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Lisa Domenic is a Philadelphia, PA, plein air artist who embraces the optimistic and explorative lifestyle of a landscape painter. Overcoming obstacles in both art and life, she finds solace and healing in her creative process, aptly terming it “the art of keeping a good view.”
With a preference for oil as her outdoor medium, Lisa keeps a lightweight easel ready for spontaneous inspiration, painting on small canvases or paper with a limited palette. The flexibility of oil paint allows her to seamlessly transition from roadside beginnings to indoor refinements. Lisa also experiments with watercolor, gouache, and ink on various surfaces, navigating the challenges each medium presents. Lisa’s experiments with watercolor and ink have led to some dynamic and unique pieces.
Lisa Domenic’s art has been included in juried shows in the tri-state area and received recognition in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties. Lisa’s artistic journey is not only a passion but a transformative force. From a nurse to a patient, she believes in the healing power of art. Her hobby has not only given her the courage to explore new horizons but has also facilitated travel and volunteering, marking a profound shift in her life’s trajectory.
My inspiration springs from a desire to bring comfort and hope. My language is impressionism. My technique is intuitive. I create images with a loose, colorful style and connect the shapes, values, and brush marks. I feel a strong connection between my creative practice, my role in caregiving, and how I speak to the world at large. In my current work, abstract colors and organic forms reminiscent of flowers, seas, or landscapes intertwine with dark lines to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things.
Sea Sprayed
Lauran Jackson was born in Philadelphia and raised in Southern New Jersey.
Lauran is a 62-year-old mother/grandmother who has a passion for capturing nature and wildlife along with abstract images. Lauran has spent 41 years driving a school bus in New Jersey and Kansas with 7 years as a dispatcher. Lauran enjoys traveling to capture whatever catches her eye. The joy of submitting to the show and being invited to show helps fuel Lauran’s passion. Lauran has shown in CA, WA, MO, KS, PA, VA, IL, MI, RI, SC, and FL.
My mission as a photographer is to bring joy, beauty, and awe-inspiring images to people who might never get to witness them. I hope to encourage people/families to get out and explore to truly see this world.
Sea Urchin Vase
Artist/ Diana Miller
My name is Diana. I am convinced I was Asian in a former life or lives.
I was ’one of those’ who knew my future occupation from the age of 7. As a fine artist, I experimented with a variety of traditional techniques, favoring painting, pencil work, and chalk drawings throughout high school.
A chance job at a local printing company at age 18 introduced me to the field of graphic art through the Art Department I worked with in customer service.
Now that my fate was sealed, I found myself in New York a few years later, pursuing a degree in graphic art at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I developed a love for Robert Motherwell and Japanese Prints, and Eastern design.
A course in editorial/publication design solidified my specialty—one I was extremely passionate about—in print design for editorial and publication. After graduation, fortune provided me with wonderful experiences in the industry and solidified a foundation of a minimal design aesthetic.
Those fast-paced days are gone, and styles always evolve. However, what has emerged is what you see in my work today. I have grown immensely as both a person and an artist, and for that, I am very grateful.
KINTSUGI
Modern
I employ a Modern Kintsugi Process in my shop to achieve a more dynamic and versatile look, as well as being able to price pieces lower for accessibility than I would if I used the traditional process. I use two different techniques, depending on the piece. I tend to use a more traditional painterly ‘drip’ process applied over the break lines. This process creates a lovely look and is more durable as well. More rarely, I use a more ‘flat’ controlled technique for a precise look which looks like gold plating. This process is more delicate/fragile, so these pieces are more susceptible to normal wear and tear.
Traditional
I do honor the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi by knowing and completing pieces in the traditional process with urushi bonding material. I typically do not use this process in my shop, as it is more time-consuming, the look is different, and the cost is higher.
I am honored when a Kintsugi piece is chosen as a gift. Not only does it impart beauty, but the meaning makes it even more special. Kintsugi allows me to provide beautiful and meaningful pieces of art that evoke feelings. I believe feelings carry great power—what you feel, you attract.
