Reflections
I was born and raised in NYC but mostly in The Bronx. I attended CCNY where I graduated with a BS in Mathematics and an MA in Mathematics Education. I taught high school mathematics in The Bronx. I have always been interested in the arts and started writing poems and playing guitar at age 19. I studied poetry under Professor Robert O’Clair. I studied guitar at The Guitar Workshop. I studied painting and drawing at SUNY in Purchase. I have had paintings in 8 live group shows at Jones Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri, and in many online shows. I have exhibited continuously at HMVCGalleryNewYork virtually since its inception. A wonderful state-of-the-art gallery with outstanding artists! My poems have been published.in magazines, books, and at HVMOCA. I self-published a children’s book, ”Mr. Fine Goes to the Eye Doctor”. My principal artistic interest has been abstract painting and drawing for the last 10 years, but I have written many poems as well. I live in Putnam County, NY.
My work in fine arts has principally been in 2 classes of abstract paintings: oils and water-based paints. However, I have completed numerous works in drawing. I focus on color, texture, methodology of delivery, and composition. In composition, I am interested in positive space and negative space as well. I believe the painting/drawing is a manifestation of my emotional state of both conscious and unconscious feelings.
Reflections
MJ Okawa is a multidisciplinary artist known for her vibrant silk paintings, theatrical scenic and costume designs, and multimedia creations. With a lifelong passion for creativity, MJ draws inspiration from nature’s beauty and the wonders of the cosmos. With a background in visual and performing arts education, she has nurtured the creative spirit in students of all ages. MJ’s award-winning work has been featured in theatrical productions and exhibitions, earning recognition for its dynamic energy and intricate beauty. She continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting viewers on a journey of exploration and wonder.
My art is a celebration of life’s beauty and complexity, drawing inspiration from the wonders of nature and the mysteries of the universe. Through vibrant colors, fluid forms, and meticulous attention to detail, I aim to evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and inspire wonder in the hearts of viewers. With each piece, I seek to capture the essence of the world around us, inviting others to pause, reflect, and find joy in the simple moments of existence. My creative journey is fueled by a passion for exploration and a desire to push the boundaries of artistic expression, constantly experimenting with new techniques and mediums to bring my visions to life. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create work that resonates with others, igniting their imagination and fostering a deeper connection with the world we inhabit.
Reflections
I am a passionate artist and I paint in a unique way using lots of color and expressive movements! My art is intuitive contemporary expressionism. Using lots of movement and layering of colorful paints and marks gives my art depth and expression. My abstract style expresses my feelings and experiences about life. I hope my art encourages others to sense the beauty of life all around.
EXHIBITIONS
Midwest in Springfield, MO. and Kansas City, Mo. as well in Southwest Florida in Bonita Springs, Fl., Fort Myers, Fl., and Punta Gorda Fl. cities, and online galleries here and abroad.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Art Show International Gallery
Finalist award ”Landscapes”. August 2022
Finalist award “Flower 4”. June 2022
Finalist Award “ Water 2” July 2022
Talent Award “Abstract 1” February 2022
TeraVera Online Gallery
Talent Award “Colors” February 2023
Global Conclave Gallery
Bronze Award “Landscapes” November 2022
Luxembourg Recognition Certificate 2021
Luxembourg Recognition Certificate 2020
Sherry is known for her use of colorful palettes and layers of paint. When she begins a piece there are no predetermined images or forms in her mind. The beginning of each piece starts with intuitive movements of two or three color combinations making a simplified background. The background forms the basis to begin her creation. She paints colorful strokes, and blended colors, using painterly movements. Whether on canvas or board, Sherry produces vivid colorful energy filled contemporary expressive artwork. Her style is simplistic and overstated with lots of layers which brings out her expressive feelings or emotions. Using various techniques highlights her ability to create striking and expressive pieces.
