DESTIG SEATTLE | ANNOUNCING THE BEST OF 2019 | ISSUE 08 / JANUARY 2020
MADRID EUROPE'S ART CAPITAL WWW.ESMADRID.COM
Welcome to
D7 Enjoy the ride
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NYC WELCOMES YOU Find out more: www.nycgo.com
ART> DESTIG.COM <TRAVEL
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DESTIG Table of contents
08 A Question of Murals 12 Welcome to Seattle 32 Design Hot Picks 44 Santa Barbara 52 Queenstown, NZ
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56 Uruguay Art 58 Ca' Del Bosco 60 Paris by Nuit 66 Shiloh Sophia 76 Tim Wilson 84 Brenda J Watson 92 Alex Morales 102 Jane Biven 110 Karin Aggeler
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118 Eleanor Goldstein 128 Nancy S Laughlin 136 Louise Levy 146 Keisha Manijean 154 Nicole Morrish 162 Beatricia Sagar 170 Amir Ehrlich
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178 Raymond Pena
Welcome Welcome to D7. We have assembled an enchanting and energising mix of travel and art for you. We invite you to escape with us for a while - to a place of intense quality, knowledge, reflection and beauty. Our world-class artists provide insights that are thought-provoking and rejuvenating... they open up their souls to us for the sake of preserving art as a healing force. As for travel, Seattle leads the way, followed by Santa Barbara, Queenstown New Zealand and Uruguay. Our Design Hot Picks are simply must-haves. We also explore Beijing's NAMOC, Ca Del Bosco in Italy and the hybrid space that has got Parisians talking. 006
- Mike Walters (Editor)
TRAVEL TO ART D7 Seattle
186 Charles McClinton 194 Arantxa Rodriguez 204 Andrew Riley 212 The Frequent Artist 220 NAMOC Beijing
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224 Philippe Pastor 225 Dinh Cong Dat 226 Lawrence Hamdan 227 Hari & Deepti 228 Alice Miceli 229 Edoardo Tresoldi 230 Caleb Vinson 231 Adel El Siwi 232 Cannupa Luger
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233 Reynier Llanes 234 Astro-Tourism Chile 236 The Skirvin Hotel 237 Wine Country 238 Wuxi, China 239 Oasia Singapore 240 Jim Thompson Art
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Team Mike Walters - Editor in Chief Andrew Martin Davis - Producer Richard Maurice / Paul Martins - Journalists John West - Travel Advertising Alice Carreras - Art & Design Advertising Micah Sayed / Zayne Walters - Interns Victor Sanchez / Jennifer Boothe - Designers
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It's a question of Murals! ART ON THE STREETS OF THE EMERALD CITY
Top Left: West Seattle signal box Photo: Erin Craft Top Right: Mural on Sloop Tavern Photo: Bryan Ochalla Bottom: Seattle mural in Belltown Photo: Alexandra Simon
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Top: Above the Clouds mural at SODO Track Photo: Erin Craft Middle Row Left: Tetris mural by Will Schlough Photo: Erin Craft Middle Row Mid: Hotel Max in downtown Photo: Erin Craft Middle Row Right:Â Cinerama in Belltown Photo: Rudy Willingham Bottom: Richmark Label mural Photo: Erin Craft
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Home Fragrances with the smell of the simplest element of nature - our land. Viktoria Yakusha, during 9 months has been developing it for a modern minimalist house and its owners, who cherish traditions and prefer natural materials. Line of 3 basic home scents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MOCHAR, CVIT and POLYN, released in the form of a diffuser, candle and soap. The packaging is handcrafted of local organic materials and the inspiration for the niche home fragrances comes from the earth - a natural element that gives life to all living things.
WWW.FAINA.DESIGN
ZANZIBAR
...probably the best beaches in the world www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz
YROTS REVOC LEVART GITSED
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WELCOME TO SEATTLE SEATTLE’S ART SCENE IS WHERE YOU CAN DISCOVER THE CITY’S CULTURED, FUN, AND PLAYFUL PERSONALITY.
Overall, Seattle’s arts scene mirrors its inhabitants.
cities in the world—after all, this is the home of music
For every traditionalist, there’s a non-traditionalist;
legends like Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and Pearl Jam.
for every serious piece of art, there’s something to
Dancers, artists, musicians, and writers showcase
make you laugh. What inspires them? Some say it’s
their craft in new and unexpected ways city-wide.
the coffee culture. Others say it’s the weather. It could just be that Seattle is the cultural center of
Seattle Symphony plays the classics and puts
the Northwest, and its citizens are happy to
adventurous twists on famous soundtracks.
celebrate. Whatever it is, there’s no doubt that
Museums, galleries, and public parks shine the
things are fun and a little quirky, too.
YROTS ERUTAEF
Seattle has a reputation as one of the greatest arts
spotlight on treasured artifacts as well as the best in contemporary art. Pacific Northwest Ballet embraces
Treat Yourself to Theater
boundary-pushing choreographers for new dance
Seattle earns its standing ovations with world-class
expressions en pointe. And the city is home to more
theater that will leave you wanting more! Seattle’s
than 100 theater companies, presenting new work
lively theatre scene is second to none. Catch a bold
and classic favorites in captivating productions on
new premiere or an inventive interpretation of the
stage. When you take in all that Seattle’s vibrant arts
classics at Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT or Book-
community offers, you can glimpse the very soul of
It. Be dazzled by a blockbuster Broadway show at
the city.
the historic Paramount or 5th Avenue Theatre.
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If cirque and magic is more your style, don’t miss the unique Teatro ZinZanni experience. Housed in a stunning antique cabaret tent, it has delighted audiences with a fine blend of comedy, cirque and cuisine since 1998. Enjoy All Sorts of Dance A number of recognized dance companies are putting both feet forward in Seattle. Some are producing exquisite renditions of classic pieces, while others are projecting a more modern artistic vision. Pacific Northwest Ballet is widely recognized as one of the country’s premiere regional dance companies. Founded in 1972, it is now delighting audiences under the artistic leadership of Peter Boal, a well-regarded former dancer with a distinguished 22 year career with the New York City Ballet. The sheer brilliance of the choreographers and dancers will captivate you. If you want to put on your own dancing shoes, don’t miss the Century Ballroom. With its elegantly draped balconies and glossy wood floors, it sets the mood to swing or salsa, and for those of us with two left feet, lessons are usually offered before the dance. You can usually find top international and national companies performing at The Paramount Theatre, On the Boards or the UW World Series at Meany Hall, or catch our up-and-coming artists at Cornish College of the Arts. Take in Some Live Music With so many venues that cater to every taste, Seattle is a true mecca for live music. Here’s a small sampling of the most epic places to see your favorite bands: - Neumos – Pronounced “new moe’s,” this club on Capitol Hill has an always-relevant and carefully curated music calendar, outstanding light production, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The showroom features three full service bars, a second floor mezzanine, and a balcony that over looks the stage. Neumos hosts a variety of national and local musicians who play genres across the spectrum. - The Triple Door – Combining world-class entertainment with the award-winning food of Wild Ginger, the Triple Door’s mainstage theater features touring national acts, while the Musicquarium lounge 014
is one of Seattle’s best destinations for happy hour and local music. - The Crocodile – Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of “The Best Clubs in America,” there may be no other spot in the Pacific Northwest with such storied and beloved past, and no other rock and roll venue that has earned its right to occupy the hearts of so many. Countless incredible bands played within their walls, so come check out who’s up next. - The Showbox – With two locations (across from Pike Place Market and in SoDo), the Showbox has Seattle covered. Opened in 1939, this beautiful artdeco gem has been delivering the goods from the Jazz age, through the Grunge Era to the current wave of Seattle exports. From Prince to The Roots to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, the Showbox has the shows you want. - Benaroya Hall – Home of the internationally acclaimed Seattle Symphony, the acoustically superb Benaroya Hall is one of the world’s finest concert halls. Under the leadership of Music Director Ludovic Morlot, the Symphony is heard from September through July, dazzling more than a half-million people each year. - Tractor Tavern – With more than 20 years of diesel music, drinks and dancing, Ballard’s Tractor Tavern delivers the best selection of live local and national alt-country, rockabilly, old-time, folk, blues, and bluegrass bands in town. And square dancing once a month. - Vera Project – Seattle’s “premier” all-ages venue, the Vera Project is a mostly volunteer-run, cathedral-ceilinged hall next to the Seattle Center, which plays host to local hotshots as well as nationally touring acts. - The Royal Room – Located in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, The Royal Room hosts live music seven nights a week. The restaurant and bar has a comfortable neighborhood feel that welcome patrons of all ages and tastes. - Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley – Family owned & operated since 1979, the all-ages Jazz Alley is a legendary live music & dinner club hosting world-renowned jazz and fusion acts from across the globe. 015
UP IN THE AIR While Seattle is known for its natural beauty and the great outdoors, there’s still plenty to discover indoors and high as well! Head upwards and check out these highlights.
Space Needle The undisputed icon of Seattle, the Space Needle soars 605 feet in the air. Take the 43-second elevator ride to the outdoor observation deck, where you’ll be at the perfect vantage point to plan where to go next. Recently transformed. Totally transforming. Two viewing levels with floor-to-forever glass and the world’s first revolving glass floor clearly show off more Seattle than ever before. Smith Tower Before the Space Needle came to town, the Smith Tower was the tallest building in the city, and even the tallest building west of the Mississippi for many years. Its observatory offers picture-perfect vistas, along with Prohibition-era craft cocktails and a legendary Wishing Chair. Sky View Observatory The tallest observatory of all is located inside the sleek Columbia Center. Head to the 73rd floor, where you’ll be treated to 360-degree views that include the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Elliott Bay, and all of Seattle’s skyline.
