for the Arts and the Outsider Art Festival In 2023 she was the winner of the Artist to Watch Award an award created by the Beaumont Studios to support exceptional emerging talent She is now a firm believer in the notion that it is never too late Don t stop believin Hold on Streetlights people Steve Perry STATEMENT Christine s artistic practice is an inquiry into the intersection between collective reality and individual perception Her creative process begins with collage which is then saturated with mark making using her preferred mediums including spray paint paint pens vinyl gouache and charcoal Her artwork delves into several recurring themes such as memory childhood connection humor and pop culture By exploring these themes Christine creates artwork that captures a unique blend of the familiar and the surreal encouraging viewers to question and re examine their perceptions of the world around them Through her use of mixed media and various mark making techniques Christine s artwork is distinctive in its ability to transcend traditional boundaries and create a unique visual language Her art is a visual exploration of the mind s inner workings and an invitation to join her on a journey of self discovery

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ST CLOUD MN U S IOSKAOIANHGO INSTAGRAM ISAIAHOKONGOART BIOGRAPHY Isaiah Okongo is a visually impaired artist based in St Cloud MN He recently graduated from St Cloud State University with a Bachelor s degree in Art and has been participating in art exhibitions in central MN and the Twin Cities since 2021 Some of his most notable accomplishments include participating and helping curate the Common Sense exhibition which was a showcase of accessible art at Art In Motion in Holdingford MN in 2022 two of his pieces are part of the university s permanent collection A duo exhibition Zoom In Stay A While at Art in Motion in 2023 and most recently one of his pieces was also displayed at the 64th Regional Arrowhead Biennial in Duluth MN 2023 2024 STATEMENT I am a visually impaired sketch artist who mainly creates downtown scenes throughout Minnesota in pen ink pencil and watercolor I started my downtown series in 2020 as a way to explore places I am familiar with but also to capture details in my work that I cannot see without a magnifier or zoomed in photograph This process of drawing downtown scenes in more detail than I can see in real life is a way of understanding the world around me while also being relatable to the people who live and work on the areas I have drawn In addition to drawing downtown scenes I also have made a Year in Review a Photoshop Ghost Series a Window Series and the occasional drawing of a nature scene Recently I started the process of creating more accessible pieces that visually impaired individuals who are generally excluded from the visual art world can enjoy through texture

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NEW YORK CITY USA ZZAHAVA INSTAGRAM ZZSPRINTS ZZSPRINTS COM BIOGRAPHY Zoe Zahava is a mixed media artist born in the Bay Area and raised in Brooklyn Zahava s work centers their personal experience as a queer person with disabilities Using art as an outlet to express the emotions that come with being visibly disabled focusing on the frustrations they ve faced living in an ableist society Zoe graduated with a BFA in printmaking from Tyler School of Art and Architecture 22 Zahava completed a summer internship at Marquis Studios in 19 Their work was featured in a series of zines called Ablezine based in London published in 2020 Summer 2021 Zoe interned at CFEVA Center For Visual Artists in Philadelphia PA In April 2022 Zoe was part of a student art show titled How to Read a Clock three easy steps Zoe worked at the Temple Contemporary as a Conversationalist for the gallery from 2019 22 They received a CARAS grant from Temple University to be a panelist on the MAPC panel titled Removing Barriers in a Studio Practice chaired by Chelsea Clarke held at Kent State University fall 22 In November 2022 Zoe exhibited their senior thesis show titled Cemented Stymied which was held at the Stella Elkins gallery in Tyler School of Art and Architecture Currently Zoe is working with the Accessibility Working Group AWG at Temple University a group of faculty and staff that are creating a more welcoming and accessible school environment for students with disabilities creating real change within old institutions STATEMENT As a child I never felt that I belonged My body never worked the same as everyone else s and no one seemed to understand why myself included In school I was the odd one out the only crippled kid I felt isolated from my adolescence These feelings and emotions have slowly but surely impacted my life as an adult I take reference from both personal and communal experiences of pain and isolation when living with disabilities the small in betweens of our cracked sidewalks the bursts of emotions we experience from such mundane things Being a disabled artist my work process is unique because of the inaccessibility in art studio settings I use my hands a lot in my work because though limited using art as a vehicle of release and moving my body with my art is how I am able to truly communicate I utilize a wide range of mediums including printmaking fibers and sculpture to capture the depth of these experiences I incorporate different textures and materials such as mullen wire rocks and embroidery and using techniques such as etching serigraphy monoprinting and batik dying to create diverse interpretations of art I hope to invoke in the viewer raw emotions that they can become immersed in and relate to

