Speaking Out II
Liz G. Carey, M.S., Artist, Counselor, Dharma Practitioner
Take a breath and feel the mood of Liz’s work.
You may feel calm, excited, or moved to dance.
These are all reflections of her inner world of yoga, dance,
dharma and her spiritual path.
Liz’s inner reflections of the day or moment
are what is found in her paintings.
Years of international travel, work in the business world,
and her own personal struggles and triumphs are the
inspiration for her creativity.
As all art is intended, experiencing Liz’s work is in an embodied sense.
Maybe you feel your heart pulled, or your stomach does a whirl,
or your shoulders just relax and you can find space.
This is Liz’s aim for her work, and for your experience.
Loosen the grips the world has on our hearts and minds,
and find receptivity and openness.
Liz’s influences are unexpected for the art world –
from her psychotherapist to her business mentors,
to her teachers on the spiritual path.
Her most potent influences are those who have simply encouraged her
and found goodness in her work and who she is, just as she is.
Acrylics, Acrylic Inks, Alcohol Inks &
Mixed Media on Canvas and Cradles
Hi Friends, I combine my statement and bio. I hope that is okay… So, it’s above already.
Spectral City
Charles Crabb first started in photography when he was eight years old. The years that followed saw the study of classic photographers, publications, and better equipment, leading to a lifelong fascination with photographic composition.
After a technical career consisting of computer system design, data science, and physical models, Charles is concentrating on his love of the photographic image. His work has been shown in exhibits at the National Orange Show, Riverside, CA; Belmar Arts Council, New Jersey; Art League of Rhode Island; Cotuit Center for the Arts; Cultural Center of Cape Cod; MVA Gallery, Bethlehem, PA; Exhibizone; Click! Festival, Raleigh, NC; Trolley Barn, Poughkeepsie, NY; Louisville Art Association; Indianapolis Art Center; Virginia Beach Art Center; Yeiser Art Center, Kentucky; Marblehead Arts Association (MA); Las Laguna Art Gallery; Wickford Art Association, RI; Old Town Arts and Crafts Guild, LI; and Prairie Village Arts Council, Kansas, and others.
Charles follows the work of many photographers throughout the world but also keeps a hand in the technical development of photographic tools, both hardware and software. He has an interest in how artificial intelligence is used to enhance images.
I am drawn to a moment’s compositional aspects of line, texture, tone, lighting, and context, more so than a photographic opportunity’s documentary aspect. I try to render moments to reveal the way that I see them and feel about them.
While we emphasize tonal characteristics that attract our artistic subconscious when we interpret a moment, we don’t precisely capture what we feel about a scene. But the photo lives to be interpreted by others. When I create a photograph, I understand that others will analyze what it is, and find new meanings in it.
In photography, it is both technique and technology that produce the image. I am careful to understand the camera’s influence on capturing an image and to understand the camera’s limitations; I try to use camera settings to reveal how the image affects me, but the conversation about the story and meaning of the image transcends the involvement with the technology that is used to capture it. Then, using developing tools cautiously, I try to uncover tonal aspects of an image that bring out undiscovered aspects of its form; the image becomes a personal design of an encounter with a particular moment that must be rendered.
As developing tools become more powerful, photographers can develop meaning into their works more effectively, and, inventively. I used developing tools to continue the conversation that I had when capturing the image with the camera. Oftentimes this process can lead to the abstract, but it is all generated by me, with my artistic process.
My photos reflect my environment; they form a record of the scenes where I live and travel that I feel will tell us a little more about how we visually relate to our surroundings
Spectral Threads Of Time
Patrick Faure, a contemporary surrealist painter hailing from the Principality of Monaco, stands at the intersection of intellect and imagination. Holder of advanced degrees in humanities and science from the State University of New York and the University of Southern California, Faure embarked on a journey that seamlessly merged his diverse academic background with a profound passion for art.
Faure’s paintings serve as a testament to his ability to weave together art, philosophy, and poetry within the contemporary surrealistic framework. Delving into the realms of dreams, sexual desire, knowledge, and erudition, his works offer a synthesis of mythical phantasms, reflections on the modern human condition, and glimpses into post-human imagery. Through his art, Patrick Faure challenges societal values, denouncing ignorance and superstition, and portraying a world where cosmic forces inexorably shape our destiny, leading to an ultimate confrontation with extinction.
Each painting is a meticulously crafted piece, inviting viewers to explore art within the expansive context of myth, philosophy, and astrophysics. Faure’s evocative and intellectually charged creations beckon audiences to ponder the intricate intersections of human experience and the vastness of the cosmos.
Patrick Faure’s impact extends beyond gallery walls; his works find a home in multiple private collections, a testament to the enduring resonance of his artistic vision. Recognized for his contribution to the arts, Faure was honored with the International European Quality Award for Fine Arts in 2017. Subsequent years saw him holding a significant solo exhibit at Contemporary Istanbul in 2018, followed by a series of shows in London. In 2019, he earned a coveted spot in the Start Exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, further solidifying his position in the global art scene.
