… In Wonderland
John Calabrese received his BA in Art from Catholic University, Washington, D.C., his MFA in Painting from Pratt Institute, and his Ph. D. in Comparative Arts from Ohio University. He is Professor Emeritus of Art at Texas Woman’s University where he taught art history, drawing, aesthetics, history of film noir, the art of Alfred Hitchcock, and was in charge of the studies abroad art history program which he initiated in 1994. He has published articles on the paintings of Paul Klee, J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” and “The Trouble with Harry”.
For a complete list of exhibitions of his drawings see the website under “About the Artist”.
A delicate nuance of value and texture becomes tools in conveying powerful dramatic statements about earthly beings who are not afraid to wonder, think, dream, and take that one step beyond.
The inhabitants of the cosmic atmosphere appear at odds with their surroundings (many of which are actual, specifically named astronomical objects). This is the result when the merely earthly confronts its unavoidable connection to the awe, mystery, and majesty of the heavens.
However, when fragile earthly beauty confronts sublime heavenly beauty, the earthly is reverently and silently humbled.
‘Til Death Do Us Part
I took up photography as an undergraduate at the University of Iowa, exhibited locally, and won a couple of awards. Graduate school, full-time teaching, and 10 years as an academic department head pushed photography out of the picture. Hurricane Katrina inspired me to pick up a camera again. I produced “WATERLINE: an interactive photo installation,” a critically acclaimed work that was exhibited fifteen times throughout Louisiana and in Florida and Philadelphia. It’s now available as the book, “WATERLINE: landscape with voices.” Now retired, I teach part-time and do communications consulting. I’m a founding member of an artists’ co-op where I offer workshops: Blogging 101, Camera Camp for kids, Everybody Can Take Better Pictures for grown-ups, and Michelangelo’s Sisters: (Re)Discovering Great Women Artists. To see my work, search online for #HardHatArt, #PerformanceArt, #EarthAbstracts, #ArchitecturalAbstracts, #StreetEncounter, and #CreatureEncounter. My blog: https://edge-essence.com/blog/.
I encounter the world through photography, striving to see and know the forms and spirit of things. I explore the glory & pathos, the heroism & hubris of humanity, and our struggle to find and create meaning. One influence is Georgia O’Keeffe, who could draw a banana plant or paint a landscape pregnant with the human condition. Another is Margaret Bourke-White, who saw beauty in the industry. Themes include #PerformanceArt, #HardHatArt, #EarthAbstracts, #CreatureEncounter, #IntimateLandscape, #ArchitecturalAbstracts. Framing is a foundational aesthetic and tool of the photographer. Imposing frames on reality profoundly disrupts reality, isolating, freezing, and representing a fragment of time and space, which humans by and large experience continuously. Whatever my subject—nature, industry, architecture—I use abstraction, framing, and techniques like selective focus, color, and monochrome to transform telling details and fleeting insights into an invitation to viewers to see and know as well.
“Traffic View” NYC
A natural-born artist, Allison Moore has been creating since childhood, guided by instinct, curiosity, and an undeniable passion for the visual arts. From an early age, art became a language used to explore ideas, emotions, and the world around her. Over the years, this lifelong dedication has grown into a distinctive style shaped by imagination and continuous learning. She obtained an Associate’s degree in Art at Nassau Community College in 2020 and is yet to pursue an arts degree in Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design in 2026.
Gaining inspiration from personal experiences and everyday moments, she approaches each piece with genuineness and intention. Her work reflects not only her technical skills but also a deep connection to the creative process. Art is not simply a practice, but a calling to one that continues to develop with every creation.
I am a naturally talented artist whose creative ability has developed through instinct, observation, and passion. Art has always been a natural form of expression for me, allowing me to communicate thoughts that words cannot fully capture. My process is intuitive, guided by feeling rather than strict techniques, and each piece becomes unique as I create.
I take inspiration from my surroundings, personal experiences, and the little details often unseen in everyday life. Through my work, I aspire to create pieces that feel original and emotionally resonant. Whether exploring color, form, or mood, my intent is to express honesty and connection rather than perfection.
Not only is art not something I choose to do, but it is also a part of who I am. Through my work, I hope to invite viewers to see the world with curiosity, emotion, and imagination through my lens.
★ A City Unto Herself ★
Victoria Steed is a North Carolina-based watercolor artist whose work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds her. Growing up in the picturesque landscapes of Northern California, Victoria developed a profound connection to nature, which is vividly reflected in her art. Her paintings capture the essence of the region’s diverse scenery, from the rugged coastline and serene forests to the rolling vineyards and vibrant wildflower meadows.
Victoria’s journey with watercolor began in her early childhood, where she found joy in the fluidity and unpredictability of the medium. Over the years, she honed her skills and developed a distinctive style characterized by delicate washes, intricate details, and a harmonious blend of colors. Her work is celebrated for its ability to convey not just the visual splendor of her subjects, but also the emotional and sensory experiences they evoke.