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TOWSON MD UNITED STATES KELLY HALL INSTAGRAM K HALL_ART BIOGRAPHY Kelly Hall b 2001 Miami FL is an abstract representational artist based in Towson MD and the Greater Baltimore area She has experience in a range of media with a particular interest in acrylic and oil paints She continues to explore the intricacies of painting while pursuing her BFA in Art Design at Towson University STATEMENT My work explores the complex emotional and physical feelings that comes from living with eczema I utilize a varied combination of vibrant fluorescent neon colors with paint patterns and texture This highly visual and playful color placement as well as slightly uneven patterning results in the viewer having a hard time viewing my pieces From this it s highly likely there will be a vibrating ringing sensation in the eyes upon viewing the work This strained burning and prickly feeling that occurs in the eyes reflects how the skin feels when an itchy and irritated breakout happens DAILY FIXINGS IN A LIFETIME DYSHIDROSIS 1 DYSHIDROSIS 2 DYSHIDROSIS 3

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LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA US INSTAGRAM PINAYPAGES PINAYPAGES BIOGRAPHY Jazlynn Eugenio Pastor she they is a storyteller educator and performing artist dedicated to serving her kammunity through art Within her career she has created the San Francisco Asian Art Museum s first Open Mic What About Us and Project Home Art s first global movement film festival HOMESCREEN Jazlynn has also shared Philippine dance and culture around the world alongside Agos formally known as the American Center of Philippine Arts Parangal Dance Company Kularts Inc and The Filipino Cultural School Her love for using art as a connection has continued through her LLC pinaypages where she offers opportunities for people to incorporate creative arts into their everyday lives Be a part of her healing arts kammunity by following pinaypages on Instagram STATEMENT Sayaw dance in Tagalog is a 3 part photo series that illustrates the lessons I have learned about my Philippine culture and heritage through dance I use clothes inherited from my Matriarchs hixtorical images and photos from my travels across California and the Philippines to create new collages that represent the past present and future of my Pinay identity SAYAW PART 1 BINASUAN SAYAW PART 2 MANANG SAYAW PART 3 PINAY

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INSTAGRAM EVESELONKEARTC EVE SELONKE BIOGRAPHY Eve started painting in 2007 and had her first show at First Friday in Phoenix AZ that December By 2010 she was runner up for RAW Artist of the Year In 2011 she started going to open studio painting events and was exposed to fine artists in the community Eve started her fine art career as a figure and portrait model which inspired her to become a better artist She moved to Seattle and obtained an Associate of Fine Arts degree in 2017 When Eve returned to Arizona she received a scholarship at the prestigious Scottsdale Artist School where she began studying with Jerry Salinas She started her first body of work in oil in 2019 which was built up over the course of the pandemic Much of her current work is informed by the isolation of lockdown STATEMENT Tragic Kingdom is an ongoing meditation on grief and the female identity It is about becoming acquainted with one s shadow self and how this is a necessary journey for an artist as well as a healthy expression of femininity THE HERMIT PAGE OF SWORDS HIGH PRIESTESS THE JOURNEY AHEAD ACE OF CUPS

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MALTA INSTAGRAM SHANICEFARRUGIARTIST HTTPS SHANICEFARRUGIA COM SFAHRAUNGICIEA BIOGRAPHY Shanice Farrugia b 2000 is a multi disciplinary artist based in Malta Her artistic practice encompasses drawing painting and mixed media techniques Farrugia completed a B A Honours in Fine Art 1st Class at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts Malta in 2021 and has since exhibited locally and internationally Farrugia has also illustrated children s books and undertaken an internship as an artist assistant to Antonella Bussanich in Florence Italy Farrugia is constantly seeking new ways to express herself and expand her artistic vision STATEMENT Shanice Farrugia s art is deeply personal and rooted in introspection drawing inspiration from diverse human experiences Her creative process revolves around themes of perception reality and identity With a meticulous eye for detail she delves into the essence of the human form particularly through self portraits and portrayals of loved ones Her work captures raw authenticity and intimacy within fleeting moments revealing the intricate nuances of the human form while inviting viewers to celebrate vulnerability and discover inherent beauty Embracing the evolving narrative of her art she continually uncovers new layers of meaning and expression aiming to cultivate a space for contemplation and connection Through introspection her artworks mirror her inner world with portrayed figures becoming reflections of her experiences imbuing her work with a relatable quality that fosters personal connection