I also have the opportunity to evolve as an artist, and for that, I will always be grateful. From Kintsugi, I have developed a deep appreciation for the different styles, shapes, sizes, and techniques of pottery I curate for my pieces. This, combined with the broken pieces of pottery, inspired the name of my business, Facette Gallery.
I enjoy the curation aspect very much; as such, my ultimate goals are opening my own brick-and-mortar gallery and producing my own line of Kintsugi and other home decor pieces to present to high-end retail.
In Peace,
Diana Miller
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Project/ ‘Broken is Beautiful: A Conversation in Modern Kintsugi’
I am honored to present ‘Broken is Beautiful: A Conversation in Modern Kintsugi’, as the exhibition aligns with a mission to inspire meaningful dialogue through innovative and thought-provoking art. The beauty of modern kintsugi pottery lies not only in its striking visual aesthetics but also in the deep philosophical message it conveys—one that resonates with universal themes of healing, resilience, and transformation.
The concept of embracing imperfection and using repair as a form of artistic expression is especially relevant in our current cultural moment, where there is a growing desire to confront vulnerability, embrace authenticity, and redefine what it means to be ‘whole’.
The practice of kintsugi has transcended its cultural origins to become a symbol of strength through restoration. By showcasing this ancient yet contemporary art form, I hope to encourage visitors to reflect on their own personal journeys, healing processes, and the value they place on growth and imperfection.
Modern kintsugi aligns beautifully with the drape theme, as the ceramic pieces themselves are curated, broken, hand-built, and painted, reflecting architectural processes. Each piece evokes a feeling of motion and fluidity from following the movement of the gold paint on the broken lines throughout.
The exhibition would also provide an opportunity to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation. Modern kintsugi artists are not simply replicating ancient techniques; they are pushing boundaries, experimenting with new materials, and incorporating a variety of artistic styles into their works.
This fusion of past and present is a perfect fit for an artistic space at the forefront of showcasing contemporary art that challenges expectations and provokes new ways of thinking.
Regarding the final display, I envision individual or long white pedestals with a plexiglass covering on top to protect the work. Upon a site visit, I can immediately envision how this will all come together.
Ultimately, ‘Broken is Beautiful’ is an exhibition that invites dialogue about the beauty of imperfection, the significance of repair, and the ways in which art can heal and transform, while reflecting architecture itself. Visitors will experience the profound, personal, and collective narratives woven into each piece of modern kintsugi pottery.
Sean Miami
Even at an early age, Marissa has shown an enthusiasm for illustration. She can recall spending hours creating and illustrating stories inspired by the many books her parents shared with her. That inspiration has led her to some of her greatest artistic passions, including children’s book illustration and portraiture.
Marissa earned her BFA in Illustration at the Hartford Art School in Connecticut, where she found new inspiration in her professors. While there, she received many distinctions for her work, including the best portfolio in each of her departmental portfolio reviews. She has also had the honor of having her work featured in numerous exhibitions, including the Society of Illustrators Annual Student Scholarship Competition in New York City.
Since graduating from Hartford Art School, Marissa has continued to follow her passion as a freelance illustrator and portrait artist. After completing her first children’s book illustration project, she went on to be featured in numerous publications and television appearances. Her projects have included collaborations with ESPN, as well as creating illustrations for Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s yearly concert production “Tales of Halloween”.
My artwork is very much inspired by visual storytelling. The thing I love most is capturing my subject’s likeness through vitalizing details – both on the surface of the artwork, as well as the narrative behind it. I often use a mixed media approach, combining acrylic and colored pencil. Working this way combines the freedom of laying bold washes with the tight control of drawing. As the piece is built up in many thin layers, I can carefully explore all the details. Quilting these details together as a visual story is where I find my greatest artistic passion.
Searching
Todd is a visionary photographer and digital artist whose work explores the intersection of everyday moments and artistic expression. Through the lens of his camera and a suite of innovative digital filters, Todd transforms ordinary scenes into captivating visual narratives that reflect both the mundane and the extraordinary.