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DESTIG DOES SEATLE
MUSEUMS
Exhibitions are on year-round. Olympic Sculpture Park – Experience a variety of sculpture in an outdoor setting while enjoying the incredible views and beauty of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Admission is free. Henry Art Gallery – A museum of contemporary art and ideas and known for taking risks and for allowing space for uncertain outcomes, the Henry presents provocative exhibitions by a multi-national roster of emerging and mid-career artists.
CHECK OUT AN ART MUSEUM Seattle’s excellent art museums allow you to access exhibits of every kind. Check out any of the below museums for an expansive experience:
Seattle Art Museum – Just one block from Pike Place Market, light-filled galleries invite you to wander through global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world. Visitors from out of town especially enjoy the remarkable Native American galleries featuring Northwest Coast art. Frye Art Museum – Located on First Hill, the always-free Frye Art Museum opened as the legacy of Charles and Emma Frye, prominent early-twentieth century Seattle business leaders and art collectors. With its marvelous Founding Collection and constantly changing featured exhibits, the Frye is a powerful revelation and often the most exciting contemporary art museum in Seattle.
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CREATIVES
WHAT DO THESE LEADING LOCAL CREATIVES THINK ABOUT SEATTLE? What are some great literary places? "I’ve lived in a lot of cities, and Seattle has a very strong book culture. Open Books is one of the only poetry bookstores in the nation, so that’s a must for poetry fans. Elliott Bay Books, of course. Secret Garden Books, in Ballard, has a great kids selection. Also, Kinokuniya, the bookstore next to Uwajimaya grocery, has an incredible collection of Asian literature and J-pop magazines. And Fantagraphics, for graphic novels." - Shin Yu Pai. (Poet, artist, events curator). Seattle has a rich history in glass art. Where can visitors see some of the best? "Traver Gallery and Vetri specialize in some of the finest artists working in glass. Foster White also features talented glass artists. Pilchuck Glass School has a great exhibition space in Pioneer Square, featuring work by artists associated with its Stanwood campus. Good places to watch glassblowing include the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Seattle Glass-blowing Studio in Belltown, Totally Blown Glassworks in Georgetown and Chihuly Garden and Glass, which features onsite glassblowing November to May. The artistically inclined can take a custom four-hour glassblowing class at Pratt Fine Arts Center—where some of our best teaching artists work." - Paula Stokes (Gallerist, glass artist) What makes dance a natural fit for Seattle? "Movement is a year-round pursuit here. It’s a big part of life. I walk to work at least once a week. People do yoga at Chihuly Garden and Glass. From the highway you can see people on the REI climbing tower. We’re staging performances amid the art at the Olympic Sculpture Park— incorporating dance into the turf of Seattle. And when the sun comes out people drop everything to get outdoors. I love this city. It really feels like my home." - Peter Boal (Artistic Director, Pacific Northwest Ballet) 020
Any cultural institutions you recommend?
Your plays are often immigrant stories. How does that
"The Wing Luke Museum—as an Asian person, to walk among
fit with living in Seattle?
the actual rooms of people who lived in the boarding house
"Seattle wasn’t established until the 1850s—that’s nothing!
there… wow. But the best way to experience culture is to get
Unless you’re Native American, everybody here basically just
out and support small businesses in the neighborhoods.
got here. Immigrants like me have a sense of being on the
Take Light Rail to Columbia City, in the zip code where more
edge. So it makes sense to venture here, to the edge of the
than 50 languages are spoken! Try Banh Mi in Little Saigon,
continent."
Filipino sweet breads, Indian food, Ethiopian food, Caribbean,
- Yussef El Guindi (Playwright, writer).
Mongolian hotpot. When I think about food I think about community."
What gets you excited as an artist?
- Sara Porkalob (Performance artist, activist, curator).
"I’m a junkie for the colossal. Like Mount Rainier! I’m such a fan of big installations—like John Grade’s huge tree installed
What are some of your favorite Seattle murals? "We’re
in the SAM lobby—because they put me in my place. They put
spoiled—there’s a robust mural culture here. The historic
humanity in its place. Mad Art Studio has wonderful, big
mural at Colman Pool in Lincoln Park is a good example of
installations. Echo, the giant head at the Olympic Sculpture
traditional style (Also: is there a more beautiful public pool in
Park, is amazing. Bainbridge Art Museum, which you can
the world?). I love the heron mural in the parking lot at 20th
walk to from the ferry, always fills its big front window with
and Jackson, the girl planting ginger root on Beacon Hill, and
huge pieces. And one of my favorite places is the Porcelain
the sci-fi scene above Cinerama."
Room at SAM. It’s floor to ceiling! I love being overwhelmed
- Kristen Ramirez (Artist, arts administrator).
by art. We should all be overwhelmed." - Marita Dingus (Mixed media sculptor).
Any hidden gems you recommend? "The Georgian restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel is a treasure.
What do you wish people knew about Seattle?
It’s so not Seattle—it’s fancy looking. But the lunches are
"I want people to know that the native art of Seattle area
reasonable and it always feels like a special occasion.
is Coast Salish. It’s distinct from Northwest Coast peoples,
Also: Café Mox in Ballard. It’s attached to a board game
who stretch from Northern California to Alaska.
store [Card Kingdom], so you can borrow a game and bring it
Traditionally, Coast Salish art was utilitarian, carved into
over to play. And I love going to the Pretty Parlor vintage
things people actually used. That’s why our art is on phone
clothing store—it feels like I’ve been swallowed by a
cases and tote bags. It’s more accurate."
bubblegum monster."
- Louie Gong (Artist, entrepreneur).
- Wes Hurley (Filmmaker, writer). What’s it like waking up early to host your 6AM Show? You’ve lived in other cities. How does Seattle compare?
"This is the most beautiful city in the world, and on my drive
"Seattle is a special place—it’s the only place I feel like I can be
in to work, I get to see it in a way almost no one else does.
part of a city and surrounded by nature without even thinking
There’s no traffic, no distractions. I drive by the stadiums,
about it. There are great things happening here, and an
the Great Wheel, the waterfront. I see the mountains, the
especially strong push to support emerging artists."
ferries, the water—it’s inspiring."
Jade Solomon Curtis (Choreographer, dance artist).
- John Richards (DJ, Morning Show on KEXP 90.3 FM) 021
SEATTLE IS TOP FOR OUTDOORS Seattle isn’t nicknamed the Emerald City by accident — the greenery here is something to behold year-round. There’s no shortage of ways to get out and explore in this nature-filled mecca. Dig in and see why people from all walks of life – locals and visitors, artists and innovators, explorers and dreamers – are inspired by the urban natural spaces of Seattle.
Discovery Park: This 534-acre city
just as enjoyable for casual day hikers
Burke-Gilman Trail: Winding 27 miles
park in Magnolia feels like true
traveling at a leisurely pace.
through many of Seattle’s notable
wilderness, with meadows, beaches,
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northern neighborhoods—such as
bluffs, mountain views, and tall trees.
Mount Rainier: Make a day trip to
Ballard, Fremont, and the University
Stroll the nearly 12 miles of walking
Mount Rainier, the icon looming on the
District—the Burke-Gilman Trail is a
trails, or visit the West Point
horizon. It’s a 2.5-hour drive to the
cyclist’s delight, offering uninterrupted
Lighthouse for a postcard-worthy
active volcano, with many tour
pedaling past spectacular scenery
photo op.
operators offering guided tours. The Paradise visitor area is a great
Seattle Cycling Tours: The signature
Mount Si: One of the most popular
place to start, with trail-heads that are
offering at Seattle Cycling Tours is a
hikes in the area, Mount Si is a great
both beginner-friendly and suited for
2.5-hour intro to the city on two
place to gain some elevation—3,150
expert climbers. Take in the alpine
wheels, hitting highlights like Pioneer
feet of it, to be exact. You’ll see plenty
meadows abloom with wildflowers in
Square, South Lake Union, and Seattle
of people with loaded packs training
the summer, or embark on a snowshoe
Center. Try Georgetown, Bainbridge
for summits like Mount Rainier, but it’s
excursion in winter.
Island, or Alki/ SoDo itineraries.
Seattle to Portland (STP): A Northwest rite of passage since 1979, the STP riding event takes bikers all the way from Seattle’s University of Washington campus to Portland’s Holladay Park. Most of the 10,000 or so participants spend two days traversing the 200 miles, but the truly ambitious can complete it in one. Washington State Ferries: Hop aboard the largest fleet of ferries in the United States for a super-convenient (and beautiful) way to get out on the water. From downtown Seattle, head to Bainbridge Island (35 minutes away) or Bremerton (60 minutes away), both of which have attractions within walking distance of the docks. Let’s Go Sailing: Trim the sails or sit back and relax. Let’s Go Sailing makes getting out on the water fun and easy for anyone. Bring your own food and beverage and sit back as our highly skilled crew do all the work. But don’t be afraid to ask the captain to try your hand on the helm. Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club: After renting a kayak and exploring the floating homes of Portage Bay, the lily pads of the Washington Park Arboretum, or the unique architecture of Gas Works Park, paddle back to Agua Verde and refuel with nachos and a margarita. Argosy Cruises: You’ll see a little bit of everything on the narrated Locks Cruise from Argosy Cruises, which starts in Elliott Bay and ends in Lake Union. Along the way, the ship passes through the Ballard Locks, which raise and lower to allow passage of vessels from salt water to freshwater. Alpine Adventures: Prefer something a bit more fast-paced? Alpine Adventures leads guided whitewater rafting trips & scenic floats throughout the Cascades. Grab a paddle and explore beyond city limits. 023
Stevens Pass: When winter hits, the skis and
Ballooning’s beautiful hot air balloons. Book a semi-
snowboards come out at Stevens Pass. Located a two-
private or private flight depending upon the occasion
hour drive north of Seattle, this resort features 52
and they’ll take you on an upscale experience you’ll
named runs and 1,800 vertical feet on its two
never forget. The end of the flight is celebrated in
different mountains. Added bonus: Stevens Pass
traditional French style: with a champagne toast,
offers night skiing so you can catch some powder
fresh-baked croissants, triple-cream brie, and organic
under the stars.
strawberries.
