Wish You Were Here

Lynn Sposito was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Spending summer vacations in the upstate region of NY, Lynn found a deep connectedness to nature and her spirituality. It was then that her desire to share that love through art was born. Beneath the canopies of evergreens or sitting in the middle of the lake in the Adirondack Mountains, she painted and penned poetry. As a young mother reading picture books to her children, Lynn was inspired to create her bold technique of Painted Mâché, using hand-painted tissue paper for her unique creations.

Lynn is now located in Central Florida, USA. Her unique style of art has earned her recognition worldwide, receiving Awards of Merit for her art. She has been featured in several spotlight interviews such as Orlando Voyager Magazine and The Healing Power of Art and Artists. Lynn has showcased her artwork worldwide and her piece “Against the Odds” resides in the permanent collection in a private Museum in Athens, Greece.

Channeling energies inherent to life itself, I wish to ignite connections within my viewers through my art. I’m inspired by qualities illustrators engage within the pages of children’s books, captivated with movement & energy evoked through cuts of paper. Inspired, I experimented with the paper’s fragmentations. Through a collage process, art emerges reminiscent of stained glass & mosaics. Using tissue paper & different media, what I call “Painted Mâché” is born. Examining the natural world that binds us together, as the figurative dissolves into abstractions, I distance myself from reality, pushing towards the surreal. I unearth the intangible journeys we embark on, exploring symbolism & visual metaphors, unveiling the dichotomies of existence – love/ pain, night/day, life/death. Tapping into these terrestrial & spiritual energies, as boundless as the universe itself, I evoke emotions that resonate with viewers as individuals, a collective, & humans sharing this planet we call home.

Wishing Flower

Susan Bagrationoff is a professional surrealist whose body of work focuses on mythology and mysterious creatures. Faeries and folklore are the subjects of her creations using the beauty of nature within the Pacific Northwest for realistic reference. She creates her works with copious amounts of modeling paste, multiple layers of acrylic paint in brilliant hues, and metallic mediums to give a magickal ‘vibe’ from her creations.
Susan graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2002 from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. In 2013, Susan started her own art education studio, Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons, which relocated to Kent, WA in 2016. Susan is a member of ARTrails, which is an annual art show that takes place in Centralia, Washington in late September. Since 2023, Susan has displayed works in various exhibitions at Gallery B612 and The Fishbowl in Seattle. In 2024, some of Susan’s works were published in ArtistTalk and Novum Artis magazines. She also exhibits her art through online organizations such as HMVC Gallery New York, Biafarin, and Arteom Gallery.

In a world of so much chaos, an escape into the realm of faeries brings peace and glamour into our dimension. Faeries always hold my fascination when I encounter them within our realm. I utilize the magic within my artistic soul to summon these creatures so that anyone can experience their charm and be inspired to believe in what they cannot see.

My work is conjured onto canvas using copious amounts of modeling paste and acrylic paints with multiple layers of various brushstrokes and the use of palette knife techniques. Brilliant colors and metallic hues are used to enable the faeries to emphasize their `vibe`, inspiring the viewer to discover the essence of these beings. The texture of their skin, hair, and backgrounds are vital to conveying the elemental qualities of each fae. I am perpetually discovering new ways to bring my faeries to life so they can gaze upon us humans as we admire their portraits.

This piece, “Just Venting”, sums up the release of various stressors that have been brought to the world’s attention over the past year.

Woman Of Valor

Marla Jean Clinesmith is a Louisiana-based painter whose work engages the visual and conceptual depth of the ancient Paleo Hebrew pictographic language within a contemporary abstract framework. Her practice examines how early symbolic systems functioned as both image and language — carrying layered meaning through form, structure, and gesture.

Working primarily in acrylic and often incorporating metallic elements, Clinesmith constructs luminous fields of color that serve as both atmosphere and architecture. Ancient letterforms emerge within these layered surfaces, not as illustration, but as structural components that inform composition, tension, and visual rhythm. Her work explores how symbolic language continues to shape perception and spiritual imagination across time.