With a keen eye for hidden beauty, Todd’s recent work delves into the realm of abstract and creative imagery. His artful approach to photography reveals the intricate patterns and subtle details often overlooked in daily life. Each image is a meditation on the art of observation, capturing fleeting moments that resonate with depth and emotion.
Todd’s artistic journey is marked by a commitment to finding beauty in the mundane and embracing the unseen. His photographs are not just images but contemplative experiences that invite viewers to pause and reflect on the hidden moments within their own lives.
Currently, Todd is focused on expanding his abstract series, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography to explore new dimensions of digital art. Through his work, he continues to challenge perceptions and inspire a deeper appreciation for the art that exists in our everyday surroundings.
While I often work as part of a team for video production, still photography allows me to work as an individual exploring images and unique compositions. While taking photos in the field, I often get lost in finding the images and artful images in everyday situations. Searching and finding these images is so rewarding and allows me to lose myself in the activity. Searching and finding the images, composition, and framing of the subject matter is my form of Art Meditation. There are so many hidden moments of beauty and unique perspectives if I just stop and look around. A lot of the times the location and subject matter finds me as I turn the corner and discover a “Woahhhhhhh! That’s amazing!” photo opportunity.
Searching
My work has been juried/accepted by museum curators, gallery owners, educators and national and international artists including: 2025 “In the City” exhibit juried by Christina Gomez (Art Institute of Chicago); North American Print Biennial juried by Elizabeth M. Rudy (Associate Curator of Prints at the Harvard Art Museums, Boston MA); Dubuque Museum of Art Biennial juried by Pamela Hugdahl (Executive Director, Rochester Art Center); Rockford Art Museum Biennial 2022 Juried Exhibit of Contemporary Artists juried by Frank Juarez publisher of Art Dose magazine; Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D. (Director – Albany Museum of Art); Gary Freeburg (Professor and Director of Duke Hall Gallery of Fine Art at James Madison University); Amanda C. Burdan (Associate Curator – Brandywine River Museum of Art); Christiane Paul (Director of Media Studies at New School, NY and Curator of New Media Arts at the Whitney Museum of American Art); Felice Frankel (Science photographer and research scientist); Malcolm Daniel (Curator of Photographs – Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC); Kenneth Baker (Art Critic, San Francisco Chronicle); Keith Carter, internationally recognized photographer and educator; William Lieberman, Director of Zolla/Lieberman Gallery – Chicago; Annette Carlozzi (Sr. Curator at Blanton Museum of Art); Dr. Jefferson Harrison (Chief Curator Chrysler Museum of Art); Charlotta Kotik (Curator of Contemporary Art Brooklyn Museum of Art); David Houston (Chief Curator –Ogden Museum of Southern Art); Dr. Russell Panczenko (Director – Museum of Art, Madison Wisconsin); Siri Engberg (Walker Art Center); Dorothy Simpson Krause (Educator and Authority on digital art); Stephen Phillips (Phillips Collection – Washington DC); Sam Gilliam (international artist); and Ed Paschke (international artist).
A Ragdale Residency Fellow, I am a juried member of the Illinois Arts Council’s Arts-In-Education Roster. My work has been exhibited at Northwestern University, Concordia University, Rockford Art Museum, and Alexandria Museum of Art, receiving national and regional awards.
My current moods are ones of searching and reminiscing: moods of looking forward for answers and looking back to a simpler time with fewer choices. In my piece “Searching” a woman emerges from a tunnel in a dreamlike state, her face serious and determined – questioning and searching for answers. In “Park it Here” childhood is revisited as colorful scooters fade into a joyful past.
As an artist, I am a visual storyteller. Art is my voice where I create visual puzzles with purposeful ambiguity. The intent is for the viewer to become involved and react. A curator has described my artwork as smart and thoughtful and dense with information; gorgeous with color. Mysterious and challenging…puzzles for the viewer to solve.
I am an artist who voices thoughts and emotions through visual media. As a visual communicator, I have a passion for art. There is nothing I love more than the challenge of creating artwork to involve the viewer while communicating a message.
