Blocked
Hector Sector is the bizarre cardboard-based artist who came into existence back in 2013 when he placed a box upon his head. He didn’t find his footing as an artist until he started creating cardboard artwork back in 2016. Since then, he’s been creating art about accessibility in the art world. Hector’s accomplishments include making his own comic series A Life In The Day Of Me, constructing his own art space made entirely of cardboard for his thesis work called Living in a Box, gets his work shown in multiple galleries, is sponsored by Stuart Semple and his art company “”Culture Hustle, and has been gaining thousands of followers on sites such as TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky. Hector still makes art out of cardboard to this day and won’t stop anytime soon.
Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to get hold of. You can get it at most stores, in the dumpster, almost anywhere. It’s also one of the cheapest materials, whether it’s only a few bucks or for free. Its convenience and flexibility for various uses make it a peculiar substance that draws people to use it daily. Whether it’s to hold your personal items in a box, a cushion for hard surfaces, is sustainable and recyclable, and endless entertainment for kids with large imaginations, cardboard supplies a large amount of accessibility in more ways than one. I want art to feel this way as well.
Blondie
Ingrid Wessel BernalArt Photographer Biography Born in Venezuela in 1970 and now based in Norway, my work is shaped by an intimate connection with nature, memory, and the unseen. My artistic journey began in childhood with oil landscapes, but everything changed with the sudden loss of my father in an airplane accident when I was 11. In the wake of that event, art became my refuge—a means to navigate life’s complexities. At 15, I moved to Norway, where the tranquil winter landscapes inspired my transition from painting to photography. I worked in the darkroom for years before moving into digital photography, exploring the idea of ” painting with light”. I pursued formal studies in Art Photography at The Interdisciplinary Art Institute in Bærum, Bilder Nordic, and the Oslo Art Photography Academy, learning from talented artists such as Fin Sersk-Hanssen, Richard Ferrar, Carll Goodpasture, Julio Silva, Tammo Rits, and Manit Sriwanichpoom. My artistic practice is informed by a belief in the spirit that inhabits all things, guiding my exploration of connections that shape our experiences. This perspective enriches my understanding of light and presence, while the serene landscapes around me invite a sense of stillness. My work has been showcased internationally, with exhibitions in Bangkok, Art Basel Miami, and galleries in Oslo and Los Angeles. I have been published in Black and White Photography magazine and received an honorable mention in the Monochrome Awards. Additionally, I have sold my work to private collectors. I continue to work with photography as a form of exploration, drawing from my personal journey and cultural influences. I invite you to read my artist statement for a deeper understanding of my creative philosophy and the themes that inspire my work
Artist StatementI believe in animism, the understanding that every element of the world, whether living or inanimate, possesses a spirit. This belief shapes my view of life and my approach to art, where photography reveals the presence and energy flowing through all things. Light is not just a tool but the essence of this spirit, illuminating what often remains unseen. My process is slow and meditative, whether working with analog or digital mediums. Each photograph is discovered, unfolding gradually. I am drawn to abstract forms, portraits, and nature—subjects that blur the line between the visible and the invisible. Black and white imagery often distills moments into their purest form, while color deepens the emotional or spiritual tone of the image. The magic of photography continues in the darkroom or on the screen, where the image emerges as light reveals a truth that has always existed. Here, the spirit speaks—not as something distant, but as the force shaping the image and bringing forth what lies beneath the surface. Inspired by the teachings of the Buddha and the landscapes of Ansel Adams, I seek to create work that offers stillness—a pause for reflection in a turbulent world. My photographs invite viewers to sense the quiet forces that hold everything together and glimpse the harmony beyond the visible. For me, photography is like meditation, a practice of connecting to the quiet space within. Through this presence, I explore the subtle threads that connect us all, offering others a window into the Spirit that is Everything. Ingrid Wessel Bernal
Bloom
Born in Belgium, Inez Sieben is a visual artist whose work is vibrant and colorful. Her work tells a story, makes a point, captures a feeling, and is often infused with humor. It is deeply influenced by the multiple cultures in which she was raised, including in South America, Europe, and the Far East.
She mostly works in acrylic and gouache, but other media often make their way into her art. She studied art as a young adult in Strasbourg, France, but life pushed her on a path that culminated in a rewarding career in Public Health. Able to renew her artistic pursuits, at last, she studies under Eleanor Grace Miller. She has had solo and group exhibits in France, New York City, and Westchester County.
What I see, hear, feel and experience makes its way into my art. Growing up in multiple cultures influences my work, and my love of fairy tales, fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi seeps through as well.
I paint mostly in acrylics and gouache and love to experiment with a variety of techniques and materials. As I work, I am often inspired by new images, so I find myself working on several paintings at the same time or creating a series. At times my work is autobiographical as I aim to tell a story, convey a feeling, or share memories.