Reflections Of Existence Pink Lotus
In Belsize Park, Özlem paints in the house where Piet Mondrian and Ben Nicholson both worked, just before the Second World War. Originally from Istanbul, Özlem loved to paint from an early age and was deeply influenced by the variety and depth of artistic creativity throughout the cultures of the Mediterranean region, from the ancient monuments of Ephesus to the colorful traditional woven handicrafts from the East of Turkey.
Moving to London in 2015 she began to refine her artistic style, while her background in Biology and botany, and passion for science provided a broad conceptual palette. Always curious about and inspired by nature, Özlem focused on the joy of works featuring natural scenes and imaginary worlds. She creates an idea, mixing it with her feelings and daily experience of life in which she is constantly exploring her love of classic cinema and literature, resulting in works with boundless vitality and joy.
Since 2018 Özlem has taken part in various exhibitions around the world, in New York, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK among many others, and also appearing in print and online. Her publications include Capsules Book, ‘Leaders in Contemporary Art’, (Australia), The Art Folio Annual Art Book ‘World’s Most Exciting Artists’ (USA), House and Garden Magazine, and the ‘Covart’ Project in the Copelouzos Family Art Museum, (Greece). Her awards include ‘Best in Show’ in Texas, ‘Honourable Mention’ award in Tokyo, and Precious magazine ‘Top Ten’ awards in Hong Kong.
In 2022 she participated as one of seven artists selected to create giant fiberglass eggs to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth the Second’s Silver Jubilee by Elephant Family, a wildlife charity run by the Royal Family.
Özlem is constantly creating and sending her work to global collectors. Collectors include Anita Dobson & Brian May, Maria Friedman, and Andy Nyman.
Reflections Of Fall
Susan is a member of the South Jersey Camera Club as well as the “Medford Art Center,” where her work is shown and available for purchase. She’s featured in multiple exhibits at The Historic Smithville Mansion, where she won “Best in Show” for her Great Blue Heron photograph “Misty Morning Memories” and was placed in several other gallery displays. Another accomplishment was receiving an award during the “Haddonfield Dreams” display at the Hopkins House Gallery. Other juried shows in which she has participated include “Artistic Impressions of Haddonfield, a Tercentennial Celebration,” the Markeim’s fall exhibit, “Russet, Rouge, and Bronze,” and other exhibits organized by “Norm Hinsey” at The Markeim, such as “Inspired” and “Mysterious.” She has had pieces in the “Croft Arts Center” in Cherry Hill and “Main Street Arts” in Maple Shades juried exhibits, as well as an exhibit at the Deptford Galleria by the S.J.C.C., “All about Nature.” Afterward, it was on exhibit at the “Hansen Warner Building Gallery” in Medford. Recently, Atlanta Care bought two of her pieces for their new medical building. She’s been honored to have three of her images in the HMVC Gallery New York, which displays the exhibit in the famous Times Square.
“Nature and wildlife” photography is my favorite type of photography. I am most passionate about these topics and feel most at ease when I am surrounded by nature. I enjoy photographing beautiful landscapes as well as delicate close-ups of bumblebees taking nectar from blossoms. A different passion of mine is photographing abandoned buildings and other objects from the past in order to preserve history. I enjoy combining the subjects of my images into a single image to create a magical, surreal image composition. Participating in competitive photography exhibits is both fulfilling and enjoyable for me. My biggest sense of fulfillment comes from creating something beautiful for others to appreciate and connect with.
Reflections Of Love And Hate
When I was studying architecture, photography was a tool I used in the creation of projects and to enhance the presentation of the final product. I incorporated the camera lens as a part of the design development process looking at elements of design such as form, space, geometry, light, texture, and color. Over time, as I improved my knowledge of creative design, I also increased my interest in photography learning that the elements were the same. Just as I had photographed the components of my designs, my work became focused on looking for the elements of architectural design in every image I create. To me, composing a photo is similar to designing a building. I like to see how the visual building blocks in the elements of design can be combined into a unique whole.