Drawing inspiration from the ever-changing light and seasons, Victoria’s paintings offer a contemplative and immersive experience. She seeks to highlight the ephemeral beauty of nature, capturing moments that often go unnoticed. Each piece invites viewers to pause and appreciate the subtle, yet profound, details of the natural world.
Victoria has exhibited her work in various galleries across the United States. Her paintings are held in private collections nationwide, admired for their tranquility and evocative power.
When she’s not painting, Victoria enjoys exploring the great outdoors, finding new inspirations in the trails, coasts, and gardens of North Carolina. Through her art, she hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural environment and inspire others to find beauty in the everyday.
As a watercolor artist, my work seeks to capture the delicate interplay of light, color, and emotion. Watercolor, with its fluidity and unpredictability, is the perfect medium to express the transient beauty I see in the world around me. Each stroke and wash allows me to convey not just the visual, but the visceral essence of my subjects, whether they be landscapes, figures, or abstract compositions.
My inspiration comes from the natural world and the fleeting moments that often go unnoticed. The way sunlight filters through leaves, the subtle shifts in the sky at dawn and dusk, and the quietude of a still life arrangement all find their way into my paintings. Through watercolor, I strive to evoke a sense of peace, wonder, and contemplation in the viewer, inviting them to pause and appreciate the ephemeral nature of life.
The transparency and luminosity of watercolor enable me to explore the depths of color and texture, creating layers that reflect the complexity and beauty of the world. I embrace the serendipitous nature of the medium, where the mingling of water and pigment can lead to unexpected and delightful results. This element of surprise is integral to my creative process, reminding me to let go and allow the painting to evolve organically.
In my work, I aim to balance control and spontaneity, structure and fluidity. This dynamic tension is where I find the most expressive potential. By pushing the boundaries of traditional watercolor techniques, I endeavor to create works that are not only visually engaging but also resonate on a deeper emotional level.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art that speaks to the heart, offering a moment of respite and reflection in our fast-paced world. Through my watercolors, I hope to share the joy and serenity I find in the simple, yet profound beauty that surrounds us all.
★ Angelic ★
Growing up in the colorful city of San Francisco and studying art in historic Florence, Italy gave me a wide range of artistic abilities. Experience as a graphic, portrait, and mural artist has helped me find true expression in the contemporary art world.
I start every painting with a handmade alder wood frame stretched with organic cotton canvas. After the gesso, I apply a water-based layer, giving the painting texture. Layers of gold, silver, and copper leaf are then followed by French-milled, museum-quality oil paint and resin. This unique layering technique gives my paintings a luminous quality ranging from peaceful and ethereal to vibrant and lively.
Currently based in Edwards, my creativity mirrors an internal landscape of emotion inspired by Colorado’s dramatic, wide-open spaces. I paint with the skill and aesthetic sensitivity acquired from experience and fearless exploration of endless possibilities.
Internally ignited, shapes and forms have a dynamic presence and colors reflect a hypersensitive spectrum. Incandescence, luminosity, and radiance inspire me. From this internal perspective of meditative contemplation, light creates a path to follow, regardless of recognizable content. A new paradigm is offered by a shift in perspective. The unknown becomes beautiful and alive with potential.
★ As I Attach Myself To The Memory Of Her ★
Kai Thaís (Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 2003) is a multidisciplinary artist. She considers herself a nomad of the arts, immersing herself in every medium she encounters along her journey. Her initial passion for drawing and painting led her to venture into writing, tattooing, photography, street art, and acting, and, more recently, has delved into the world of film and audiovisual creation, utilizing her artistic perspective as a visual artist. She now explores the relationship those mediums have and the narratives she can put forth in their transgressions.
Since 17, Kai Thaís has been immersed in the world of tattooing, turning it into her passion and vocation. She practices her profession as an independent tattoo artist in the town of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, where she has established her reputation as a professional. She is pursuing her studies in Fine Arts at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Through this formal education, she complements and enriches her artistic approach, allowing her to expand her creative horizons and gain new perspectives in her work.
Throughout her career, Kai Thaís has participated in various solo and group exhibitions, standing out in events like En el Tendedero (On the Clothesline), held at Taller Libertá, Mayagüez. Additionally, she has been part of collective exhibitions such as; ¿Y Para qué el arte en tiempos de penuria?, held at La Lineal Gallery in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Acuarela de Mayo; at Galería Betances, Mayagüez, and the Annual Student Exhibition at UPRM Art Gallery. Her talent and dedication have been recognized with awards and distinctions, including the Lydia Abreu Student Scholarship granted by Ciudad Museo, Añasco, Puerto Rico, in 2022.