Through the use of vibrant colors, a sense of movement, and unexpected imagery, I hope the viewer is drawn into my work in a way that provides space for their own interpretation and lived experience, but always with a twist, as in “Sentinels.”
Bloom Where You Are Planted
Hari Lualhati is a full-time artist who is permanently based in Cape Town, South Africa. She prefers her latest artworks to be called “SOULWORKS” because they are a direct connection to her soul. Her figurative subject being accompanied by animals and nature shows that we are all connected. Hari’s soulworks harmoniously combine impressive realism with fine details, amazing expressionism with her techniques, and symbolism that unfolds a story behind the elements used. Her soulworks are mirrors of golden life lessons, Aha Moments, and realizations that the artist aims to preserve and share with others. These soulworks are not only a delight to the eyes, their messages immediately connect to the heart and leave an unforgettable experience.
Hari was born on February 12, 1985. At a very young age, she already showed interest in art. She has been a consistent school representative for Art Competitions and has consistently been awarded “Artist of the Year” during high school.
The year 2006, Hari finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, Diliman – with honors (Cum Laude). She worked in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shenzhen China, and South Africa as a graphic artist, product designer, illustrator, and painter.
Hari has received numerous awards from different International Art Competitions including and has been featured and been on the cover of different Art Magazines and Publications.
The year 2015, Hari has been selected to represent South Africa in one of the largest juried exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe with Chief Curator Wolfgang Gramm – the NordArt Exhibition in Germany. The year 2018, she had an exhibition at the prestigious MEAM – European Museum of Modern Art where her artwork has been sold to a private collector in Europe. Her artworks have been exhibited in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Armenia, Ukraine, Spain, Prague, and the USA.
I prefer to call my art pieces as my “SOULWORKS” because they are not just artworks but souls represented in art. They‘re a direct connection to my soul and represent matters that value to me. Their concept revolves around powerful life lessons, aha moments, and realizations that made a huge impact on my life and have taught me to be a better version of myself. I would like to preserve and pass on these lessons and inspirations to others.
I love the sincerity and raw beauty of the human figure. I incorporate elements of nature and animals into the human figure to show that we are all connected. My style can be considered a marriage of realism, expressionism, and symbolism.
I paint with my heart. I aim for my Soulworks to deliver a clear message and touch the hearts of the viewers.
Bloom Where Youre Planted
Lezlie Lambeth was born in Raleigh, NC in 1965. She attended the University of North Carolina, receiving a BA in both Political Science and Women’s Studies. In 1988, Lezlie visited Alaska, and like so many, ended up calling it home. For the next thirty-plus years, she has worked as a general contractor, teacher, gallery owner, and professional artist. Her art education is the result of many workshops and classes, years of trial and error, and a passion for experimentation. She has found by frequently trying new mediums and techniques, her art continues to evolve.
Whether representational or abstract, funky or more reserved, Lezlie’s paintings immediately draw the viewer in with vibrant colors, bold marks, and interesting textures. Lately, however, her work has grown to explore deeper themes of healing, recovery, and spirituality.
A recent empty nester, she now divides her time between Alaska and Hawai’i, where there is no shortage of beauty and inspiration. Lezlie has been represented by Half Moon Creek Gallery, and her work is currently in juried shows and private collections. She is now the co-owner of Purple Mango Studio. When not covered in paint, she can be found by the nearest salt water, enjoying life with her fellow artist and partner, Christian, and their dog, Tucker.
Vivid. Bold. Striking. These are ideals I strive for when creating my floral and botanical paintings. Dividing time between Alaska and Hawai’i provides me with endless inspiration and an unlimited palette. I love working with high-key hues and surprising compositions that take what nature has perfectly given and add that extra kick! While acrylic paint is my primary medium, I always add “surprise” elements that contain a meaningful message, add dimension, or simply make the painting pop.
Blooming Azalea
After over 20 years ago, Patricia Lewis unexpectedly became quite interested in photography. This happened after a fluke encounter during a friend’s college graduation, which resulted in the camera jamming and regretfully being unable to take any pictures of this special occasion. Having worked numerous events including weddings, retirements, birthdays, baby showers, church activities, and various other stuff, Patricia’s true heart now belongs to nature. She would prefer to stoop in a field for hours, with no set schedule or constraints, rather than be confined to structured events. All things nature is a pleasant, welcome must for her. Ms. Lewis has won vast photography competitions over the past three years; and has had her work displayed in several countries. She has also received massive recognition and exposure, having been published on calendars, social media, virtual exhibitions, virtual and physical galleries, and books. Her first win was an International Juried Photography Exhibition for Street Photography. The exhibition and Opening Night Reception took place at the Praxis Gallery in Minneapolis, MN.
Patricia continues to work on her passion and strives to further excel in her craft.