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UNITED KINGDOM INSTAGRAM WILD_FEMININE_ART WFAERIMLTDININE KUNDALINI RISING BIOGRAPHY Going by the name of wild_feminine_art on Instagram Samia is a UK based South Asian artist exploring womanhood in all its facets body mind and emotion Using acrylic paint and mixed media on canvas and paper her expressions of flesh and intimacy stir arousal that resonates with the primal desires that connects us all Follow Samia s current collection wild_feminine_art of reimagined Indian miniature paintings inspired by the Mughal Empire To revive this lost form of art she uses elements of her South Asian heritage from her unique perspective BLUES AFFAIR CHOPIN S NOCTURNE STATEMENT I m fascinated by the expressions of flesh and intimacy which is reflected in the varied mediums and styles I embrace For me art is a return to the untamed spirit a rebellion against the expectations placed on adults Inspired by classical piano literature solo travelling and life s unspoken desires and moments This collection of paintings offer an intimate exploration of the soul s journey through various states of mind and personal experiences anchored by the feminine which is at the core of all my work TWO GIRLS AT THE PIANO NARCISSIST

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CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES INSTAGRAM PCOLORSTRUCTURES MWIACHGNAEERL BIOGRAPHY Born in Heidelberg in 1953 I used every free minute during my studies of social work at the Mannheim University for artistic studies and then concentrated entirely on the fine arts after completing my studies Since 1981 I have been living and working as a freelance painter graphic artist and photo artist self taught in Heidelberg While in the beginning I worked in the representational field depicting landscapes and people I gradually developed an artistic conception that focuses on color and its many possibilities of action Today living abstraction has become a conviction and a need for me It inspires and fascinates me to create my own special pictorial world from the body of color A world of pure color a world free of objects which draws its meaning from the attitude from the approach of the artist who thus gives color power and content Today I see myself as a poet of color STATEMENT Works of art reflect the world So my works are also mirror images of the present time However it is not a mirroring of the outer appearance no abstraction of the mimetic world but a mirroring of the inner constitution My works arise from sensations They reflect so to speak the feeling of time With paint brush and palette knife I create pictorial expressions which can exist as independent statements and which are at the same time content wise and thematically open These independent pictorial expressions refer to nothing but themselves to their own existence They do not tell stories but serve as a catalyst for the consciousness they encounter In this way topical pictorial ciphers are created that allow the wonderful medium of color to make an appearance CARTE BLANCHE UNTITLED IT S A SMALL WORLD SHOWDOWN IN NOVEMBER TONDO BLUE

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CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES INSTAGRAM RHEAONEILLPAINTING RHEA O NEILL BIOGRAPHY Rhea O Neill is a painter living and working in Northern California Her work primarily focuses on depictions of flora and fauna in her immediate surroundings She finds inspiration in the beautiful California light Strong colour choices and high contrast are used as an emotional intensifier pushing forward the main concept of environmental encroachment and degradation in her work Rhea O Neill is actively interested in the physical nature of painting She strives to always be experimenting with different application methods and limited palette choices By doing this she hopes to find new and more effective ways of conveying meaning to the viewer as well as improving her own skills and experience as a painter Rhea O Neill was born in the UK and obtained a masters degree at the University of Arts London Wimbledon College of Art She moved to California in 2011 An example of her painting can be found in the UK government art collection and is currently on display in one of their worldwide embassies STATEMENT A large part of my painting practice is informed by the beauty of my surroundings in Northern California Vivid panoramas and soft light creates an idyllic landscape from which to pluck colors and forms My work embodies a personal life long fascination with an imagined animal existence The creatures I depict are alive with their own agency co existing in a world altered by humanity Within my work nature becomes a wild and slightly unknowable force that humanity constantly tries to control and bend to its own desires The animals are often imprisoned by the roles mankind would like them to inhabit rather than their own natural wild motivations Of course this creates rather a contradiction as I am also using these depictions to express my own personal view You will find me touching on our degradation of the environment through exploitation and pollution and how this alters the natural world This often reveals itself in discarded waste and how nature is forced to cohabitate with it PRIZED CHERRY DISCARDED BRAMBLES DIVINE CRISPY BACON STOLEN FRUIT