Contemporary Surrealism, my chosen artistic style, serves as a contemplative exploration of our place in the cosmos. Centered on the fragility of our existence, it confronts the absurdity of the human condition within an isolated and seemingly insignificant universe. My art grapples with existentialist questions, echoing the uncertainties that have haunted humanity throughout history. From the mysteries preceding the universe to our origins and destinies, my work acknowledges the limitations of our comprehension. I use familiar multichromatic elements arranged to puzzle the viewer, symbolizing our collective inability to fully grasp our existence’s complexities. I dismantle fabricated explanations, questioning the validity of woke, religion, gods, extraterrestrials, and ancient myths of superior knowledge. Through this lens, I invite contemplation on our vulnerability to cosmic forces and our inexplicable enthusiasm for self-destruction. I stand as an artistic testament to our journey’s enduring enigma and the beauty of embracing our lack of understanding.
Sphinx Moon
Amy K. Wendland received her BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, and an MA and MFA in Graphics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Amy worked commercially as an artist and designer, with projects ranging from book covers and advertisements to logo design and museum exhibit drawings. After a decade of freelancing, Ms. Wendland switched her focus to fine art, concentrating on mixed media works on paper and sculpture. Her artwork typically utilizes a combination of humor, offbeat materials, and obsessive craft. Ms. Wendland lives in Durango, Colorado where she serves as an Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences and Professor of Art at Fort Lewis College.
I can’t take a walk without coming home with pockets filled with rocks, a handful of seed pods, and maybe a dead bug or two. Goethe observed, “You really do not see a plant until you draw it.” And so, the “walk” continues in my studio, where I draw and paint and make mixed media pieces with collected natural objects. Recently this collection expanded to include over 200 deaccessioned herbarium samples. Categorized by genus and species, herbaria are filed as part of a genetic library telling a scientific story. Rescued from the trash, these repurposed herbarium samples now tell multiple stories. I work directly on the surface of the mounting paper, drawing and painting around the selected specimen. The concept is always inspired by the plant, voicing a narrative that speaks to culturally-applied meaning, symbolism, or scientific understanding.
Spirits
Michele Viola is a visual artist who primarily works in acrylic paint. Her work revolves around the surreal world where the human body and the natural elements inform one another. The two aspects act as one unit to carry the narratives of the pains and celebrations of life. In her work, you will find stories of the human experience that range from grief to euphoria and everything in between.
Michele is currently based in NC, where she obtained her BFA in Studio Art at Appalachian State University.
My paintings take place on both the traditional canvas as well as unconventional materials such as natural and reclaimed objects. This allows me to further elaborate on the surreal landscape and its relationship to the narrative being told. In my work, you will find references to art history, folklore, and religion. These allusions help me reference aspects of the human experience (in most cases the feminine one) that range from instances of euphoria to agony while making familiar connections with elements of the natural world for the viewer to interpret.
Splattered Mind
Karen Sachs has been expressing her soul through her art for many years, and it sure doesn’t lie. Her passion for colors, creativity, and transparency with the world has been seen in every piece she puts out. Her art is an expression of the artist’s innermost emotions and feelings. The vibrant colors and playful abstracts reflect the joy of creating each piece. Karen aims to connect with others through her artwork, revealing our true nature and the beauty of life. Her skill comes to life with every brushstroke, swipe of the palette knife, or whatever medium is used. Her paintings and oil pastels are like going on a journey into her inner world where emotions, feelings, and experiences that were no longer hiding come together in sync. For an instant, we can see beyond the surface into the unknown -to a raw and authentic place within ourselves- it almost feels like magic! Each new work by Karen brings gives viewers insight into her larger-than-life perspective which is why it’s no surprise that she continues to have remarkable success exhibiting shows all across the US and winning awards recognizing her talent.
I started painting to reveal my soul, aid in self-discovery, and color my world beyond imagination. I picked up a paintbrush for the first time and touched it to a blank canvas, paint exploded in a fantasy of color, forms, and textures – electric blue swirls at first, and then purples and reds. Color immediately became the foundation for my art and color illustrated my emotions and feelings. My landscapes explore the beauty of life. My abstract pieces express openness and creativity freely. I have fun playing with oil pastels. When I blend the pastels with my fingers, I feel connected to life and it gives me additional opportunity to express myself naturally. Creating art is an exuberant experience. I love finding the truth through artistic expression because art reveals our true nature.
