Three White Irises
Steve Walag has been a photographer for nearly 50 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and Religious Studies from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and a BFA in Photography from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. He has enjoyed a varied career as a photojournalist, public relations photographer, freelance architectural shooter, photo instructor, and campus photographer at Inland area schools (UCR and Riverside City College). All the while, Steve has pursued his artistic path on the side, beginning decades ago with a strong affinity for the black and white photography of the West Coast “straight” photo school. It is only since 2015 that his attraction to Japanese art led him to formulate the style shown here.
Although Steve’s images may resemble paintings, they are in fact digital photographs printed on textured paper. They were inspired by traditional Japanese paintings in the centuries-old Rinpa tradition. Rinpa artists favored simple, natural subjects – flowers, trees, birds, and landscapes – set against a plain or minimized background. Steve’s fascination with Japanese art led him to emulate those works using digital imaging, lighting, software, and printing techniques.
Tidebound
Mital Patel is a fine art photographer whose work explores the relationship between form, minimalism, and emotional presence in natural environments. His imagery often focuses on isolating subjects within vast landscapes, using light, scale, and restraint to create a sense of stillness and contemplation.
Working across wildlife and remote environments, Patel’s recent work has shifted toward more minimal and conceptual interpretations of nature, where composition and tonal control play a central role.
His work has been exhibited and recognized internationally, with a growing focus on fine art presentation and gallery-based storytelling.
Ice exists in a narrow spectrum of tone, where color is restrained, and form becomes the primary language. In this body of work, I explore the Arctic as a study in subtle variation shifts in light, texture, and scale within a limited palette.
Each image isolates a different presence: dominance, stillness, and quiet transience. The restrained blues and greys are not just aesthetic choices, but a way to remove distraction and focus attention on structure and atmosphere.
By working within a singular color space, the landscape becomes less about place and more about perception, where form, silence, and scale begin to dissolve into something introspective.
Til Death Do Us Part
In my work, I explore the transformative power of abstraction; how color, texture, and form can combine to create something far greater than their individual parts. I grew up in Richmond, Virginia, watching my mother paint. She taught me to paint what you know, and how you see and feel it. I add texture that pops off the canvas and tricks the eyes into feeling the bumpy tree trunk. I use my palette knife to paint just as much as my brushes. Unless I’m working on a commission, I rarely know what the end of my painting is going to look like. Experimentation is the most gratifying part of the painting process. Each painting begins with a variety of underpainting techniques, including alcohol ink, mixed media paper, texture, and sometimes oil pastels. After the underpainting sets, I finish my story with oils for a rich finishing layer of depth. The layers of texture invite viewers to see beyond the flat surface of a landscape or portrait. The gold woven into my paintings is a reminder of the beauty and magic found in unexpected places. My inspiration is driven by the colors of nature and the emotions of gratitude. I’d like to think each piece I create will give some warmth and brightness to whoever stands in front of it.
When we face adversity, whether it be loss, failure, or emotional upheaval, we are forced to confront vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It’s in this confrontation that healing and growth occur. Last year was a difficult year personally for me, as I lost my mother to cancer, and I was diagnosed with lymphoma. Through my treatment, I felt so overwhelmed by a range of emotions that eventually inspired my artwork. My current collection symbolizes the unique process of overcoming emotional trauma and evolving into a more resilient, gracious, and powerful version of oneself. Each piece is a visual and sensory narrative of my personal experience, a reflection of both the struggle and the eventual emergence of strength and clarity, or even a simple moment of gratitude for the earth’s gifts we receive. The works share not the grief and despair, but the rebirth and awakening of a new beginning by including imagery that inspires and connects with the viewers. My hope is to encourage, connect, console, and give hope to others who may need comfort in the notion that we are resilient creatures. Collaboratively, the collection of artwork is bright, expansive, full of vibrant colors, fluid lines, and forms that are whole or mended. Lavish underpaintings of mixed media and layers of emotion reflecting my personal evolution and a universal invitation to the audience to see the potential for resilience and hope in their own lives, no matter how difficult their journey may seem. “The Journey of Resilience” is a message of hope, gratitude, and perseverance to anyone sharing the same difficult path in life.
Time Traveler
Alicia is a storyteller at heart and interpreting her visual tales, through her paintings, brings her great joy. These inspirations stem from Alicia’s symbolic imagination representing secret realms filled with magnificent depths of femininity and beauty. Alicia’s paintings are captivating, and her compositions are executed with intent and motive. “My portraits are linked together through precise and distinctive placements. I purposely fill the atmosphere with visual fragrances that linger in the air and connect with viewers as they personally identify with the unfolding narratives.”
I am convinced that each of us holds treasure hidden in the depths of our hearts. As a professional artist, it is my aim to provide images that help unlock these great treasures. The illumination of beautiful narratives has the power to resonate with the collector. The image reflects the truth, promoting a release of identity and value. As you view my work, take it in. Allow what might lay concealed to be realized.