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SOUTH CAROLINA UNITED STATES KPOAWREENLL KPOWELLSTUDIOS COM BIOGRAPHY Karen has lived in many areas in the US from Colorado to Pennsylvania She and her family recently moved to South Carolina on Lake Hartwell and enjoys the surrounding area with the waterfalls and hiking areas She has enjoyed diverse careers as a sales rep owning a mural business and a foster mom Through all these Karen has continually painted Now that the kids are grown it s a full time job Having lived in a few different parts of the country Karen has collectors throughout the US Her art can also be seen in galleries and art shows and her art classes at Blue Ridge Art Center are always well attended She is inspired to create oil paintings of the natural landscape and it s wildlife Through her use of color light and composition viewers can experience the sense of wonder in the natural world Education Indiana University of PA Art Majo STATEMENT My inspiration comes from being in the beautiful creation of the outside world especially when surrounded by trees and lakes Although my oil paintings cover many subjects the love of the outdoors definitely shows in the majority of my work I create oil paintings of the natural landscape and wildlife My goal is by use of color light and composition the viewer is able experience the sense of wonder and awe in the natural world by allowing them escape to that place portrayed in the painting CASCADING FALLS THE HUNTER RED FOX HIGH MEADOWS STANDING PROUD

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NEW YORK USA HRAIR INSTAGRAM HRAIR ART BIOGRAPHY Hrair is a New York based artist born in 1973 At an early age he found immense pleasure in painting and drawing going on to study fine art in school and college Raised in London he has spent time living and working in Tokyo Spain Paris and now New York his global perspective has greatly informed and influenced his work Defined by the use of a bold and vibrant palette of color the common theme behind his work is the exploration of the hidden souls found behind society s masks a reflection on the corporate rat race the long corridor of closed doors and the dread of expectation scratching the surface to glimpse the emotion within Represented in collections throughout the world and having worked with a number of prominent galleries he has had pieces commissioned in the US Bahamas UK Australia and Japan with work recently showcased in New York STATEMENT The common theme behind my work is the exploration of the hidden soul found behind society s masks A reflection of the rat race the corporate world the dread of expectation and the long corridor of closed doors It speaks on society s rules the pursuit and illusion of what brings happiness and in observing the habit of broadcasting our perfect lives to the world my aim is to scratch the surface and take a glimpse at the true soul and emotion lying within Figurative abstract and fauvist in style my work is defined by the use of a bold and vibrant palette of color often in contrast with the subject matter My approach is from an unpremeditated perspective resulting in a free form improvised layering of paint directly to the canvas often favoring a palette knife over brushes This technique allows my instinct to dictate the flow of the work eschewing technicality the intention is always to capture a feeling or mood within the piece NIGHTDREAMING SAY IT WITH FLOWERS LOVE DUB SALAD DAYS EYES DOWN FOR A FULL HOUSE

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CHICAGO USA INSTAGRAM IAN_COLORS IHAANRGROVE BIOGRAPHY HIan Hargrove he him ian_colors is an artist and designer living and working on the North Side of Chicago He works his background in fashion design into his mid to large scale expressionist abstracts Ian s artistic journey led him from fine art to fashion design and back to fine art to explore abstract painting where he captures vivid moments from his life in colourful forms His work bearing enigmatic titles open to interpretation serve as visual narratives of his personal experiences and emotions while inviting viewers to embark on their own introspective journey through his bold panels Driven by a passion for storytelling Ian hopes to quietly share his own narrative while fostering a dialogue between artwork and audience where each interpretation adds a another layer to the work Ian is inspired frequently frustrated easily and always amazed at how artwork can transform a space STATEMENT The common theme behind my work is the exploration of the hidden soul found behind society s masks A reflection of the rat race the corporate world the dread of expectation and the long corridor of closed doors It speaks on society s rules the pursuit and illusion of what brings happiness and in observing the habit of broadcasting our perfect lives to the world my aim is to scratch the surface and take a glimpse at the true soul and emotion lying within Figurative abstract and fauvist in style my work is defined by the use of a bold and vibrant palette of color often in contrast with the subject matter My approach is from an unpremeditated perspective resulting in a free form improvised layering of paint directly to the canvas often favoring a palette knife over brushes This technique allows my instinct to dictate the flow of the work eschewing technicality the intention is always to capture a feeling or mood within the piece Inscapes is an exploration of the inner landscapes via dynamic forms rendered in vibrant hues Through a kaleidoscope of color and texture this body of work delves into emotional landscapes inviting viewers on a journey of introspection and self discovery Each panel serves as a mirror reflecting the human experience from moments of euphoria to the depths of introspection through the ambiguity of composition and subject Drawing inspiration from the interplay of light and color Inscapes reflects moments of emotional importance and translates them visually for the viewer Bold brushstrokes echo rhythm while the layers of paint reveal hidden moments waiting to be discovered In each composition there is a sense of movement mirroring the ever changing nature of human emotions and the constant evolution of the self Through the language of abstract expressionism Inscapes turns to the viewer to decide subject and composition and transcends the confines of the tangible world offering glimpses into the individual It s about life the human spirit and a testament to the power of art to move beyond and connect us on a profound level