A two-time recipient of the Denis Diderot Grant for residency at Château Orquevaux in France, Clinesmith also has four paintings in the Château’s permanent collection. Her paintings have been included in regional and national juried exhibitions, including the Adonai Global Art Fund Exhibition, where she was awarded First Place.

Through an ongoing studio practice, Clinesmith continues to investigate the intersection of abstraction, language, and sacred text — creating paintings that invite contemplative engagement while remaining grounded in contemporary painterly concerns.

Creativity rarely emerges in isolation; it is shaped by the influences that quietly form an artist’s way of seeing. My work is profoundly informed by a sustained engagement with the Ancient Hebrew—Paleo Hebrew—pictographic language, a visual system in which each letter functions not merely as text but as image, gesture, and bearer of layered meaning.

These primordial forms offer more than historical intrigue; they preserve a mode of thought in which language and symbol were inseparable. I am drawn to their ability to communicate complex spiritual ideas with striking visual economy, allowing ancient perception to speak into contemporary space.

Biblical texts remain a steady influence in my work, especially those that speak of God’s presence within human life. The ancient pictographs deepen my understanding of these themes, revealing layers of meaning that shape how I build each painting. I do not aim to illustrate scripture, but to express its depth and mystery through the painting itself.

Working primarily in acrylic and frequently incorporating gold leaf or metallic elements, I build layered fields of color that serve as both atmosphere and architecture. Color remains central to my process — a sensibility first awakened through formal study of color theory and continually refined in the studio.

By uniting luminous color with sacred pictographs, I seek to create paintings that operate as contemplative spaces — places where ancient consciousness and contemporary experience meet, inviting viewers into reflection rather than conclusion.

Woman With Hat + Gown

As an artist, I have chosen abstraction as my expressive language, pouring my creative energy into acrylic and mixed media works. My process is a constant evolution, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for all things textural, sculptural, and organic. Drawing and composition remain lifelong companions, informing my exploration of where art and science converge – a beautiful intersection I’m driven to understand.

Having called New England home for most of my artistic journey, the local landscapes and historical contexts have left an indelible mark on my work. At my core, I’m fascinated by the human spirit’s longing for authenticity and what transpires when that authenticity eludes us. While immersed in the act of creation, I often find myself pondering our spiritual kinships as a species.

Art has been my constant companion from the earliest days, though my path was dramatically reshaped when I suffered a traumatic brain injury as a young mother. The long road to recovery required relearning the most fundamental skills – speaking, writing, walking – while simultaneously caring for my two young children. This arduous period necessarily put my professional art practice on indefinite hold for decades. Yet now, having regained my full faculties, I view this experience as a profound “gift” that has enriched my perspective on the world and the human condition.

With a BA in Visual Arts and Art History, complemented by an advanced degree in Art Education, my passion for creative expression has taken me across the globe. From the ancient wonders of Greece and Italy to the artistic meccas of France, I’ve immersed myself in studying art’s vast histories and philosophies. My work has garnered attention in print and television spheres, with critics lauding my abstract ocean-colored paintings as a pioneering new movement.

“Maguire’s swirling, undulating canvases envelop the viewer in a hypnotic aquatic realm, ” praised one critic”. Layer upon layer of blues, greens, and earthy terracottas intermingle, evoking the ever-shifting mysteries of the deep sea. Her mastery of texture and her bold, gestural brushwork create works that are simultaneously serene and tempestuous, tranquil and turbulent.”

Through my art, I strive to capture the essence of the natural world while exploring the depths of the human psyche. It is a lifelong endeavor, one that continually reveals new insights into the wonders that surround us.

I am an abstract painter based in Kittery, Maine. My work explores themes of authenticity, spirituality, and humanity’s connection to nature through expressive brushwork and an intuitive painting process. By abstracting elements from the New England landscape that inspire me, I aim to create works that are emotionally resonant and evoke a sense of the sublime.