There is a certain uneasiness in admitting to being lost… For as long as I’ve known to, I’ve used my practice to retreat into myself, to explore inward, and deny any limitations my chronically ill form or state of identity rendered me with. But a paintbrush is an idle tool to get control; It seems that everything around me is changing and it is up to me to make something of it. I aim to turn my practice into a purposeful exploration of what scares me, and the spaces, relationships, and emotions I occupy. Through my work, I’ve found a space to relate to my chronically ill body, to my feminine body, to my disconnection to it. From being a girl who fell out of place and decided to take control by only relating to herself through the bodies she could paint or mark. I analyzed myself so much I ceased to exist as a girl, and became an idea to exploit. Simultaneously subject, creator, and spectator; all but a girl who has to deal with being lost. And when I realized what I had done, I was no longer a girl. Now, I take on the task of reconciling with my body and girlhood lost by playing with those mediums I’m used to, and those I’m yet to acquaint myself with.
I yearn to return myself to the body I’ve mutilated ritualistically, permit myself to feel all the fragile chaos needed, and go beyond introspection, to explore my relationship with what surrounds me. This stage is one of discovering, of unsure action. For now, I seek to bridge the things that have made me so far and discover. Take space, and expand my practice beyond the comfortable canvas.
★ Beneath The Surface ★
“Mahshid, a self-taught contemporary painter from Iran, discovered her true passion for art at a young age. Despite her love for painting, she pursued a career in architecture, a fusion of art and engineering. In her homeland, she faced challenges as a female artist. Now a full-time architectural designer in San Francisco, she seizes every opportunity to paint, driven by her desire for freedom, women’s empowerment, and genuine self-expression.
Her journey began with watercolors and blank paper, revealing her innate ability to channel emotions into vibrant artworks. With no formal training, her creative process is free from preconceived notions. Each piece is a direct reflection of her inner world, translating feelings, thoughts, and experiences into visual stories. Mahshid’s work explores a wide spectrum of emotions, sexuality, and spirituality through a feminine perspective. As she continues to evolve, she embodies the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can contribute a unique voice to contemporary art.”
My artistic endeavors are a profound exploration of the interplay between sexuality and spirituality, through a feminine lens. I aim to bridge these two aspects of humanity, recognizing that they are not separate entities but rather intertwined forces that shape the essence of the human being.
Growing up as a woman within a culture that often suppresses and stigmatizes female sexuality, I feel a deep calling to use my art as a platform to challenge and reshape these prevailing societal norms. My work is a vibrant celebration of the empowerment that comes from embracing one’s own body and desires, elevating them to the status of something sacred and profound. In my art, women are not objects of desire but the embodiment of it.
My art is a joyful tribute to the intricate, multifaceted nature of womanhood. It’s a celebration of the entire spectrum of human emotions, desires, and the essence of self, unburdened by the constraints imposed by society. Every stroke of my brush is a visual translation of an emotional odyssey, a passionate celebration of what it means to be a woman, a human being, and a living entity. Through my art, I endeavor to capture and share the essence of the unfiltered human experience, inviting viewers to join me on this vibrant journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
★ Bloom Of Fortune ★
Daria Divashchenko is a Ukrainian artist, holding a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Events Directing from Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts. Furthering her passion for art, she pursued Contemporary Art at the Kyiv Academy of Media Arts. Since 2013, art has been her full-time dedication.
Daria is celebrated for her mastery of painting techniques, skillfully portraying the delicate harmony between terrestrial flora and the enigmatic depths of aquatic fauna. Her work goes beyond the surface, exploring the subconscious and the intertwined connection between humanity and nature. Through her unique artistic process, she bridges the conscious and subconscious, grounding her vision in the concept that humans are inseparable from the living world around them.
Deeply personal, Daria’s art is a reflection of her own life experiences. Every situation she encounters leaves an imprint on her creative journey, shaping the narratives and emotions embedded in her work. This personal influence adds layers of depth, making each piece a unique exploration of her evolving identity.
Her style is rooted in realism, yet she transcends tradition by incorporating metal leaves into her work, which symbolize the fluidity and constant change inherent in life. These metallic elements reflect light and surroundings, allowing her pieces to evolve in different environments, mirroring the ever-changing world.
Daria’s artworks have garnered international recognition, finding homes in private collections across Ukraine, England, the USA, Australia, Singapore, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Thailand, Germany, and Greece. Her exhibitions span the globe, from prestigious galleries and art fairs to museum showcases. Notably, her works are also part of the collection at The Office of the President of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian artist works in the painting technique. She reveals the essence of natural themes in her artworks, addressing flora and fauna on land and underwater. She also works with images and associations of the deep subconscious and identity, getting to know her inner world and its interaction with the external one in the process. The human is an inseparable part of all life on Earth. These deep subconscious connections become ideas for the artist’s artworks. Daria works mostly in realism, perfectly conveying colors and shapes.