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AUSTIN TEXAS UNITED STATES INSTAGRAM BOGHEIRIART MBOAGYHSEAIRI BIOGRAPHY Maysa Bogheiri is a self taught watercolor painter with a passion for surrealism Her artwork primarily centers around female subjects offering a unique journey of self expression and introspection Drawing inspiration from personal memories feelings and the subconscious Maysa s creations exude both darkness and beauty As an Iranian American Artist her paintings offer glimpses into the crossroads of her cultural background Through her art Maysa invites you to explore her inner world and discover your own meaning within her creations STATEMENT As an artist I firmly believe in pursuing one s passions and for me that passion lies in creating art be it traditional or digital The process of creating engulfs me making time lose its meaning as I find immense satisfaction in sharing my new creations with the world My art emerges organically without a predetermined theme and I embrace the spontaneous bursts of inspiration that guide my brush strokes The enigmatic allure of women often becomes the focal point of my paintings as I strive to capture the initial gaze that materializes in my mind s eye preserving the raw creativity that fuels my work YEARNING THE REIGN ONE LAST BREATH HOPE LULLABY

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INSTAGRAM AMBI_BLUE_TAMASHI DGKIMOIUTRTZAOU BIOGRAPHY Dimitra Gkoutzou graduated from the Visual and Applied Arts department of AuTh and currently pursues a Master in Philosophy and Arts Her work has been exhibited in several group shows including RBSA gallery and ProjectGalleryV juried by Cynthia Cruz STATEMENT The Colorbinds topic addresses the feelings that result from interacting with the Other as defined by Levinas s philosophy The difficulties that arise from engaging with the Other and the harmony that follows serve as examples of the subjectivity of these emotional states As a result these states are depicted in a dynamic manner through different chromatic relationships that express the relationship that is shaped with the Other or with oneself EMBRACING WARMTH A FIERY WALTZ THE SERPENT S BIND LONGING AMIDST FACADES AND DESOLATION A SERENADE S SMOKY BOUQUET

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TNEW YORK UNITED STATES INSTAGRAM LIFU_HU_VIVIAN LIFU HU BIOGRAPHY Lifu Hu originally from Chengdu China is now based in New York and is a dedicated photographer who skillfully captures moments through her lens She holds a bachelor s degree in Electronic engineering from Chongqing University of Technology and a Masters of Professional Studies in Digital Photography degree from the School of Visual Arts Lifu focuses on conceptual photography still life and documentary photography creating visually captivating stories that leave a lasting impression STATEMENT FIRST LOVE Through the creation of staged photographs FIRST LOVE seeks to document the artist s troubling relationship with her first boyfriend The project is an attempt to rediscover herself and her ex through a reexamination of their time together On the day he said goodbye to me it had been over half a year since we last saw each other From 2019 until the day we broke up almost four years had passed and I had always wanted to know who he truly was He was like the drifting wind the majestic mountains the untamable beast the hollow abyss of the night he was everything When he broke up with me all of the memories flashed before me I finally understood that he was a tumor growing inside my body He and I had already become one and I could not simply cut him out I could only watch as he consumed my energy every day growing larger until he became another version of myself I feared him and could not fully understand him He was like an impeccably clear mirror He would stare at me with his sadness his weakness his emptiness and his ignorance It seemed he was devouring me and then spitting out a new version I had no control and could only stand in the same place and observe When he left he said How helpless to have a living person standing in front of you but no longer feel anything for them I remained silent It is helpless I agreed and I have felt that way countless times since THE LOST CITY GRANDMA FIRST LOVE FLOWER FLEETING LOVE