Crystal Mountain Resort: Crystal is the largest ski and
Kenmore Air: For a look at the city that can’t be beat,
snowboard resort in the state, but even if you’re not
catch a flight on a floatplane with Kenmore Air. Their
planning to go downhill, you can still have a ball here.
20-minute tours take off from Lake Union and offer
Just board the Mt. Rainier Gondola and take a 12-
views of the stately University of Washington campus,
minute ride more than 2,000 feet up, where you’ll find
famous Space Needle, downtown skyline, and
enviable views and the highest-elevation restaurant in
magnificent lakeside estates before landing gently
the state.
back onto the water.
Summit at Snoqualmie: There’s winter fun to be had
Atomic Helicopters: Hop into a helicopter and cruise
for the whole family at the Summit at Snoqualmie,
above Seattle’s signature landmarks, including the
where you can take group lessons on some of the best
skyline, Space Needle, sports stadiums, marinas and
beginner terrain, ski the back bowls of Alpental, or
more with Atomic Helicopters. And if you want to get
tube down a 550-foot-long hill.
away from the heart of Seattle, Atomic Helicopters offers a special, 40-minute flight to see the
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Seattle Ballooning: Get a birds-eye view of downtown
breathtaking 268ft waterfalls of Snoqualmie Falls,
Seattle and Mt. Rainier from aboard one of Seattle
made famous from TV’s Twin Peaks.
HERITAGE
GLOBAL CULTURES COME TOGETHER IN THE EMERALD CITY. Discover the lasting legacies of the region’s first peoples at historic longhouses and Native experiences. Explore the community’s significant Asian influences in the Chinatown–International District. Learn about Seattle’s Scandinavian settlers in the Ballard neighborhood. And glimpse Northwest Latino and African American communities at vibrant area museums and annual festivals. SEATTLE IS INDIAN COUNTRY. The city is named for a hereditary chief of the Suquamish and Duwamish people, and many of our communities and landscape features have Indian names from the Lushootseed, or Puget Sound Salish, language. A cultural revival is taking place in Native communities, based on renewing such traditions as canoe carving, preparation of traditional foods, and the revitalization of Lushootseed as a spoken language. The totem pole, the most visible example of Native artwork in Seattle, actually comes from Southeast Alaska and British Columbia. Ever since the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897, Seattle has had close ties to the Northwest Coast, and monumental works from that region can be seen in Pioneer Square, at Victor Steinbrueck Park, and other locations around the city. Coast Salish artwork, the traditional style of the Puget Sound region, features subtle and personal designs. Local traditions include carved objects such as house posts, twined baskets made from pounded cedar bark, woven blankets, and other items both functional and decorative. Contemporary native artists are drawing on traditional styles and incorporating new materials such as glass and metal to create work that is increasingly visible. You can see traditional and contemporary artwork at 025
Burke Museum* and Seattle Art Museum, as well as at Stonington Gallery and Steinbrueck Native Gallery, and in public art installations around the region. The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, a cedar post and beam structure opened in 2009, was the first new tribal longhouse constructed in Seattle in more than 150 years. Regional tribal cultural facilities include the Suquamish Museum and the Tulalip Tribes’ Hibulb Cultural Center. Annual special events including the Seafair Indian Days Pow Wow (July), Canoe Journey (July and August) and Chief Seattle Days (August) celebrate the resilience of Native cultures. Asian Pacific Americans have played prominent roles in Seattle history from the beginning of the city’s settlement. Chinese pioneers first arrived in the 1860s and established a Chinese quarter near the waterfront. Japanese pioneers worked in lumber camps and farms starting in the 1880s, and a distinct Nihonmachi, or Japantown, grew north of Chinatown around S Main Street and Sixth Avenue S. Pacific Islanders and Filipinos helped create a complex multi-ethnic urban neighborhood now known as the International District, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Dragons perch on light posts, ornamental balconies grace the upper floors of Chinese family association buildings, and stone lanterns and tiled pagodas anchor community parks and gardens in this historic neighborhood that community activists have fought to preserve. Since the 1960s, Seattle has become home to Korean, Vietnamese, and other South and Southeast Asian immigrants, and the neighborhood just east of the International District is now known as Little Saigon. This fusion of Pacific Rim cultures gives the region a truly unique flavor and aesthetic. The influence of Asian cultural traditions can be seen everywhere in Seattle – in architecture, garden design, regional cuisine, and the arts. January or February 026
brings the Lunar New Year Celebration to the International District, while Dragon Fest, Bon Odori, and the Chinatown Seafair Parade all happen in June & July. Film festivals highlight Asian and South Asian cinema, and community festivals at Seattle Center celebrate Tibetan, Hawaiian, Hmong, and many other cultural traditions. The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience offers exhibits and programs interpreting these diverse communities, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park houses one of the nation’s premier collections of Japanese, Korean and Chinese art. (Please note: the Seattle Asian Art Museum was closed for renovation from February 2017 and will re-open in early 2020.) The National Historic Landmark Panama Hotel & Tea House provides a unique glimpse into Seattle’s Japanese American history, while Kubota Garden, the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum, and the Chinese Garden at South Seattle College all offer opportunities to enjoy landscapes inspired by a variety of design traditions. African American heritage in Washington goes back to the territorial era, with the arrival of Black pioneers who settled in both rural and urban areas. In 1845, George W. and Isabella James Bush and their five sons left Missouri and settled in south Puget Sound in an area now known as Bush Prairie. From the late nineteenth century, two distinct African American neighborhoods developed in Seattle, in the East Madison area and the Yesler–Jackson area, and these eventually grew together to form the Central District or Central Area. The recently designated Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District celebrates and preserves the heritage of this community through the work of Black businesses, arts, and cultural groups. World War II brought a tremendous increase in the region’s African American population from those recruited to work in defense industries. Seattle’s jazz music scene flourished, and the Civil Rights era brought hard-won achievements for the Black community. In recent years, immigrants from many African nations have established vibrant businesses and community organizations in neighborhoods such as First Hill and Southeast Seattle. 027
The Northwest African American Museum explores
workers have played an important role in agricultural
the history, culture and art of African Americans in the
production throughout the state up to the present
Pacific Northwest. Arts institutions celebrate the
day. Following World War II, many rural Latino
work of educator Thelma Dewitty, poet Langston
families migrated to the Puget Sound region, seeking
Hughes, painter Jacob Lawrence, sculptor James
employment in Seattle’s booming post-war economy.
Washington, and playwright August Wilson.
The Civil Rights Era or El Movimiento brought widespread activism in the Latino community,
The legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and
including community arts projects.
musician Jimi Hendrix, along with many community leaders, are honored in parks throughout the city.
Political turbulence in Central and South America in the 1970s and 80s brought immigrants to Seattle from
Cultural events such as Festival Sundiata (June),
Guatemala, El Salvador, Chile, Nicaragua and other
Umoja Fest (August), and Earshot Jazz Festival (Oct-
countries. According to the 2010 census, more than
Nov) celebrate African American history, music, film,
10% of Washington’s population are persons of
dance, and theatre.
Hispanic or Latino origin, the largest minority group in the state.
Spanish and Mexican explorers made numerous expeditions to the Pacific Northwest beginning in
The community of South Park is home to many
1774, calling the region Nueva Galicia after Spain’s
Mexican and other Latino restaurants, markets and
rugged northwest coast. The first European
businesses, and the neighborhood’s annual Fiestas
settlement in the state was established among the
Patrias parade (September) brings the community
Makah Tribe at Neah Bay, called Fort Nuñez Gaona.
together for music, dance, and other festival traditions.
The Pacific Northwest legacy of Spanish exploration, cartography and scientific discovery has long been
El Centro de la Raza on Beacon Hill is a vibrant
overshadowed by British and American expeditions,
community center providing multi-ethnic social
but many place names that are still in use today
services, educational and cultural programs. Annual
commemorate Spanish exploration, including the San
events include Cinco de Mayo and Dia de
Juan Islands, Port Angeles, Fidalgo Island, Camano
Muertos celebrations.
Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Latino arts organizations offer exhibits and
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East of the Cascade Mountains, Mexican vaqueros, or
performances at a variety of Seattle venues in
cowboys, contributed to the development of cattle
celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (mid-
ranching in the 19th century, and Mexican farm
September to mid-October) and throughout the year.