It took quite a few years to conclude that my greatest joy…my true niche….comes from nature, and all elements involved as such. Beautiful, bold, bodacious, blooming blossoms, especially in springtime, but adored in any and every setting, are a sure sign of nature’s introduction of a brand-new beginning to another glorious season filled with abundant life. This is my peace, my bliss, my escape from stress. Although I do still photograph other select moments on occasion, usually at the request of others only, it is almost certain I am a nature photographer at heart and in practice. I will continue to sprinkle my magic in this genre of the arts. I am excited to discover what level of accomplishment will be achieved next on my journey.
Blooming Riot
After having spent a decade in Greenwich Village where Kelly, and a group of close compadres, discovered “performance art” (when she first combined visual art & poetry), she then relocated to Northport, NY, and immersed herself in live poetry, visual art, and acting. Some publications include a full-length book of poetry “Barking at Sunspots”, “On Maxwell Street”, “Bards Annual”, “Grabbing the Apple (an anthology”), “Long Island Sounds (an anthology)”, “XANADU”, “Paumanok: Poems & Pictures of Long Island (an anthology)”, numerous small chapbooks and inclusion in many small press publications (“DICO,” “Voices International”, “AITIA, etc.). Kate has worked as a visual artist with other poets (a published book “ENTER”) and collaborated with other poets and musicians (e.g. David Amram on the CD “Northport Celebrates Jack”). She was honored to be awarded “New York State Woman of Distinction in the Arts” (2003). Kelly has been fortunate to have exhibited in many art exhibits, both group and solo, involved in organizing multi-media events (Sundays @ 7), was a member of the Bare Bones acting group, “performed” her poetry in many venues, was one of the founders of the Northport Arts Coalition and served as their first co-chair. She has served as a curator of shows for the Art League of Long Island and the Northport Arts Coalition. Recent visual art exhibits from 2020 – 2023 include curated group shows “Out of Isolation”, “Paradoxical Paradigms”, “Forever Young”, “We’ve Gone Wild”, “Artist’s Choice (an invitational)” and solo exhibits, “a show of wanderings” (2021), “NEW WORKS” (2022), and a 2-person show, “Paper, Paint and Pixels” (2023).
After spending many, many years working in different media, i.e. traditional darkroom photography, oil/acrylic painting, sculpture (welding, wood, etc.), and most often a combination of all these approaches, I was introduced to using the computer as yet another tool to express myself, to share my vision of the world. The interesting thing is that having shunned the computer as a tool for quite a while, the discovery of what it offered in the way of new approaches to creating my work, at once made sense to me. I was afforded the tools that supplanted and/or enhanced other tools that I had been working with, and in altogether new & inspiring ways, the possibilities opened up an unexplored and most challenging world. As art progresses, innovative and exciting tools become available, and, as an artist, I am always curious, always experimenting and embracing different techniques to further my end as an artist, which is my attempt to communicate with the outside world. Communication. That is my statement. I hope you can find something in my work that resonates with your own sensibility.
Blooming Sky
Gayle Faulkner, with over 35 years of artistic exploration and creativity, stands as a seasoned watercolor, acrylic, and mural artist. Her journey has been marked by constant exploration, a playful engagement with diverse media, and an unwavering commitment to growth in the world of art.
Her academic journey, rooted in a BA in Sociology from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, initially led her to work with children, integrating art into their day-to-day experiences. Gayle’s passion for art eventually pulled her into a more immersive pursuit. She delved into Art and Design courses at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, unlocking her artistic soul. The willingness to ”put herself out there”, coupled with years of hard work and a penchant for thinking outside the box, allowed her to undergo a major growth period.
Finally, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 quarantine became a catalyst for Gayle’s artistic metamorphosis, leading her to focus on acrylic paintings on canvas. Engaging in an online course.
In my art practice, I describe my creations as Textural Acrylics. This term represents the exciting experience of observing paint flow from the palette knife, forming captivating textures and colors. Each stroke channels emotion, and every canvas captures a moment of creative inspiration.
My process is spontaneous – I start with a loose outline, sketch the composition, and then fully immerse myself in the act of creating. Throughout the process, music is my closest companion, its volume soaring. I dance to the rhythm, losing myself in the beats, and, on occasion, even letting out a song. My painting process is a multisensory experience, an immersive journey into the fusion of sound and color, where each note becomes a brushstroke, and every stroke on the canvas is a dance of creation. I often liken my paintings to cherished children—it’s a relationship that involves nurturing, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and weathering the challenges of creative adolescence with boundless love and patience.
Blossom Drops
I see. I experiment. I always look for something new. I try to break rules. I make it a rule to shoot something every day. I love photography. Color. BW. Street photography. Architecture. People. Fashion. Nature. Abstracts. Digital Art. I love it all. And I have been honored by The International Color Awards, Black and White Magazine, International B&W Spider Awards, Motif International Collective, The Photo Review, Palm Beach Cultural Center, The Boca Raton Museum of Art, and other juried shows. Let me surprise you.
There is something about flowers, petals, blossoms…lyrical, sensual, striking in designs that never stop fascinating.