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UNITED KINGSDOM SURRY INSTAGRAM YANZHISHUZHAI YSHUINXUAN BIOGRAPHY Yun graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a MA in Fine Art last year Yun has in depth knowledge of various art media such as watercolor acrylic oil pastel Japanese pigment metal ceramic yarn wood and digital painting Throughout her ten years of studying art Yun has honed her artistic sensibility allowing me to appreciate and understand different art forms and styles Volunteer experiences at Watts Gallery The Lightbox and New Ashgate Gallery Gallery assistant in James Hockey Foyer Galleries and ambassador at UCA Assistant Art Handler at Bonhams As a curator and organizer of two successful solo exhibitions during her BA years STATEMENT Yun s art explores life s enigmatic essence a visual journey that seeks to unravel the profound questions that dwell within us What is life and Where do we live are queries that resonate deeply stirring the core of our existence Yun embarks on a creative voyage through her works to capture the elusive nature of these inquiries Yun specializes in using surreal compositions to create dream like compositions that are gorgeous but with a bit of a spooky atmosphere For Yun if an image is like a storybook each painting expresses a different story Because of the non realistic composition the different images are created so that the viewers can understand the different meanings in their own way VIENTIANE ILLUSION MIRROR EFFECT MULTIPLE ILLUSIONS FAIRY TALE STRAWBERRY PARADISE

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BLACK CREEK BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTAGRAM MEAGANDICKIE MEAGANDICKIE COM MDIECAKGIEAN BIOGRAPHY Meagan Dickie she her b 1999 Calgary Alberta is a multi hyphenate creative exploring the power of the natural environment as a subject and as a narrator To advance her artistic process she works with original land surveys and researches traditional Indigenous communities to better understand the way in which humans interact with their space Currently she lives between Alberta and British Columbia researching the differences in the provincial landscapes and studying Interactive Design at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology STATEMENT Alberta 2018 is a still life photograph taken on a 4x5 large format camera I composed this photograph during a time of homesickness and loneliness while living in eastern Canada The photograph symbolizes my yearning for a piece of home in a deconstructed fashion ALBERTA

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D M V APRMOBCETROR BIOGRAPHY Amber Proctor is a talented artist and art educator based in the DMV area With a passion for inspiring the next generation of artists Amber s works of art are a reflection of her creative spirit and dedication to her craft As a self taught artist she has honed her skills over the years while working as an administrative assistant with LW Arts and Design Amber s love for art began at a young age where her pencil and sketchbook became her most prized possessions During challenging times in her life she turned to art as a form of self expression finding solace and empowerment in the creative process Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and the strength of women Amber s art is a powerful reflection of her belief in the transformative power of creativity Amber s motto I was Created to Create drives her to continue exploring new artistic avenues and pushing the boundaries of her own abilities With every stroke of her brush or pencil she strives to capture the essence of her subjects and evoke emotion in her viewers Through her art and her role as an educator Amber Proctor aims to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and discover the joy of self expression Whether through her captivating paintings or thoughtprovoking sculptures Amber invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and power of art STATEMENT In the Alone series I have explored the way women are perceived when they are alone without a man Throughout history women who live alone have often been viewed uncharitably Whether they are divorced or widowed they are often pitied If a woman chooses to live alone she is labeled as lonely or a spinster defying the traditional expectations of marriage For this series I have looked at women from different nationalities and cultures to showcase the beauty of women in diverse backgrounds when they are alone Each woman tells her own unique story through the lens of solitude IG ARTSBY_AP ALONE

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USA MMAARGNIEETIC INSTAGRAM MPTOUSSAINT BIOGRAPHY Marie Magnetic b 1989 is a Chicago based visual artist working mainly in acrylics collage and found object sculpture Marie was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University in 2017 She originally worked in positions with child services state government and several library roles before returning to art during the COVID 19 pandemic In 2023 Marie held her first solo exhibit at Little Broken Things in Chicago Marie has received grants from Foundation House The Haven Foundation and the New York Foundation for the Arts Additionally her work has been published in Haus a Rest HNDL Mag and LAMINATOR ZINE Marie is dedicated to exploring culture and the multi faceted realm of humanity through her art STATEMENT As a painting collage and mixed media artist I examine dystopia delight and delusion in society My work is inspired by my experiences as a Jewish Indigenous neurodivergent and queer woman Much of my art focuses on neurodivergence feminist issues and sociopolitical commentary I grew up in a small town in Michigan and my experiences there have also motivated my artistic practice Many times I witnessed loved ones struggles with or personally experienced systemic oppression due to addiction mental illness disability racism and poverty Within my art I reflect on the mundane the morose and the magnificently mad while considering the experiences of being othered in society My process is influenced by a bit of absurdity surrealism and satire in which I aim to engage my audience and play with color and form I like to experiment with and through art delving into a world where familiarity and the unknown merge My goal as an artist is to think about the world differently question societal norms and consider a greater social consciousness CAVORTING INTO CHROMA TAKE YOUR MEDICINE EVISCERATE THE EGO DECISION FATIGUE CIRQUE DU ABSURDIT