Season Change
David Lawlor, born in Pune, India, and adopted into a new family, has a unique perspective on abandonment that has shaped his artistic journey. Through the exploration of text, documents, and photographs from his birthplace, he discovered a deep connection to the theme of abandonment, which surrounds and influences him. Even at the young age of 10, he found himself captivated by abandoned places, starting from an abandoned bridge and later expanding to the Historic Conant Thread District, a mill complex that once held the distinction of being the largest manufacturing mill in the 1800s. Lawlor’s fascination with abandonment extends beyond his personal experiences, including his birth family’s decision to put him up for adoption and a past relationship that ignited his passion for photography. Transforming his negatives into something beautiful, Lawlor shares his unique perspective with the world through his art.
As a drone photographer in Rhode Island, my goal is to capture and share the stories of forgotten historic places. Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley holds a rich cultural and heritage significance as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Using the latest drone technology, I can document these abandoned locations and bring their stories to life. David, a creative photographer and videographer from Above, narrates the most compelling tales not only from Rhode Island but also from other parts of New England. From the Ann and Hope documentary and photo collection to the history of Charles E Longley, a prominent leader in clothing retail with multiple stores across Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and beyond, I bring attention to these once vibrant buildings that now sit abandoned, waiting for their stories to be told.
Season Of Darkness
Before art became his passion, much of Rich Sheaffer’s prior career in engineering and management was rather mundane. The exceptions were when he did not follow conventional wisdom and explored on his own without necessarily doing things the accepted, “correct” way. That is when breakthroughs occur, discoveries are made and quantum improvements can be initiated. It is with that spirit that Rich creates art by inspiration and imagination rather than more conventional rules of how art should be created. Rich’s works reflect the angst of a common man regarding events occurring in society, and some of his works have also predicted future events. When events are so outrageous that he is left at a loss for words … he paints. Rich is active with the Artists Guild of the San Diego Museum of Art, the Artist Alliance of the Oceanside Museum of Art, and others. More information on Rich’s background, portfolio, and the art of Socio-Political Abstractionism can be found at www.RichSheaffer.com.
Since the events of 2016, Rich Sheaffer has been developing a genre of art he calls Socio-Political Abstractionism. While political art is common, it has generally taken the form of such things as cartoons and caricatures. Socio-Political Abstractionism, in contrast, is an art form in which hot-button social topics being divisively debated in the political milieu are “abstractionized” and expressed via painting in abstract form, to inspire thought and discussion. Such works are primitive expressions of dreams or visions that express the events and angst of our time in history. His works are experimental and inspired by current events; he never knows from the onset how the final work will appear. Topics covered by Rich have included societal fear and anger, climate change, human rights, assaults against diversity, truth versus “alternative facts”, degradation of kindness and compassion, migration issues, attacks against democracy, risks of conflict and war, self-created chaos, and so on.
Seasons End
Caryn Coville holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.
She is a featured artist in several art publications and is a contributing artist in the book Masterful Color: Vibrant Colored Pencil Paintings Layer by Layer by Arlene Steinberg.
Caryn is a ‘CPSA’ and a five-year merit ‘CPX’ Signature Member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, a UKCPSO Signature Member of the UK Colour Pencil Society, an Elected Member of the American Artists Professional League, a Juried Member of the International Guild of Realism, the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club and the National Art League.
Her award-winning work has been shown in solo gallery exhibits and she has participated in numerous national and international juried shows and group exhibitions including the Salmagundi Club’s Annual Painting, Sculpture & Graphics Exhibitions; The Colored Pencil Society of America’s International Exhibitions; Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Exhibitions; AAPL Grand National Exhibits; and the Sumi-e Society of America’s Annual Juried Exhibitions. Her work is in corporate and private collections throughout the United States and Canada.
My work is inspired by my love of nature, travel, and the beauty I find in everyday objects. Primarily a colored pencil artist, I have enjoyed extending my artistry into other mediums. For the past several years I have explored East Asian brush painting. I like the contrast between the very slow process of creating a colored pencil painting layer upon layer and the spontaneity of brush painting where I try to convey the essence of a subject by using minimal strokes of ink and watercolor. My latest journey has been into the world of alcohol ink painting.