To Be, Or Not To Be…
Darling Graham is a contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice incorporates drawing, photography, and digital media. She describes her distinctive style as “feminine superflat art,” a refined and concept-driven approach that blends traditional techniques with digital tools to explore identity, femininity, and personal evolution.
Born in Rome, Italy, Darling began her artistic journey at the Liceo Artistico Via Ripetta, where the city’s rich history and architecture left a lasting impression. At nineteen, she moved to Canada, later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Photography from the University of Ottawa. After graduating, she relocated to Montreal, where she gained recognition as one half of the acclaimed photography duo Leda & St. Jacques, known for their visually compelling work in both editorial and commercial settings.
Now based between Canada and the United States, Darling has developed a unique visual language that feels intimate yet symbolically rich. Her work often pairs soft, flat color palettes with the presence of a central female figure, who is stylized, ageless, and emotionally complex. The character’s direct gaze invites the viewer into a layered inner world shaped by memory, mythology, and quiet introspection. A recurring element in her work is her cat, an enigmatic presence that can be seen as a companion, observer, alter ego, or symbol of emotional continuity. This subtle detail adds a sense of tension and depth to her compositions.
Darling’s process often begins with photographic self-portraits, which she then translates into delicate graphite drawings and digitally paints in soft pastel tones. The final creations are predominantly large-format inkjet fine art prints, presenting introspective visual stories that blur the line between personal narrative and universal experience. Her witty titles serve as gentle guides, offering context without limiting interpretation.
Overall, Darling’s work functions as a personal journal: elegant and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers into a space where intimate reflection and broader themes quietly converge.
Art is my existential library. I unfold my work as a personal journal of dreams, fears, happiness, and insecurities, always touched by humor. My style, which I call “feminine superflat art,” blends photography, drawing, and digital painting to create delicate, symbolic compositions. Each piece begins with self-portrait photography and evolves through graphite, pastel, and digital color, forming soft narratives about identity and transformation. The recurring female figure and her cat act as reflections of self and emotional continuity. Creating art means existing in a parallel universe where dreams meet reality, and everything becomes possible. My goal is to offer a moment of beauty, thought, or quiet wonder to those who look at my art, to invite them into my world where fragility becomes strength and imagination gives meaning to being.
To Dream
Roberta Rousos has lived 2 lives in her 59 years; as a wife, mother, and community volunteer; and as an artist (and mom). After her husband’s death, she returned to CSU Sacramento earning a BA and MA Degree in Studio Art.
Rousos’ work can be traced to her graduate studies when she added fiber to steel integrating both her metal shop teacher father and her homemaker mother. Her work focuses on seemingly opposing materials.
Rousos’ exhibition sphere now includes galleries in her home state of California, Michigan, New Mexico, Washington, Illinois, New York, Colorado, and Oregon.
She considers herself blessed to be able to be an artist. She firmly believes that we all choose every day what life we are willing to live and what our priorities are. Rousos chooses to live on the line between the physical reality of this world and the spiritual realm. She chooses to appreciate the beauty around her and encourages others to do the same. Life is good if you allow it to be.
I am a mixed media artist: found objects, fiber, and oil painting. Returning to college following the passing of my husband allowed me to discover new paths in creative expression. Earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees showed me how strong I could be and where my life’s passion lies.
When coping with life’s traumas, we are often told to take baby steps or to live one day at a time. This is good advice, but not just for when we are suffering. We each have years behind us and hopefully years ahead, but we can only live today. Today is what we can truly see in detail; this moment is what we can affect; now is when we can live. Take a step today.
I come from a long line of artisans and crafters. As a creature of opposites, I constantly struggle to integrate chaos with logic, gravity with freedom, and reality with dreams. My work continually evolves because of my desire and choice to live a life of purpose.
To Dream Of Peace
Roberta Rousos has lived 2 lives in her 59 years; as a wife, mother, and community volunteer; and as an artist (and mom). After her husband’s death, she returned to CSU Sacramento earning a BA and MA Degree in Studio Art.
Rousos’ work can be traced to her graduate studies when she added fiber to steel integrating both her metal shop teacher father and her homemaker mother. Her work focuses on seemingly opposing materials.
Rousos’ exhibition sphere now includes galleries in her home state of California, Michigan, New Mexico, Washington, Illinois, New York, Colorado, and Oregon.
She considers herself blessed to be able to be an artist. She firmly believes that we all choose every day what life we are willing to live and what our priorities are. Rousos chooses to live on the line between the physical reality of this world and the spiritual realm. She chooses to appreciate the beauty around her and encourages others to do the same. Life is good if you allow it to be.
I am a mixed media artist: found objects, fiber, and oil painting. Returning to college following the passing of my husband allowed me to discover new paths in creative expression. Earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees showed me how strong I could be and where my life’s passion lies.