My process is very organic and in the moment. I build up layers of paint, scraping some areas away while allowing others to remain, creating a dynamic surface with depth and movement. Paint is allowed to drip, flow, and merge in unplanned ways. This spontaneous method taps into my subconscious and unlocks personal symbology from my own psyche and emotions.

Ultimately, my goal is to communicate universal truths about the human condition and our spiritual relationship to the natural world. My paintings serve as a gateway for viewers to access their own introspection and find their own personal meaning within abstract forms and gestures.

Wonder

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.

Wonderer

I am a first-generation Ecuadorian American artist, born and raised with a passion for creativity. From a young age, I was drawn to the vibrant world of graffiti, a love that not only shaped my artistic vision but also led me to win multiple competitions, including mural contests. In high school, I was honored to be voted “Most Artistic,” an acknowledgment that fueled my desire to pursue art in all its forms.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, I developed a strong foundation in design and structure, which seamlessly blends into my work as both an artist and a third-generation stone mason. I am the owner of Art in Stone Masonry and Design, a company that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind stone works, combining my architectural skills with my family’s craftsmanship traditions.

Painting has always been an integral part of my life. While I’ve explored various styles, my current focus is abstract painting, where I express emotion and energy through color, texture, and form. My art is a reflection of my journey, influenced by my cultural roots, my experiences in the world of

As an avid traveler, my work is deeply influenced by new experiences, unfamiliar landscapes, and fleeting encounters. I am drawn to abstract faces—sometimes inspired by people I meet along the way, but more often, reflections of myself. Each piece becomes a visual diary, capturing emotions, moments, and memories that words cannot fully express.

My process is intuitive and unrestrained. I begin by emptying my mind, allowing color to lead the way. The shades and tones I choose are often those that stood out to me during my travels—vivid hues from a bustling city, muted earth tones from a quiet desert, or the unexpected contrast of light and shadow. Using brushes, spray paint, or scraping techniques, I layer and distort until a face emerges, raw and undefined, yet deeply familiar.

I believe my best work comes when I stop thinking and simply let it flow. In that space of pure instinct, I find truth—not just in the faces I create, but in the connection between movement, memory, and emotion.

Woodland Tapestry # 1

Lindsey McTavish is a Toronto-born artist, currently living and working in The beautiful mountain town of Nelson British Columbia, Canada. Designer, mother, artist & entrepreneur, she is inspired by color & texture, the Canadian landscape, the diversity of the female form & her surrounding environment. Having studied Fibre Arts for 3 years at The Kootenay School of The Arts in Nelson, B.C, followed by 2 years at the Academy of Design in Toronto where she graduated from the Fashion Design program, Lindsey has made a successful career of selling her line of Clothing & Handbags under the namesake label of Lindsey M Collections and is also one of the proud owners of the CRAFT CONNECTION GALLERY in Nelson B.C.

The Gallery is owned and operated by a small group of dynamic female artists & designers, who carefully curate & display an excellent collection of works from over 200 artists and craftspeople from across the country.

You can find Lindsey’s work there year-round, and in other various shows & exhibits throughout the year In Canada as well as in many other International & online exhibits year round.

The following pieces are made by hand felting then quilting (with an industrial sewing machine), un-spun sheep’s wool & silk, Some of the more detailed subjects are needle felted first, and then laid on the background and wet felted together to bind and join the components together.

Wet felting is the process of manipulating sheep’s wool with soap and water and layers until the fibers bind together and become a non-woven “fabric”.

Because of its durability, felting has been used to make many functional items throughout history, such as yurts that are lived in by nomadic Mongolians, rugs, jackets, slippers, hats, etc…

As for my use of it, I am creating 2 dimensional, ”felted tapestries”. In my work, you’ll often see painterly-like scenes that I refer to as Feltscapes – landscapes & scenes that are reminiscent of works by members of the Group of Seven, although I’m also often inspired to work on other subjects that I find myself interested in, such as people, birds, animals, florals & abstracts.

Wuxi Bridge

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.