Splendor
Kylo-Patrick Hart is an award-winning photographer (Budapest International Foto Awards, European Photography Awards, Global Photography Awards, Golden Shot International Photography Awards, London Photography Awards, Pollux Awards, Tokyo International Foto Awards, etc.) and chair of the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media at Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas, USA). He received his formal training in digital media arts while a student at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, with additional instruction provided by offerings of the Maine Media Workshops and Santa Fe Workshops. His photographs have been exhibited in numerous cities throughout the United States and in several countries abroad.
Photography has been my passion since early childhood. My motivation is to discover and capture the beauty, even when it is not always readily self-evident, that surrounds us continuously in all areas of our everyday lives. I believe the finest images are those that are serious yet playful, aesthetically appealing yet a bit quirky. As both an artist and an admirer, my favorite photographs tend to be ones whose contents speak loudly for themselves — even when it is not immediately clear exactly what they are saying. They seek to inspire their viewers to wrestle with their intriguing content and, as a result, ponder various aspects of our surrounding world in new and unique ways.
Spring Break
Based in Montreal, Canada, Ackad is increasingly showing her works in the United States and internationally. Most recently; The Yellowstone Art Museum, (YAM) in Montana, The Cultural Center of Cape Cod, the San Fernando Valley Art & Culture Center (SFVACC) in California, the Alexandria Museum of Art in Louisiana, The Hopkins Center for the Arts in Minneapolis, the Texarcana Regional Art & Humanities Center in Texas, the Center for Contemporary Art in New Jersey; at Dab Art Gallery in California, at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis and at the Brownsville Museum in Texas and numerous other venues.
Her works were featured on a billboard in central Los Angeles, California, and exhibited at Place des Arts, in Montreal, and featured in the movie” Tribute to Gradimir Pankov”.
She was interviewed in newspapers and television in Montreal and in California. She is a recipient of many awards from international exhibitions.
When comparing contemporary media to that of previous decades, there is a tangible change in its aesthetics and content, but similar patterns can be observed. Magazines, newspapers, television and film, virtual platforms, and other media reflect current events, systems, and institutions that are in place. While the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed a number of economic, race, and gender-based violence, these patterns continue to be exhibited in mainstream media. There is a collective mourning and nostalgia of pre-pandemic times as the years to come feel increasingly unpredictable.
This series of multi-media works seeks to explore patterns of representation and how examining visual culture can tell us so much about history, our current societies, and the future. Using art as a method of archival collage, Marie-Ange Hoda Ackad uses pieces of various paper media, combined with oil paints to address the images we see from day to day and how they impact our understanding of social issues.
Spring Break 4ever
Heini Mika, an artist from Helsinki, Finland has called the United States home for the last 4+ years. From the vibrant pulse of New York City to the golden shores of Pompano Beach, Florida, Heini continues to make art with a spirit shaped by all three worlds. Heini holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Worcester (UK) and she also has a degree in Fine Art and Visual Communications from Finland’s prestigious Pekka Halonen Academy of Art. Heini’s paintings have received global recognition, being showcased on four continents in prominent locations such as NYC, Paris, the UK, the UAE, and Indonesia. Her artworks have been featured in many notable publications, including the British Vogue, and several of her pieces are cherished within private collections.
Heini’s ultra-contemporary paintings serve the viewer with a palette of vibrant colors and dynamic shapes while she gives you her unique perspective on women, fairytales, and history. They have been an important source of inspiration for Heini throughout her career as an artist and this can be observed in her rich and intriguing original artworks.
Since forever women have been the subject of great art, but rarely were we allowed to create great art. As a female artist living in the 21st Century, I find great inspiration in the female icons of the past. Famous women from Marie Antoinette to Miley Cyrus, have served as profound sources of inspiration for me, due to their distinctive styles and unique spirits. In my art practice, I explore the contrast between the public portrayal of the women I admire and their true selves. My aim is to discover how the images of these influential women, given by pop culture, impact and shape my own artistic impressions of them. Just like the women I paint, I am an unconventional woman in the eyes of my society and with my art practice I want to invite viewers to look past the glittering images and see the depth and complexity of the women I paint, myself included.
Ultimately, my work serves as a reflection and exploration of this complex dynamic. While my intention is to showcase the vibrant and visually captivating image that pop culture has crafted around the women I idolize, I also remain very conscious of the underlying darkness that hides beneath the surface of their seemingly lighthearted images.
As a Finn, I grew up on satire, dark humor, and happy endings and that is well reflected in my work. At first glance, my cartoonish mixed media paintings may depict my subject’s pop culture image perfectly, which is usually colorful, ditzy, and lacking in substance, but I am actually satirizing our perceptions of my female heroines. We are all guilty of prioritizing a person’s image over the narrative. But whether the viewer understands this duality or not, I still want them to have a good time when viewing my artwork.
I choose to work with acrylics, rhinestones, and glitters because their vibrant hues and plastic textures are well suited for creating eye-catching artworks that are unique to me, and perfect for the subject matter.