The Vietnam War imposed a tumultuous time in history creating division and some hate within the ‘1960s’ and ‘1970s’. Seven years after its end, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial transcended the hate and transformed the sorrow into a vision of positive emotions and love. Although we contemplate those whose names are within it, for many, the images of the war itself may also continue to reflect in it.
Reflections Of Springtime
I was born in Evanston, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, and grew up in Michigan. I graduated with high honors from high school and was a National Merit Commended Student.
I earned master’s degrees from Northwestern University, where I received a fellowship, and Yale University, where I was a student editor for the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. I also pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where I received a research assistantship and was a contributing writer for the Chicago Maroon, and the University of Michigan, where I received a research assistantship. I successfully completed the Study Asia-Teach Asia Summer Program at Kalamazoo College and spent a summer studying organic chemistry at DePaul University, where I was the best student in the class. I earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Iowa and Michigan State University, where I graduated from the Honors College. When I am not creating art, I enjoy reading, science, music, and writing poetry.
I have been interested in the visual arts all of my life. In third grade, I won an egg decorating contest, and in fourth grade, I won a poster design contest. When I was a student at the University of Michigan, my design was selected for the West Quad Residence Hall T-shirt. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts accepted one of my paintings in 2020 for the West Michigan Area Show, which is juried. My art is also displayed on the University of Michigan 2020 DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Summit’s website at https://deisummit.umich.edu/category/cg-visual-art/ The Westminster Art Festival, which is juried, accepted my paintings in 2021 and 2022. The NCCA (Newaygo County Council for the Arts)-Artsplace Statewide Photography Competition Exhibit, which is juried, accepted my photographs in 2022. Finally, Las Laguna Art Gallery has selected my art for several of its online exhibits. My art explores the importance of nature, imagination, literature, and science in enriching our lives.
Regatta Sunday
Barbara West is an orthodontist and an artist. Her style is contemporary realism. Her mediums include oil, pastels, and monotypes. She paints landscapes, marine scenes, still lifes, figures and animals. Barbara studied art at the University of Pittsburgh. Rhode Island School of Design, the Boston Must School, the de Cordova Museum School, and many workshops. She has been juried into many shows and has won numerous awards.
There is nothing so exciting as a blank canvas and an image before me that needs to be painted. It makes my soul so happy to be in that place. There has to be something exciting about the subject that appeals to me that makes me want to paint it. Be it the subject, the lighting, the atmosphere, the composition, the colors, or the emotional appeal.
I usually start with a quick charcoal sketch to lay down the composition and design of the painting and establish lights and darks. Next, I cover the canvas with paint. Ahh. But after that, the struggle begins. Bringing the painting from the basic concept to the finished piece is not always easy. Fortunately, most of the time I’m happy with the finished painting. So from happy. To a struggle. To happy again. That’s my process.
Rejection
Adhering to her mission to reuse and recycle found items, Natalie Oliphant, an emerging Eco Artist living in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, maintains a strong focus on creating while respecting the need to protect the environment. Natalie adheres to repurposed fabrics to create texture on each body form. She then affixes thousands of found items to her piece. Her works reveal the many emotions caused by coming-of-age milestones and human experiences. Female infertility, rejection, deep sorrow, and feelings of no escape are just a few of the themes Natalie captures in her work.
As an emerging eco-artist, I see the value in repurposing thousands of discarded items. From my mannequin body forms to pieces of memorabilia, I create portals to my memories. Many of my themes are not exclusive to my life. We all need to feel a connection to someone or something. We all need to feel compassion and deep empathy for the trials and tribulations of others. So much emotion can be read in body language. The posture and position of the human physique reveal a relatable story. The pain of infertility, the deep sadness of rejection, and the cutting emotion of grief are recognized and celebrated in each of my works. I am committed to saving items from landfills and letting their beauty live on.