Immigrants from Nordic countries – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland – settled in large numbers in the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century, drawn to a landscape of saltwater fjords, farmland, forests and mountains that reminded them of home. By 1910, Scandinavians were the largest ethnic group in Washington State, comprising over 30 percent of the foreign-born population. Many Nordic immigrants worked as fishermen and in canneries, as loggers and in mills, and as farmers, miners and boatbuilders. While Scandinavians settled throughout the Puget Sound region, Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood is most closely associated with Nordic heritage. Now housed in a stunning new building (opened in May 2018), Ballard’s Nordic Museum is the largest museum in the U.S. that represents the cultural heritage of all five Nordic countries. Nordic fishermen rallied the Port of Seattle in 1914 to establish Fishermen’s Terminal, now home to one of the world’s largest fleets of fishing vessels. Annual special events draw on a variety of Nordic traditions. The Syttende Mai Norwegian Constitution Day celebration (May 17) has one of the largest parades outside of Norway. Skandia Midsommarfest (June) features traditional music and dancing, and the raising of a garlanded Midsommar pole. Viking Days (July) includes craft demonstrations, Viking re-enactments, and traditional foods. Saint Lucia’s Day (December) and other Yuletide celebrations mark the season of short days and long nights with candlelight and choral music. Website: www.visitseattle.org 029
MYKONOS YOUR PERFECT PARADISE Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. On Mykonos celebrities, college students and families mingle together to celebrate the Greek summer. Whether you are an entertainment junkie out for a real good time, or a visitor who wishes to explore the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and tradition, Mykonos will certainly meet your expectations. W W W . V I S I T G R E E C E . G R
DESIGN
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HOT PICKS
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WOODHI - WOODEN POSTCARDS Our cards are made of maple, a wood essence carefully chosen for its technical and aesthetic qualities. It is a common species naturally present in most continents and is not affected by deforestation. It takes a 20-year old maple tree for us to produce about 90 000 cards. Each time we sell this amount of cards, we replant a young maple in our Jura forest. Our cards can be mailed with a standard stamp (normal postage) and are compatible with all automated machines of your national Post offices. We collaborate with French and international artists selected for their originality and their ability to adapt harmoniously to our format. The collections are eclectic, the styles varied and the whole is very different.
www.woodhi.fr 033
ALEX BROKAMP - PEAPOD LIGHT "This piece is a product of observation. While visiting Chicago one winter I noticed several Peapod food delivery trucks. This is what is responsible for the design of the Peapod Light, which takes its name from a snap pea. The final form is a cleaner, more geometrical version of the original peapod. The shade was produced with metal spinners and fabricators in Ohio." Alex Brokamp is inspired by the Maya Angelou quote "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." When he is designing new pieces his goal is to instill a meaningful connection between object and consumer that searches for a balance between physical and emotional attraction to an object.
www.alexbrokamp.com 034
ROSIE LI - BLOSSOM CHANDELIER Hand-hewn elements are paired with machined parts to form lighting works that embody organic growth, levity and movement. Blossom explores branching forms and hammered brass leaves, layered around oblong milk glass buds. Founded in New York, Rosie Li Studio is a lighting design practice formed by designer Rosie Li and engineer Philip Watkins. The duo forgoes traditional lamp design for building systems driven by science and mathematics, constructing fixtures using modular parts with a focus on simple geometry and pared-down forms. This adaptability allows light fixtures to achieve a sculptural quality by consciously responding to their environments and seamlessly integrating into the surrounding space.
www.rosieli.com 035
ISABELLE GOUGENHEIM - SCARVES By merging abstractionism with real imagery, Gougenheim creates eyecatching scarves with electric colors and images – free-spirited creations, inspired by street photography and graffiti, that will transport the viewer to faraway places. A French designer living in Chicago, Isabelle Gougenheim uses scarves as an authentic medium to express her creativity. Each scarf is a canvas with a travel story; a marriage fuelled by her passion for art and innate love for scarves. “The scarves accentuate any outfit for any occasion”, she says. “It is true that they are the epitome of the classic chic Parisian style. But the abstract designs are an all-knowing nod to how we live now.”
www.isabellegougenheimdesigns.com 036
SILKEBORG ULDSPINDERI - WOOL "For three generations, our focus has been on working with wool: from the raw fibre to the finished product, whilst retaining focus on good raw materials, excellent processing and high quality. Silkeborg Uldspinderi was established in 1987, but our know-how with regard to the material goes all the way back to the 1940s. The raw wool has always been the focal point for us, whilst the fascination of wool as a unique natural material has remained intact over the years. We have kept up with developments in raw material and expertise throughout the world and have established our own offices in Peru and Lithuania, where manufacturing also takes place. The alpaca lives in Peru, whilst in Lithuania professional competencies with regard to textiles has been developed to high level of expertise."
www.silkeborg-uld.com 037
SMOLL - SELF ASSEMBLED BAGS Just a little damage can let an ordinary bag to become out of use, since the designers may miss considering the repairing and recycling details as a key point of their products. These situations often turn precious bags into expensive pieces of garbage, also causing environmental problems at the same time. "The concept of Studio Smollâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products is to let our customers enjoy the process of self-assembling leather goods while feeling the great texture of natural vegetable tanned leather while you doing it. The assembly process only passes through a patented slit structure. With the use of this cleverly designed slit, tools and courses are no longer needed to create a leather made bag. Not to mention needles, adhesive, nor any chemical that may come up in your mind."
www.studiosmoll.com 038
ATHENA JAHANTIGH - SCULPTURE "The animal sculptures of Athena Jahantigh, who has resided in France since 2003, transport us back to an immense iconographic heritage, creating an inspirational and nostalgic bond with her native Iran, and marries to perfection her other great creative source of rock painting. The results are these little marvels of hieratic and callipygous animals with strong and sensual forms, and a particularly modern sculptural presence. These are thoroughly contemporary pieces, yet deeply rooted in an ancient culture !" - Niegel Atkins The sculptures are made of sandstone or porcelain. They carry on their arched backs an immense iconographic heritage linking them to the parietal art of Persia, an inspiration both affective and nostalgic, but which marries to perfection with cave painting.
www.athenajahan.com 039
SKLO - GLASS SCULPTURE OBJECTS There is an undeniable primal power in the craft of glassblowing. It is at once completely elemental and brutal in its simplicity; magnificent heat used to make molten the very stuff of the earth. At the same time, it is magical; effortless manipulation of liquid glass by the masters of the craft, making use of centuries of skill passed down through the generations. Czech glassblowing is one of the great historical craft traditions of our world. The unrivaled quality of Czech glass is a reflection of the long history and tradition behind it. “Sklo” is the Czech word for “glass. The heart of all the SkLO collections, and of all the work we do, is hand blown Czech glass. SkLO:OBJECT is our collection of accessories, vessels, sculptures and wallpieces made from hand blown Czech glass."
www.sklo.com 040
FEELGOOD DESIGNS - NYORD "Feelgood Designs was established in 2001 in Melbourne, Australia. With a focus on natural materials, innovative design and quality, our furniture helps to create warm, human-oriented ‘feelgood’ living environments. Through collabs with selected designers we endeavour to provide enduring furniture solutions that combine the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern day manufacturing and high quality materials. What goes into making a piece of furniture feel good? It’s the carefully selected materials that feel good to touch and add warmth to a room. It’s the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to every detail that entices you to run your hand along a beautifully crafted surface. It’s the enduring quality of our designs that keeps them contemporary."
www.feelgooddesigns.com 041
SYURO - DINING WARE "We are SyuRo, from Japan! Specializing in design, SyuRo takes pride in delivering Japanese tradition and artisans’ skills, as daily goods and items suiting modern needs. Better than artsy or cool, our products are exquisite and warm. They’re things you would want to use yourself or to give to someone close to you. Our products appeal to all of the senses. At SyuRo, we cherish exploring the old to understand the NOW. Kindness and reliability: We hope to convey these impressions in lifestyle design. “Monozukuri — stories to tell — reflects our thinking. Ordinary and natural, modest ideas with really big spirit — Good products, like good ideas, take time. We prefer steady progress rather than speed for speed’s sake!"
www.syuro-online.shop-pro.jp 042
TRAVEL TO ART WITH DESTIG
SANTA BARBARA WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN RIVIERA
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THERE’S BEAUTIFUL… AND THERE’S SANTA BARBARA
There are seaside escapes. Then there’s
drop your bags and go for a dip in
a gentle crescent of California coast
moderate temperature waters. Fancy
connecting breathtaking beaches,
something a bit sportier? Head out
soaring mountains, verdant vineyards,
toward the Santa Barbara Channel on
elevated enclaves and friendly, eclectic
a stand-up paddleboard or kayak.
communities. Where the sea and the mountains feel as one, the sun feels
Across the harbor, visit Stearns Wharf,
more golden, and the valleys overflow
where you can go wine tasting in the
with a bounty of color.
only wine bar that sits over the ocean where you might just catch a glimpse of
Santa Barbara is located 92 miles north
dolphins playing in the water. Wander
of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of
the streets of uptown and downtown
San Francisco, spanning 100 miles of
Santa Barbara, where you’ll find
pristine California coastline. Considered
boutiques, trusted name-brand stores,
the northernmost point of Southern
locally owned restaurants and cafés,
California and located on the Central
and a generous dose of culture.
Coast, Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera® thanks to its Spanish
Stroll through one of California’s oldest
Colonial Revival architecture, rich
outdoor arcades, Paseo de la Guerra.
heritage, world-renowned food-and-
Spend a day of refinement in art
wine scene, stunning natural beauty and
museums and galleries. Discover the
near-perfect weather.
incredibly rich history of the Presidio Neighborhood and visit one of Santa
Consider yourself warned — Santa
Barbara’s oldest original homes in Casa
Barbara has wanderlust written all over
de la Guerra.
it. And once you set foot in this fair city, you’ll want to come back again and
At night, be entertained under the stars
again. Enjoy Santa Barbara’s year-
with a concert performance at the Santa
round, Mediterranean-style weather on
Barbara Bowl, located right at the base
sandy beaches. Follow the bike path
of The American Riviera® or catch a live
that parallels the ocean and stretches
theater show at the Ensemble Theatre
from one beach to the next. And when
Company at New Vic. Visit The Funk
you’ve found the perfect landing spot,
Zone, a storied area located between
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> OLD MISSION > FUNKZONE > > COURTHOUSE INTERIOR
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> ANGEL OAK RESTAURANT > RIVER BENCH VINEYARD 047
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> LULULEMON ARTWALL > ARROYO HONDO BEACH
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SANTA BARBARA'S ARTS & CULTURE SCENE
the Pacific Ocean and Highway 101 that
revealing a new, expanded, multi-
is home to artisanal restaurants, wine-
floor wing in summer 2020, which will
tasting rooms, award-winning craft
house photography, Asian art and other
breweries, distilleries in renovated
exhibits. To open the new wing, the
warehouses, and tucked-away galleries.
museum will host an exhibit on van
This area also serves as the epicenter of
Gogh and his influences,"Through
the Urban Wine Trail — a self-guided
Vincent's Eyes," in October 2020, and
trail of 20+ tasting rooms pouring Santa
arts and performing arts organizations
Barbara County wines, which makes
throughout Santa Barbara will be
getting to know this world-renowned
putting on van Gogh-themed events.
wine country fun and easy. If you’re looking for an artsy hotel, From foodie joints in The Funk Zone to
Indigo www.indigosantabarbara.com
historic streets in the Presidio to
has a small gallery with rotating art and
irresistible storefronts on State Street,
is currently collaborating with an arts
explore Santa Barbara’s beautiful,
foundation in Ojai. Another hotel with a
eclectic neighborhoods and get ready to
fantastic art collection is the bohemian
be wowed.
and beachy Kimpton Goodland Hotel in Goleta. www.thegoodland.com
SANTA BARBARA’S ARTS & CULTURE SCENE:
Besides annual arts events and festivals,
Few cities of Santa Barbara’s size can
Santa Barbara offers time-tested
match the quality and diversity of its
standbys: monthly 1st Thursdays, when
artistic and cultural offerings, which
galleries extend their hours and
include some 50 museums and galleries
downtown streets become outdoor
and a wide range of performance
stages, and Sundays year-round, when
venues hosting world-class theater
Cabrillo Boulevard transforms into a
groups, opera and dance companies,
seaside celebration of local arts and
chamber orchestras, a symphony
crafts during the Santa Barbara Arts &
orchestra and more.