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AMSTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS MBLIACHNECLKLEE INSTAGRAM MICHELLEBLANCKE STATEMENT MNature is a sanctuary Immersed in the natural world we experience a pure force It brings us in touch with something larger We might even catch a glimpse of the essence of our existence For me being in nature opens me up to the mysteries of life Wandering thought free I become aware of the energy in the trees the waters even in the rocks An energy in myself awakens as well and unexplored parts of myself come to light I find an opening to a hidden world beyond the visible A Secret Garden BIOGRAPHY Michelle Blancke 1984 is a lens based visual artist from Amsterdam She graduated from the Fotoacademie in May 2023 with a strong foundation in the threeyear Conceptual Image program She is represented by Sandvoort Gallery Her work has been noticed with features in several articles A highlight is the Dutch Magazine HP De Tijd showcasing the work of eight recent art graduates Her work is exhibited at fairs festivals and group shows most notably Rotterdam Photo 2024 Michelle uses photographic techniques to give form to her vision on the world around her She removes context and intensifies with composition framing and colour in a way that resembles painting It seems as though her images continue beyond that what can be seen in the photo Light and dark are in balance The result is an intense abstracted reality with a sense of looking at something familiar in a new way SECRET GARDEN NO 1 SECRET GARDEN NO 4 SECRET GARDEN NO 2 SECRET GARDEN NO 20 SECRET GARDEN NO 9

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ISTANBUL INSTAGRAM ANGELIKANNIKOLAEVA ANNIKGOELLAIKEAVA BIOGRAPHY Photography a childhood passion inherited from my father filled our home with camera gear and the magic of darkroom equipment After a hiatus I rekindled this love in 2016 with my first DSLR camera Along the way I honed my skills through various courses like Basics of Photography at Photoplay School Elena Schastlivaya s Photography School I See Light and Composition at Natalia Zhukova s Photo School Graduating from the Seasons Project School for Subject Stylists was a significant milestone Now documentary photography intrigues me the most a journey of rediscovery and evolving creativity STATEMENT Summer Memories series encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the sun soaked season Through a play of colors and brushstrokes each piece invites viewers to relive the warmth and joy of carefree summer days The collection is a visual celebration of the simple pleasures found in nature during this cherished time of year capturing the fleeting beauty and nostalgia of the season SUMMER MEMORIES SERIES SUMMER MEMORIES SERIES

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BALTIMORE MARYLAND INSTAGRAM GILLY GEM GILAIN MCCANEY BIOGRAPHY Gillian McCaney is a contemporary mixedmedium painter and designer living and working in Baltimore Maryland In her art she fuses elements of realism with elements of abstract expressionism in order to tell stories which give voice to both the physical world and the emotional world Her work explores themes of transformation and natural growth cycles honoring the qualities of mystery and fate which are intrinsic to the process of living She studied fine arts and art history at Susquehanna University and Montgomery College and completed a Graphic Design program with University of Maryland She exhibits and vends her art in local showcases and markets in Baltimore and the DC area at venues such as Great Shoals Winery Impact Hub Creative Labs and Baltimore Free Farm She aims to expand her network with artists in other cities continuing to create unique art shows to inspire both creators and collectors STATEMENT This series of paintings were each made using a multi layer multi medium process On hand stretched canvas I began with a layer of ink washes and abstract marks followed by a monochromatic acrylic underpainting and finished with several layers of oil paint thin to thick I wanted my creative process to reflect my intention for the paintings to visually explore the experience of transformation As such a crucial element to the creation of these pieces was that I allowed the vision to evolve organically throughout each layer of the process Barring the chosen figure and complimentary symbols I chose for each piece I allowed the paintings to be largely guided by intuition and surrender hoping to encapsulate such qualities in their final forms LADY OF SHALLOT ANGEL 3 LIGHT COMES BACK TO YOU