When coping with life’s traumas, we are often told to take baby steps or to live one day at a time. This is good advice, but not just for when we are suffering. We each have years behind us and hopefully years ahead, but we can only live today. Today is what we can truly see in detail; this moment is what we can affect; now is when we can live. Take a step today.
I come from a long line of artisans and crafters. As a creature of opposites, I constantly struggle to integrate chaos with logic, gravity with freedom, and reality with dreams. My work continually evolves because of my desire and choice to live a life of purpose.
Together
Darling Graham is a contemporary visual artist whose multidisciplinary practice incorporates drawing, photography, and digital media. She describes her distinctive style as “feminine superflat art,” a refined and concept-driven approach that blends traditional techniques with digital tools to explore identity, femininity, and personal evolution.
Born in Rome, Italy, Darling began her artistic journey at the Liceo Artistico Via Ripetta, where the city’s rich history and architecture left a lasting impression. At nineteen, she moved to Canada, later earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and Photography from the University of Ottawa. After graduating, she relocated to Montreal, where she gained recognition as one half of the acclaimed photography duo Leda & St. Jacques, known for their visually compelling work in both editorial and commercial settings.
Now based between Canada and the United States, Darling has developed a unique visual language that feels intimate yet symbolically rich. Her work often pairs soft, flat color palettes with the presence of a central female figure, who is stylized, ageless, and emotionally complex. The character’s direct gaze invites the viewer into a layered inner world shaped by memory, mythology, and quiet introspection. A recurring element in her work is her cat, an enigmatic presence that can be seen as a companion, observer, alter ego, or symbol of emotional continuity. This subtle detail adds a sense of tension and depth to her compositions.
Darling’s process often begins with photographic self-portraits, which she then translates into delicate graphite drawings and digitally paints in soft pastel tones. The final creations are predominantly large-format inkjet fine art prints, presenting introspective visual stories that blur the line between personal narrative and universal experience. Her witty titles serve as gentle guides, offering context without limiting interpretation.
Overall, Darling’s work functions as a personal journal: elegant and emotionally resonant, inviting viewers into a space where intimate reflection and broader themes quietly converge.
Art is my existential library. I unfold my work as a personal journal of dreams, fears, happiness, and insecurities, always touched by humor. My style, which I call “feminine superflat art,” blends photography, drawing, and digital painting to create delicate, symbolic compositions. Each piece begins with self-portrait photography and evolves through graphite, pastel, and digital color, forming soft narratives about identity and transformation. The recurring female figure and her cat act as reflections of self and emotional continuity. Creating art means existing in a parallel universe where dreams meet reality, and everything becomes possible. My goal is to offer a moment of beauty, thought, or quiet wonder to those who look at my art, to invite them into my world where fragility becomes strength and imagination gives meaning to being.
Togo Voodoo Mom & Child
Karen Safer is an international, award-winning photographic artist and poet with a musical bent. A Los Angeles native, born to creative, scholarly-minded parents who encouraged her world travel (230+ countries/territories visited).
Early on, she was greatly influenced by movies, music, books, and plays, and as a student of art and history, inspired by ancients to moderns – Assyria to Cindy Sherman. She has a bachelor’s/master’s degree in Art from UCLA and California State University. She is a member of the Los Angeles Art Association, IAA-USA, Women United, Praxis Gallery, LACMA, MOCA, IAA-USA, in Who’s Who of Professional Women, ArtTour Magazine (NY), AATOLAU interview, Artist Talk Magazine (UK), Lens Magazine, etc. She was given a camera and crayons at 3 and exposed to/inspired by California motifs: light, trees, the ocean, music, and vernacular architecture that defined/influenced her left-handed aesthetic. She began taking pictures of family and friends, progressing from painting to developing black-and-white photos in college. She was fortunate to begin a life of travel as a teen that shaped her love of the exotic paired with an eye for the formal, accidental, and unusual while subliminally seeking the “beautiful” that jiggles the lens/frame of my eye.
She is featured in magazines, catalogs, and books and exhibited internationally in over 80+ galleries/museums with over 370+ exhibitions from London, Rome, Berlin, Glasgow, Budapest, Athens, Prague, Paris, Barcelona, Florence, Venice, Sao Paulo, from California to New York, winning 360+ First and other awards – most recently: Black & White SPIDER Awards nominee, 21st Julia Margaret Cameron Awards in Abstract and in Architecture categories, Botticelli International Prize in Florence, LA Art Show 2024, 17th Annual Color Awards and soon in Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Art Expos in Basel and Armenian Modern Art Museum in Yerevan.
“A photographer has the whole world big or small to capture.” – kjs
Influences: I am a student of art, architecture, history, literature, film, and music. I have been heavily influenced by so many sources but here I’ve chosen to highlight art and photography influences from Hopper to Cartier-Bresson and from Atget to Cindy Sherman. So many influences on life from cities to nature to music and art. I love color and all its vibrance while I venerate black and white. I embrace all the many influences that have touched my art and my life deeply.