Crafts Show.
After a multi-million renovation, the
Discover more about Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Museum of Art is
www.santabarbaraca.com
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> CHROMATIC GATE > STREET PAINTING
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TWO WORLD-CLASS, RENOWNED ARTISTS FROM SANTA BARBARA
KARIN AGGELER
SHILOH SOPHIA
"Art has always been an important part in my life.
Shiloh Sophia lives life as a great adventure!
Growing up I spent much of my time drawing and
A renaissance woman who communicates her
painting. After moving to Santa Barbara from Munich,
philosophy through paintings, poetry, teachings and
Germany, in 1963, I developed a career in ceramics.
entrepreneurship.
As a professional potter, I sold my work to shops and
For 25 years she has dedicated her soul-work to the
galleries throughout the US , Canada and Europe.
study and practice of creativity as a path of healing
When Braille Institute opened their facility here, I
which provides access to consciousness. As a curator
coordinated the Arts and Crafts Program and taught
and gallery owner, she has represented her own work,
ceramics there, in addition to my own studio work.
as well as hundreds of women artists. By the age of 40 she achieved incredible success through being in the
After a rewarding career of over thirty years in
top ten percent of sales for contemporary artists in the
ceramics, I found myself returning to my first love,
U.S. Her prolific intuitive painting process led to a
Painting. This medium opened up more exciting ways
desire to teach and provided the foundation for the
of artistic expression for me. I often return to the world
groundbreaking work on how Intentional Creativity®
of my childhood, the mountains and valleys of Bavaria,
can give voice to the soul.
having been formed by the colors, relationships and shapes of the landscape in southern Germany.
Her method of ‘creating with mindfulness’ has reached tens of thousands of students who have gained insight
Today I continue to be inspired by textures, colors and
into the hidden self. Her work is taught widely, at the
shapes, and these find abstract expression on my
University in MA and Phd programs, the United
canvas. While my art comes from my own moods and
Nations CSW, and by hundreds of Certified Teachers
emotions, I aspire to create works that join the viewer
and Coaches. At the core of her work is a belief that the
in a dynamic, continuous conversation. I aim to create
right to self express is one of the most basic human
vibrant paintings, open and abstract enough to
rights – “We have a right to know how to access what
embrace the visions and experiences of the viewer."
we think, feel, believe and to express it in our lives”.
www.karinaggeler.com
www.shilohsophiastudios.com
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QUEENS TOWN The Natural Capital of the World
Image: 'Spirit of the Mountainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; painting by Tim Wilson 052
Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now
"Queenstown was carved out of the land by glaciers, rivers and lakes, but it has been shaped by innovative adventurers and entrepreneurs drawn to the region from all over the world to make this place home."
cosmopolitan town its name. Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. It has also become a renowned cycling destination, providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking. Queenstown was carved out of the land by glaciers, rivers and lakes, but it has been shaped by innovative adventurers and entrepreneurs drawn to the region from all over the world to make this place home. 053
IF YOU’ RE A LORD OF THE RINGS FAN YOU’'LL RECOGNISE MANY MIDDLE‐EARTH™ LOCATIONS HERE. If hardcore adventure isn't your thing, there are
number one destination in the Travellers’ Choice
plenty of mellow options available. Experience one of
Destinations by TripAdvisor as well as the second best
the many walking and hiking trails, sightseeing tours
destination in the South Pacific.
or indulge yourself with spa treatments, boutique shopping and excellent food and wine.
Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the Central Otago landscape unfolds around you. If you’re a Lord
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A popular holiday spot at any time of the year,
of the Rings fan you’ll recognise many Middle‑earth™
Queenstown is renowned for its four distinctive
locations here. Nearby Arrowtown’s gold-mining
seasons. Winter brings crisp, blue-sky days, spring
history is alive and vibrant; visit the Lakes District
retains the snow but blooms into longer, warmer
Museum or go gold panning. At the northern tip of
days, summer offers sunshine and long twilights, and
Lake Wakatipu is rural Glenorchy and Paradise Valley.
autumn a burst of brilliant red and gold. Queenstown
From here it’s a short drive into the Mt Aspiring
is rated internationally as one of the world’s top
National Park and the start of some of New Zealand’s
holiday destinations and was named New Zealand’s
great walks.
QUEENSTOWN AND THE SOUTHERN LAKES REGION HAVE A RICH HERITAGE. Venture off road or into the bush to learn about the region's astounding natural heritage, or explore the old farm homesteads and historic gold mining villages for a peek into early settler life. There are also numerous heritage walks to be had in and around Queenstown, exploring the unforgettable natural scenery that forms the backbone to this region's fascinating history. You can delve into the incredible pioneering background of the Southern Lakes at the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown —a globally recognised collection of facts, titbits and items from region’s European and Chinese settlers. Queenstown also has a rich Maori heritage—in Maori mythology Lake Wakatipu itself was formed when the indentation left by a sleeping giant was flooded. Members of South Island tribes ventured into the Wakatipu Basin in search of food and New Zealand’s precious pounamu (jade), long before the first European settlers arrived. You can explore this heritage with dinner and a cultural show or with a visit to one of the many stores selling pounamu. Back to more modern times, Queenstown is home to some extremely talented musicians, actors, dancers and artists. Browse and purchase exceptional local artworks when you visit the art galleries of Queenstown and Arrowtown. Paintings, drawings, contemporary scultpure, watercolours and photography are all on display in various public galleries and workshop spaces. Often you can meet the artist and purchase their work as a memento of your visit to Queenstown. You may even meet the world renowned Landscape Painter, Tim Wilson (pictured mid) at his gallery. "Queenstown is my home. It’s where I draw my inspiration from and where I have my gallery.The mountains valleys and lakes are all part of my primal Cathedral, my sanctuary. There is a very solid arts community in both Queenstown and Arrowtown with Galleries representing a large cross-section of genres. Photography, painting, sculpture, carving, jewelry and crafts are all well represented across all budgets with a number of individuals and businesses organising tours and private showings at various ateliers." 055
THE
URUGUAY ART EXPERIENCE www.turismo.gub.uy
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What does Uruguay mean to you? Uruguay for me is where I have my roots. It is my essence, the culture and customs that shaped me, my loves, my memories, my teaching and my nos algia. Art in Uruguay? In painting, we have internationally renowned artists such as Juan Manuel Blanes, Joaquín Torres García, José Gurvich, Ra ael Barradas, Pedro Figari, José Cúneo and many others who left their legacy such as Hugo Nantes and Nelson Romero, born in my hometown, and with whom I had a great friendship. Uruguay has also been the land that gave birth to GREAT MASTERS in absolutely ALL disciplines, literature, music, song, dance, acting, sculpture, etc... we are a united people with great sensibility for the arts with a strong European in luence. - Alex Morales (Artist) Painter of the pictured work - La Calle (inspired by a street in Uruguay)
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CA' DEL BOSCO ITALY WHERE THE GREATEST ART MEETS SUBLIME WINE
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The enchanting Ca' del Bosco story began in the mid1960s when, in Erbusco, Franciacorta, Annamaria Clementi Zanella bought a little house on a hill, locally known as "Ca' del bosc" and surrounded by dense chestnut woods. The Ca' del Bosco fairytale is written in its wines, in the extensive weave of its vineyards, in the success dreamt of, desired and achieved by its author. Maurizio Zanella saw in Franciacorta the land that would generate the finest fruits, both in still wines and in premium bubblies: his winery was the first and best expression of the qualitative potential of this wine territory. A position reached thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of Maurizio Zanella who in the early 1970s became conscious of and followed his artistic vocation, becoming a leader in the Italian wine renaissance and turning a house in a chestnut wood into a vanguard winery.The splendid Ca' del Bosco tales began from this: from a dream, a fairytale born to last through time. www.cadelbosco.com 59
PARIS BY NUIT Jean-Louis la Nuit presents the latest gift to Paris:
The spirit of César Manrique is present within the space;
An integrated nightclub, fashion, design & art platform.
the Lanzarote born architect, known for his association of contemporary architecture and the volcanic landscapes of
Parisian precursor of the emerging “listening bar”
the Spanish island, would not disown this organic and
culture, Jean Louis la Nuit offers a place where vinyl lovers
mineral shaped landscape punctuated by Italian design
can come together to listen to their favourite albums with
lights, adorned with a modular sofa signed Kwok Hoi
high fidelity analogue sound.