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SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE MEXICO INSTAGRAM KATRINACOBB GALLERY KATRINA COBB BIOGRAPHY Katrina Cobb an architect by education Masters Texas A M 2008 and global adventurer transitioned to visual arts in 2022 Shaping her artistic journey she draws from her background in design coupled with her love of the immersive experiences of music and travel employing a tactile impasto technique with a palette knife The shift from architectural precision to a freeflowing expression informs her vibrant artworks showcased in solo exhibitions like Wanderlust in San Miguel de Allende Mexico 2023 and group exhibitions like the International Contemporary Arts Fair in Paris France 2024 Cobb s work encapsulates the human spirit s yearning for expression and connection creating a visual symphony resonating far beyond the canvas WE LIVE IN THE FLICKER MEDITATIVE DAYDREAM STATEMENT Katrina Cobb navigating from architecture to the expressive realm of art in 2022 draws inspiration from a life rich in global adventures and entrepreneurial pursuits Amidst lively palettes derived from her travels her paintings merge structured or geographic forms with emotive hues reflecting an intrinsic desire to articulate inner emotions in a world fixated on discordant realities Informed by a profound connection to music Katrina curates playlists specific to each piece This auditory accompaniment becomes the emotional guide evoking the feelings she intends to transmute onto the canvas From realism to abstract expressionism her art is a sanctuary a departure from perfectionism and stress Katrina orchestrates emotional resonance through her art inviting viewers into a vibrant celebration of life The woven emotions on canvas beckon immersion encouraging audiences to embrace chaos and find solace in the beauty of structured forms entwined with vibrant expression THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER WHAT I VE TASTED OF DESIRE THIS OR BETTER

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MORRISTOWN NJ JHEEARNRON INSTAGRAM JEANHERRONDESIGN WWW JEANHERRONDESIGN COM STATEMENT Like most creatives I am constantly thinking about making beautiful things I came to fine art from craft and career From a young age I spent countless hours at local fabric and arts craft stores I moved on to painting ceramics designing fabric and designing jewelry which led me to a degree in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design My extended art education and the on the ground experience from my career as a professional Interior Designer have greatly influenced my artistic expression and most critically my understanding of color and all of its characteristics and behaviors My life of global residence and travel has vastly expanded my personal visual library and color comprehension Whether it is the architecture of London the Majolica ceramics and lush textiles of Italy the colorful and casual lifestyles of Australia and Spain or the pale colours of Sweden my experiences have exposed me to inspirations I would never have had if I had not lived and travelled overseas LAYERS 3 LAYERS 5 LAYERS 1 LAYERS 2 LAYERS 4

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CULTURALLY 101 Our mission is for individuals to embrace their creativity and ignite their passion shaping a global platform working on tangible reform for accessibility and representation in the arts Our purpose is to advocate that art is for everyone and by everyone We work to utilize the arts for social justice efforts for students to use their passions for global change Our biggest advocacy effort is toward representation in the arts we have members branches and communities in 60 countries on 6 continents Culturally advocates for the inclusion of people from every background and corner of the world regardless of level of practice or socioeconomic means We aim to provide a platform for artists of all ages from emerging students to established artists to develop their craft through education We strive to provide the utmost professional development through opportunities with an international impact Our work is to eliminate and abolish the deeply ingrained elitist and exclusive stigmas around the arts so we offer an artist directory social media network interviews and more to increase opportunities for aspiring artists

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35 VISIT OUR GET INVOLVED PAGE TODAY ARTS ADVOCACY REFORM FOR ACCESIBILITY AND REPRESENTATION WWW CULTURALLYARTS COM CULTURALLYOFFICE GMAIL COM CULTURALLYARTS ON INSTAGRAM E D U C A T I O N FREE LIVE WEEKEND CLASSES FULL ONLINE COURSES K 12 RESOURCES WEBINARS INTERVIEWS BLOG PODCAST BECOME AN EDUCATOR TEACH WORKSHOPS CREATE COURSES RESOURCES WORK ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES COMMUNITY GALLERY SUBMIT A PIECE AT ANY TIME HANBELL GALLERY ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE EXHIBIT EXHIBITION YOUR ART IN A PERSONAL COLLECTION PAGE MILOTSKA CENTER FOR EXHIBITIONS SUBMIT ART TO THEMED EXHIBITIONS FOR CURATION INTO A 360 DEGREE VIEW VIRTUAL GALLERY ROOM JOIN A NETWROK OF 100S OF GET SERVICE HOURS OUTREACH ADMIN TEAM MARKETING ADMIN TEAM TIKTOK CONTENT CREATORS MAGAZINE DESIGNERS WRITERS VIRTUAL CARDS FOR CHILDREN S HOSPITALS MENTORSHIPS ARTS CONTESTS CREATE EDUCATION RESOURCES CHILDREN S ACTIVITY BOOKLETS ARTISTS FROM 50 COUNTRIES OUTREACH VISIT THE OUTREACH PAGE TO START VOLUNTEERING