Her artistic practice is mostly characterized by the use of metal leaves, a symbol of variability and impermanence. Studies the ability of surfaces to reflect reality and reproduces this in her artworks.
Paintings are in private collections in many countries: Ukraine, Australia, Singapore, England, USA, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Germany and Greece. Exhibits in different galleries and museums participate in Art Fairs. Artworks decorate The Office of the President of Ukraine.
★ Cellular 013 ★
Sophie LaBell received her BFA in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in 2017. With a focus on design for social change, Sophie has designed for dozens of political candidates running for office. These projects have included brand identities, digital and print assets, and visual campaigns for political candidates and social causes across the United States.
Alongside her experience in design, Sophie has maintained a lifelong commitment to drawing and visual art. Coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, and public health expanded her understanding of the body and its complexities– insights that deeply inform her studio practice. She is actively engaged in arts organizations throughout New Jersey, where she is continuously evolving her work at the intersection of art, science, and personal narrative.
Recent Exhibits:
“Across The Line”, Studio Montclair, 3/15/24-4/19/24
“37th Annual Juried Exhibition”, Art Alliance of Monmouth County, 4/6/24-4/30/24
Judge: Kelly Long– Senior Curatorial Assistant– Whitney Museum of American Art
“35 Under 35”, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts, 7/20/24-8/18/24
Judge: Ruba Katrib–Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs– MoMA PS1
“State of the Art 2024”, Studio Montclair, 7/12/24-8/17/24
“Art in the Park”, Bergen County Arts, 10/19/24; Honorable Mention
“Seasonal Color”. Art Alliance of Monmouth County, 2/1/25-2/26/25
Judge: Paul Ferney
“45th Annual Juried Exhibition”, Monmouth Museum, 3/2/25-4/13/25
Judge: Sangita Phadke + Jenn Hampton
“Cool + Hot”, Art Alliance of Monmouth County, 3/1/25-4/2/25
Judge: Belle Koblentz
“21st Annual Juried Art Show”, Belmar Arts Center, 5/5/25-6/7/25
Judge: Carla Valentino
“Emerging Bloom”, Khawam Gallery, 5/15/25-6/14/25
“New Drawings”, Kentler International Drawing Space, 6/14/25-7/20/25
Judge: Samantha Friedman, Curator of Drawings and Prints– MoMA New York
“Works on Paper 2025”, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts, 5/17/25-7/6/25
Judge: Samantha Friedman, Curator of Drawings and Prints– MoMA New York
“State of the Art 2025”, Studio Montclair, 6/27/25-7/25/25
“Absolutely Abstract 2025”, Philadelphia Sketch Club. 7/6/25-7/27/25
Judge: Kassem Amoudi, Second Place
“Capturing Life Beneath the Waves”, Belmar Arts Center, 7/14/25-9/6/25
“33rd Annual International Juried Exhibition”, Viridian Artists Gallery, 7/15/25-8/9/25
Judge: Christopher Heffernan– Gallery Director, Director’s Choice Award
“40 Under 40”, Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts, 7/19/25-8/10/25
Judge: Jennie Goldstein–Jennifer Rubio, Associate Curator of the Collection, Whitney Museum of American Art
“September Members Show”, Art Alliance Of Monmouth County; 9/6/25-9/30/25
“Pint Size 3”, Transmission Gallery, 9/18/25-11/1/25
“2025 Juried Exhibition”, Hunterdon Art Museum, 9/21/25-1/11/26
Judge: Donna Gustafson– Chief Curator at the American Federation of Arts
“33rd Annual Open Juried Show”, Guild of Creative Art, 9/20/25-10/29/25
Judges: Nancy Ori + Elisa Elorza, Barbara Shieldkret Award for Mixed Media
“12th Annual Fall Juried Show”, Loft Artists Association, 9/27/25-10/26/25
Judge: Mark Macrides
“Natural Settings Juried Show”, Art Alliance Of Monmouth County; 10/4/25-10/28/25
“Art Comes Alive 2025”, ADC Fine Art, 11/15/25-01/15/26
Sophie LaBell is an abstract artist who utilizes acrylic, marker, and pen to create vibrant paintings and drawings. Minimalist in nature, but maximalist in her work, Sophie creates detailed lines and shapes that bleed off the edges of her works on paper. Vibrant neon palettes create a visual vibration, suggesting microscopic change and movement. Her process is intuitive– no sketching or planning– each mark responding to the one before it, growing like cells dividing: unpredictable, interconnected, and alive. After being diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease in 2022, Sophie became fascinated with the unseen anatomy of the body: mast cells, spike proteins, and the tangled architecture of nerves. Sophie’s work is grounded in both personal experience and biological curiosity. Her drawings and paintings transform this hidden biology into color, rhythm, and energy, stemming from the belief that what exists inside us
can be made visual.