Chan for Steiner in the 70s, and enhanced by a clockwork orange colour for the floor.
An out of the ordinary place for an extraordinary
060
character; a platform dedicated to young creators of
The beating heart of the club; drinking, dancing, chatting at
fashion, art and design. Shaped as a 70’s cave and open to
Jean Louis are all done around the Harmony high fidelity
all forms of experimentation, its visitors are submerged
sound system (AESD): A sound system with no digital
into a retro futuristic vibe, unlike any other in Paris.
compression, analogically played, the sound is accurately
rendered in its entirety. An audio
such as Roy Thomas Baker
reproduction where it becomes
(Queen, Stranglers, Cars…).
impossible to loose even the
It was relaunched and has been
slightest hit of a triangle within a
developed today with the support
symphony. Unique studio sound
of Jean-Louis. An obvious step in
quality brought to diggers, the
support of creative artists for this
faithful monomaniac vinyl
platform at the crossroads of
collectors, who come to share
music, fashion, art and design.
their gems every night. Harmony overturns our sensory memories.
Every evening from 6pm to 11pm,
The songs which have followed us
sound sessions “les soirées
over 40 years are transformed.
d’écoute” and drinks take place
What you thought was your music
thanks to the programme put
becomes a new story, a story
together by Gabriel from the
bringing a culture of high fidelity
D.KO label, showcasing acts such
to Parisians.
as Leo Pol, Favorite Recording
What you thought was your music becomes a new story, a story bringing a culture of high fidelity to Parisians.
with Aldorande, Hugo LX, Zaltan Striving to offer active sound
(Antinote), Sonarium, Panafrican,
speakers for professionals and
Flabaire, OCB de Casa Voyager,
enthusiasts, the futurist-retro
Victor Kiswell or Mathieur
design Harmony 5001 system,
Berthet as well as record dealer
made in the 80s by French AESD,
sessions such as Heartbeat Recs,
impressed producers of the day
Betino’s, Superfly or Syncrophone. 061
062
Full line-up available on
to help discover, to sensitize and
www.jeanlouislanuit.com
allow its public to dream from
Wednesdays to Saturdays, from
Jean-Louis. Kidnapped by aliens
6pm to 4 am.
on the 21st of April 1982. Jean-Louis is a fictional comic
In the world of comic books,
book character who has just
imagining a character and then
landed in Paris at 66 rue Jean
offering a range of products
Jacques Rousseau (75001) to
derived from it, is a fairly frequent
launch his new platform for young
pop-culture phenomenon.
creatives: a 600 square meter,
However, creating a character to
high fidelity sound club / fashion
help young creatives launch their
showroom / exhibition pace, Jean-
own products is the stand-alone
Louis La Nuit.
bet of the Jean-Louis platform: a series of comic books + a
To favor the emergence of new
high-fidelity sound club / a
talents, Jean-Louis has brought
Parisian showroom + a saloon in
together a collective of Parisian
the Drôme + an artisanal organic
enthusiasts stemming from the
beer brewery all make of Jean-
worlds of fashion, art and design,
Louis a unique and visionary
illustration, music, gastronomy,
concept.
and nightlife. The team of JeanLouis La Nuit has committed itself
Photo credits : Fernanda Peruzzo 063
TIM WILSON GALLERY QUEENSTOWN, NZ New Zealand's most successful living landscape Artist invites you to visit Queenstown. And while you are here, stop by the best landscape art gallery in the country.
WWW.TIMWILSONGALLERY.COM
MEET THE ARTISTS
READY? DESTIG BEST ARTISTS OF 2019 065
SHILOH SOPHIA
"A move towards greater intention creates consciousness because the one creating considers all aspects of their creation."
Shiloh Sophia lives life as a great adventure!
You have said that you have always felt you were
A renaissance woman who communicates her
here to serve... how has that informed your art?
philosophy through painting, storytelling and
I have been creating art since I was young as I was
illustrations. For 25 years she has dedicated her soul
raised in an artistic family. Almost everyone was
work to the practice of creativity as a path of
making art, we come from 4 generations of creatives.
transformation and consciousness.
Growing up, art was my refuge, my way of hiding out, and also a place where I felt I could truly be myself.
As a gallery owner, she has represented her own
I started writing poetry and spent lots of time drawing
work, as well as hundreds of women artists.
as a young girl and never stopped. When I graduated
She owns and operates two galleries and a school in
high school I went to art college, because that is what I
Northern California and online. Her paintings are
thought I wanted to be when I grew up. What I didn’t
widely collected around the world.
know is that for me, I didn’t need to go to art school to be an artist, I already was an artist. I stayed in college a
Her message of ‘creating with intention’ has reached
few years and often felt that what they were teaching
tens of thousands, and for some programs, reaches
me wasn’t the art that I wanted to make. The art was
upwards of 500 enrolled students online per month.
inside of me, not something I copied outside. I don’t
Her work is taught in university MA / Phd programs,
recall them mentioning, dreams and imagination, it
the United Nations, and by over 300 Intentional
was more about rendering, and duplicating and skill.
Creativity® Teachers and Coaches.
Having little to do, at the time with innovation or what 067
comes from within. It was like the context was missing. Almost as soon as I had made my first show in 1994, which was a sold out show of pottery, painting, photography, collage, and some jewelry, I was being asked to teach. I was 24 and I felt way to young, what did I know? But I started anyway and now at 49 I have not stopped teaching what I know about the power of self expression. As my own style was developing I started to call it Intentional Creativity so that we could talk about how I was doing something different than just making art. The idea was taught to me by my teacher, Sue Hoya Sellars, a master American painter. As time went on I learned more about how others in the world created, it was a revelation to actually see how all the ancient cultures I was studying made art and craft with this level of intention. Creating with intentional symbolism to communicate and tell story is ancient and pervasive. Consider these common references that we are familiar with, in the context of being made with intention. From the Red Hand Cave paintings of Aboriginal peoples of Australia, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Egyptian glyph and myths, Russian icons coded with story and symbol, Shaman drums painted with personal medicine, sacred theater in Ancient Greece, Black Madonna rituals like the Sous Terre in Chartres Cathedral, skin story tattoos of the Hawaiian Islands, Native American beadwork, baskets and garments, Taize Musical Worship from France, African dances for birth and death, to the modern movement of intuitive art being globally practiced â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the references are truly ever-present and endless and in every culture in the world. The common red thread of telling stories across cultures weaves us together. Here is a quote from my teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teacher, Lenore Thomas Straus in one of her books that she printed and published herself: Can pain be transmitted to the stone through the hammerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blow? Can joy be absorbed in rock to sound in stillness? And as the tool tenderly shapes the stone, the hidden self of that granite is given into my hands. The rock falls away to reveal that which is not of my making. Who is the carver? Lenore Thomas Straus 1909-1988, Stone Dust 068
All of this is impacted by a form of intention. Someone could make a house, a bomb, a garden or a painting and all of these features of implementation during the creative process are considered to varying degrees. What happens when the one creating chooses to be truly intentional, with an intent to uplift, to bless, to further, to nurture, to heal, to honor, to preserve? At the very level of particles, we know that the "matter” cannot NOT be impacted. When the creative is aware of this phenomenon, the capacity to implement this kind of focus/energy is able to be consciousnessly amplified. Many ancient cultures participated in the making of various forms of talismans. Talisman comes from the Greek, Telo, meaning to consecrate. Whether that was in the form of a jewelry or a bowl, or a tool, the maker was in essence ‘consecrating’ the item with their mind, heart and body. Physicists agree that these objects de’ art contain a charge, registered by the field. And in the A central tenet of yours is “Art as Medicine”... how
case of a museum, or often visited site, a certain
art can bring us health?
painting, sculpture or physical location could be
Art making for me can be a sacred act when it is
‘charged up’ energetically in the field, impacting the
chosen with intention. Intentional Creativity is what
environment and the visitors and the quality of both.
my work is all about - making with mindfulness and
All of the senses, from scent to sight register the
embodiment. When we bring the quality of attention
experience, and especially if one is open and even
into what we create, what we create changes in our
attuned to it. Our work as a global community seeks to
hands, and we are changed along with it. We live in a
illuminate what the field of science is acknowledging,
quantum universe where everything is impacting
what culture has always known, that HOW we create
everything - so obviously we are impacting what we
something might matter just as much or even more,
make... and it is impacting us.
than WHAT gets created.
A move towards greater intention creates consciousness because the one creating considers all aspects of their creation. When a creative chooses to bring an idea into form, a quantum collapse from concept to matter is realized. Matter, coalesced in form, is the result. However, as it unfolds, the considerations which happen automatically are inherent within the act of creation. Experience, process, context, function, resources, impact, timing, renewability, workforce, materials, longevity and aesthetics, to name a few. Without an artist even being aware of it, a myriad of
"When we bring the quality of attention into what we create, what we create changes in our hands, and we are changed along with it. We live in a quantum universe where everything is impacting everything - so obviously we are impacting what we make... and it is impacting us."
choices are flowing through impacting the design. 069
Why do you think of your work as a movement?
work with a kind of reverence and inquiry, this is the
Well some of what I learned in college was about art
intention part. The next aspect of it is that the
history and art movements. I began to see an issue
teachings were passed from hand to hand to hand and
pretty immediately - where were the women and the
now we have tens of thousand of people using this
people of color for one thing. But even more than that
approach and teaching it around the world. We have
I was like - does 10 guys and a girl equal a movement?
studios in Australia, Mexico, Scandinavia, United
Is a movement generated by a handful of people and
Kingdom and of course most prevalent in the United
then the rest of us just put our stamp of approval on it?
States since I am here. Our collective community in
Have the movements all been identified by the
many different locations call themselves, Musea -
galleries and collectors? Many artists rejected the
meaning many museums, many muses.
categories of movements they were put into, even if they were the one who sparked it.
Further - we are a movement simply through volume in any given month we may have 5-15k people
From a large category movement you could say we are
working on a project at the same time, in their home
intuitive creatives, but when you narrow it down to a
studios, all of whom know it is Intentional Creativity.
specific way of working, it changes how that work is
I feel brave saying it but I feel we may be one of the
created, narrated and ultimately curated.
largest organized art movements on the planet. I don’t say that in a bragging way - but to claim what I am
Here is my reason for thinking we are movement and
seeing. There are other larger ‘art groups’ but do they
we are declaring it from within. We don’t need outside
study one philosophy together?
approval for us to know who we are. The work we
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derive our philosophy from arose in the 1930's and is
My husband and partner, Jonathan McCloud who
still in motion 90 years later. The heart of the
recently published a white paper on our work, says
movement is first a philosophy of approaching your
that we are "... a movement reporting on ourselves".
We aren’t looking for outside approval. We are organized. We gather in person and online. We have over 350 trainers throughout the world. We have an online classroom with over 6,000 people in it, we are a movement. I was definitely impacted by the more rebellious movements - always being a bit rogue in my approach to not fitting in, being anti-establishment and my call towards curating consciousness. My family raised me with good art supplies and consistent trips to the museums. I was raised in Northern California so that was a rich place to be with art. Some say there are 10 modernist art movements. We share some views with Dadaism in that we are not connected by styles, mediums, or techniques. Instead, they were connected by their uniform practices and beliefs. They saw themselves as crusaders against rational thought, which they believed to be responsible for the decline of social structures, the growth of corrupt and nationalist politics, and the spread of violence and war. We also have some threads of symbolism because of our approach and inclusion of all mediums which use a symbolic framework in which to make art. I also fell in love with Aboriginal art from Australia and how they worked with energy lines and song lines in their art. While other art forms pointed to it, they were actually
"From the beginning I have been influenced by what consciousness looks like."
illustrating it and had been since the beginning of known time.
Center where people can come and stay and work and join us in our movement. We aren’t just online, we also
We are all influenced by the art we grow up with and
meet together around the world.
so I also loved Lenore Thomas Straus, Frida Kahlo, Meinrad Craighead, Susan Seddon Boulet, Georgia
Share with us your perspective on working with the
O’Keefe, Artemesia Gentileschi, Hilma af Klint,
right and left brain?
Elizabeth Catlett and my own mother, Caron McCloud
From the beginning I have been influenced by what
and my grandmother, Eden McCloud.
consciousness looks like and feels like because I was
What is unique about my work as well is that I have
raised in a time of waking up. It was the early seventies
had an art gallery and classroom space for over 19
and the women’s movement was on fire and I was
years, interacting with the general public and in
growing up right in the middle of it. My family was
private settings as well. I have enjoyed several sold
making posters with images, making books,
out shows and have installed a recent show, some of
newsletters, radio shows and clothing for the
which is here in the images you are sharing - at our
revolution. We were taught that ‘art was the morning
wine and art bar in the Bay Area. We also have a 6500
star of the revolution’ and so we were to create the
sq. foot classroom at Musea: Intentional Creativity
images that went with the revolution and we did. 071
It would take many years of reverse engineering what I
pen, as if it had a mind of it’s own and you are following
was doing and experiencing to come up with the
it, but slowly - it is possible to enter flow state in as
teachings I share today. One example is about how we
simple of an act as this. Then as SOON as you are done
work with the brain. I know the brain is not really
with the doodle, begin to write your insight, don’t think
divided in the way we think of it because both sides are
about what you will write, just write and see what
inherently creative but perform different tasks in
arises. There is often a big element of surprise here
different ways. For example it is said the that the left
when we create in this way and let our subconccious
brain sees the pieces and the right brain sees the
show us what we are not seeing.
whole. Yet as a ‘thinking’ people who prize the intellect we often think from the left first, subjecting our
You emphasise the relationship between images and
dreams and ideas to the parsing up of logic instead of
language working together – why is it important to be
the dreaming up of a vision. In our philosophy the
in tune with this?
invitation is when you are working on a project or
The 4 generations that I come from as well as my
design - to just give the right brain a try first, let the
teacher, and my teacher’s teacher, all worked with
idea swirl around in flow state before you try to make
image and language together. This goes back to the
logic of it. Give it a try the next time you are interested
right and left brain working together. This has also
in developing a project or vision - the right brain will
been my path - often drawing my poetry right from the
show you other things than the left brain will and teach
painting, using the painting as an oracle for insight.
you about the whole first.
Many artists are both image and language based, here are just a few I know of, and of course, some more
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Can you give us an experience of how this might work
than others, but still worth naming: Dr. Clarissa
with what you call metacognitive drawing?
Pinkola Estes, Carl Jung, William Blake, Frida Kahlo,
Metacognitive drawing is thinking about thinking
Sylvia Plath, Lewis Carroll, e.e. cummings, Rudyard
while you move a pen. If you want to give it a try you
Kipling, Baudelaire, Jack Kerouac, Aubrey Beardsley,
can get a pen and a piece of paper and begin to initiate
Ben Shahn, Kurt Vonnegut, Edgar Allan Poe, Dylan
a cascade of thought about a vision or dream you have.
Thomas, Lorca, Leonard Cohen, Hilma Af Klint, Lenore
Just let the ideas flow as you move the pen without an
Thomas Straus, who is in our creative lineage. Then
intent and listen to your inner world, see what arises.
there are more contemporary artists like Alice Walker,
Do this for a minute or two as if you are chasing the
Ani DiFranco, SARK, and Luisa Teish.
Why is it important for your members to discover and bring out their muse? Our philosophy thinks of the Muse as the creative spirit within each person. Not an external presence or guide, but one within, your hidden self. When we don’t nurture our creative spirit, the muse, or our sense of self expression can become dormant and is often revealed through the voice of what is known as the critic. This is all paired up with very real nueroscientitic features of how we function as human beings and the pathways that get developed over time. So in our work we invite the Muse to tea, which is essentially an invitation to spend time in creative flow listening to the places within ourselves we have not been paying attention to. In one of my poems I say: Say to your hidden self: I am sorry. I didn’t know you were in here. I am here now. I didn’t know, how to speak to you. I am willing to learn your language. Show me the ways. I don’t know how to approach you.
You say that people can practice art without talent, is
Yet I will try… in the humble desire of becoming.
that really possible?
Let me be supple in my invitations.
I believe every single one of us is a creative being and
Say to your hidden self: (as if looking into the eyes of one
that it has nothing to do with talent. Sure there are
you love)
people who are talented who make great art. But is
I love you, even without knowing you, really.
great art always the point, or is it self expression.
Yet I have always known you…somehow.
I think the children in our community would
May these words be an offering, on your altar.
resoundingly agree the hope is to FEEL the expression,
I am here now. I know I didn’t listen.
not to be good at it. We have 4 generations working
I know it was a long ride home. Please. Forgive me.
together to make art, that isn’t about how good it
I am ready to show up.
looks, but how good it feels to be together doing
I wasn’t taught how to think about you.
something fun. My husband Jonathan says “we are
Let alone that it was okay, to feel how I feel.
here to rescue art from the tyranny of the talented.”
Now that I know that you are here, I am at home. The internet is a major part of your outreach. Your But the Muse is also more racaus and causes a ruckus
virtual art communities globally have thousands of
and shows us the pleasures we have been denying
members painting together – tell us about this.
ourselves are really a clue to a more fully realized self.
For the first 15 years of my art career it was all in
In my poem, Peanut Butter for the Muse I say:
person, the internet was still beginning and I
Winking in the darkness
remember the day around 2000 that our website
with the eyes you only sometimes use
showed 100 guests. I was pretty amazed that people
She wants to know
were actually interested in what we were doing.
Do you dare encounter the Muse?
We had art galleries, events and I had a catalog that
A word of warning: Don’t look at her with a direct gaze
featured over 100 of my products and we were
She may flee from you into her own place
represented in stores all across the United States.
Leaving trails of feathers, the scent of truffles or a storm.
By this time I had sold well over a million dollars of 073
"The red thread represents that we each have our own piece to weave that is unique to us."
my work but was not represented by any galleries,
and calls and in our app iMusea as well as in our 6500
that was just me and my own audience. Online
person facebook group. While Intentional Creativity is
education was just getting started and developing the
gender neutral in every way - our focus has been on
platforms that would allow us to teach easily over the
women and women’s healing arts. The women in our
internet.
community bring it to the men we love who are becoming more and more interested. It is strange how
We had our first online class in 2009 featuring our
men often think of ‘making art’ as a woman’s thing, but
course called Cosmic Cowgirls : LEGEND - which is
most artists people can name are indeed, men. There is
still running. Each person, who was not necessarily an
a gap there and we are working on it.
artist as no art experience is needed, would be invited to a 13-step Intentional Creativity process, we had
It would not be uncommon for thousands of people to
over 50 people sign up and the class was over $600 so
come together in a single day to work on a project
it was no joke. This content was sacred to me and I
together, via livestream or zoom. We do it all the time.
didn’t want to let it go for nothing. In Legend the
Those who get really into the work who are educators
students were invited to use their imagination, and
or healers, then learn to teach it or coach with it if they
their right and left brain and their heart to access a
choose and can add it to their existing practice and
visionary intuitive image of their future self and to
modality.
paint them and then tell their story. We call it ‘transforming lives into legends’ When people do this
It's a really beautiful feeling when thousands of people
for themselves, reinvent their stories, they gain power
are creating all together with a common red thread of
that was hidden and then the courage to create a life
connection, which is a big symbol in our work. The red
which more truly reflects who they are inside. We
thread is a symbol of connection that exists between
have an emphasis on living the life in the outside world
us, and we are moving ever closer to one another
that reflects who you are on your inside world.
across space and time. The red thread represents that we each have our own piece to weave that is unique to
Today we work together online via video teachings 074
us and our responsibility to work with, but that we
time I had represented over 100 women artists and continue to bring other women’s work to market through our Intentional Creativity Guild. So my greatest highlights include lifting other women’s voices, founding a woman owned community that is going strong, serving tens of thousands of women and their families. Service through the healing arts. And personally, making books, is my great success. I have been self publishing since my early twenties and I have a new book of poetry coming out, this will be my third, as well as a fiction series coming that I hope to spend the rest of my life writing. I have written the first three books and my paintings are now of those characters, including some featured here. Tell us about the feminine figures in your work? The start of my work was rooted in an idea to end aren’t in it alone if each person is responsible for their
violence against women and their children in my early
own piece. The red thread is a symbol in many cultural
twenties. I had no idea at the time how making art could
and spiritual traditions that represents not only
do that, but I do know. My work and the work I invite
connection, but protection and togetherness by choice.
others to create is the re-establishing of wholeness for
We think of it as our part in the great weaving of
the feminine, for women and how we view ourselves.
creation.
A reclamation of our image from the media and popular culture. We need this as part of our healing because our
You are an artist, writer, teacher, leader and business
stories of ourselves have been so damaged.
person... how do you keep all those balls in the air?
The archetypes in the images aren’t known archetypes
I lead with the Muse - meaning I go towards what I am
from the pantheon of choices women have, they are
called towards and inspired by. Whether that is
ones I make up myself as I am creating. They emerge
managing our team, writing our newsletter, sharing
and teach me, hence the idea that an intuitive painting
teachings at the United Nations CSW, talking about art
can be an oracle. When you are making a painting that is
and pouring wine at the art bar, setting up for a class,
not dominated by what you know and think you want,
building a website or making books I go where I am
something magical can happen, what is hidden inside
called. Our team that works with us on Musea :
gets revealed onto the canvas and often surprises you.
Intentional Creativity can vary from 10-50 on any
That surprise of the unknown is what we are going for.
project, and it can be quite an adventure but it isn’t just
In my work I teach women not to take on the archetypes
my voice we are seeking to share, but many voices.
that have been created for us, but rather, to invent our
How do I keep the balls in the air? Well with a paintbrush
own. Each of us has our own content and that is unique
of course!
to us, creativity is the way that hidden information, our source code, gets manifest and conscious. Once we
25 years in, you are a major success. What drives you?
know more about who we are underneath all the layers ,
I guess it is still hard to think of myself as a major success.
we can begin to curate our own consciousness.
I had a different idea of what that might look like. I feel there are markets in art I haven’t even begun to
What do you feel when painting?
touch and not sure if I ever will. The ‘art world’ is its own
When I am painting, I feel pure bliss. Freedom. Hope for
strange animal. So instead of hanging out or trying to
myself and humanity.
break in over there, I made my own strange animal, my own art business rooted in community. Not just
www.shilohsophia.com
sharing my work, but the work of many others. At one
www.musea.org 075
TIM WILSON
"The miracle of the universe intrigued me and still does. It is what drives me outside into the landscape and on starry nights to wonder; it is what drives me to paint."
As New Zealand’s most successful living landscape
questioning WHY it made me feel the way it did.
painter, Tim's lifelong passion for landscape has
The miracle of the universe intrigued me and still does.
fuelled his unique innovations in the field of oil
It is what drives me outside into the landscape and on
painting. Evident in his work since 2000, the result is
starry nights to wonder; it is what drives me to paint.
an extraordinary painting technique unique to Tim that enables his paintings to change as light does.
I knew at 16 that I wanted to be a painter so that I could enable the same response emotionally from people that I
Tell us about yourself and your background.
got from the scenery. I wanted to be able to reproduce it –
It was always OK for me to be creative. My parents
and I’ve been chasing it ever since.
understood that I saw things differently, experienced the world in my own way. I was the kid who refused to
The defining moment was during a trip to the South
go inside when the family went visiting. I had things
Island, coming over the isthmus between Lake Wanaka
outside I needed to look at. My childhood memories
and Lake Hawea at sunset and seeing Hawea – the
are all like this: intense, intimate, full of detail. And
reflections of the light were mesmerising, such an
always about how the light shone and danced, and my
extraordinarily breathtaking scene. 077
Timâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work changes as light does. As natural or artificial light changes, various features seem to appear and disappear before our eyes.
078
Tell us about your work.
my paintings and techniques are
I have developed a unique painting
unique.
technique over a 50 year career.
"We are looking through multiple layers of transparent, semi transparent, translucent and interference oil colour, put together in a unique way, by hand, with a brush."
Due to the meticulous, time
What inspires your paintings?
consuming and innovative process
I go out into the landscape - every
I have developed, my work changes
day I look. I am an observer. I learn
as light does. As natural or artificial
by doing, something my father
light changes, various features
always told me - learn by doing -
seem to appear and disappear
and the techniques have developed
before our eyes. We are looking
over the years. I had the greatest
through multiple layers of
teachers in the world, the old
transparent, semi transparent,
masters and some of the modern
translucent and interference oil
masters. Spending time in galleries
colour, put together in a unique
simply standing in front of their
way, by hand, with a brush.
works and figuring out how they
The paintings themselves are
did it. My techniques have
attributed to my "extraordinary"
developed over the years by
memory, imagination and intuitive
making mistakes and learning .
connection to the landscape. I use no photographic reference,
Some of your career highlights?
prior sketches or studies. I use
 - Developing my technique.
some of the finest handmade oil
 - Helping to inspire a generation of
paints in the world produced by
younger painters towards the
Michael Harding. I am self-taught,
landscape genre. 079
"I believe my role is to portray my environment in a perfect sense pristine, life giving, healing, spiritually uplifting and pure, free of the disruptions of man."
080
- Holding the record price for a living NZ landscape painter. - Selling a large work to the leading Royal family of UAE. “Summer Rains - Doubtful Sound Impression” in 2016. - Breaking into the US market in 2012 through invitation by Bobby Kennedy Jnr to submit a work to the art auction benefiting the “Water Keepers Alliance” hosted by Sotheby’s New York. Curated by Jeff Koons, my work “On The Hudson " hung alongside works by Chuck Close, Jasper John's, William de Kooning and Jeff Koons. A private collector owning one of the largest collections of “The Hudson River School” of painters won the highest bid and invited me to paint on their properties in the Hamptons and purchased those subsequent works. This collector regards me as "this century's Bierstadt " (Albert Bierstadt 1830 – 1902 one of the founding members of The Hudson River School). What are you passionate about? - I’m a slave to beauty and celebrate it at every opportunity through my works. - I’m passionate about the landscape and the conservation thereof. - Encouraging youngsters in their creative process. What drives you to paint? There is only one backstory to all my creative endeavours I’m obsessed and obsessive…I paint, therefore I am. Tell us about your upcoming projects. I’ve a new series of works in mind focusing on Dusky Sound “Tamatea” (Fiordland New Zealand) drawing attention to its extraordinary beauty and the importance of the continued conservation of its unique flora and fauna. I aim to produce works reflecting the sheer beauty of this place and produce a series of limited edition reproductions to provide funding for the ongoing conservation efforts in the sound “Tamatea” My next major show will be in China.
"There is only one backstory to all my creative endeavours - I’m obsessed and obsessive… I paint, therefore I am." 081
082
Tell us about where you are based? I’m based in Queenstown, New Zealand… Scenically one of the, if not the most, remarkable places on earth, and hence its influence on my work. How do you feel about art and its role? Art, like its creators, is evolving all the time…. in times past, paintings were made to celebrate religion… today, there is such diversity in all fields of art – some, in my opinion, positive, some negative…I believe my role is to portray my environment in a “perfect “sense - pristine, life giving, healing, spiritually uplifting and pure, free of the disruptions of man. I prefer the traditional techniques. A lot of traditional processes and techniques are being lost. I intend to keep them going. Is it in the future we will rely on computers to create art? A lot of galleries consider art as currency. Much like bankers before the GFC, they produced derivatives that held no value whatsoever, and I would suggest to you that a lot of ‘art’ is derivative ‘crap’ being sold as art. How you want your art to affect the viewer?
www.timwilsongallery.com
I want my work to touch my viewer in a way that reminds them of what we have and the fact that we must treasure and maintain it. 083
BRENDA J WATSON
"I am a mixed media artist. My primary media are painting on clay, pencil and charcoal drawing and photography."
Brenda J Watson – New York, NY. I am a mixed
to West Virginia to meet me. They tried to talk my
media artist. I am mostly self-taught. My favorite art
parents into enrolling me in their school. Of course,
projects are those for which I have little or no
my parents replied “Thanks, but no thanks,” and I
experience and therefore must learn. I have received
agreed with their decision. My major in college was
several awards for my work in various media.
business, however, art was an elective part of my curriculum. Mostly self-taught, I have honed my skills
Tell us about your background.
with art classes in New York and Massachusetts.
I was born in West Virginia in the southern part of the US. Even though my father and stepfather had artistic
Tell us about your work.
talent, neither pursued art as a profession. I was very
I am a mixed media artist. My primary media are
fortunate that at an early age--around nine or ten--my
painting on clay, pencil and charcoal drawing and
stepfather spent time with me creating art. In junior
photography. My favorite art projects are those for
high school I responded to a “Draw Me” contest
which I have little or no experience and therefore
sponsored by an art school in Indiana that appeared in
must learn. My art on clay is an illustration of that.
a comic book. Representatives of the school traveled
I wondered how it would be to use a clay palette for 085
"I believe what makes my approach unique is the ability to push the envelop by throwing myself into new ideas, combined with a keen sense of what sparks the interest of those who view my work." 086
sketching and painting my work
in spite of knowing that it was sold.
and then to fire it in a kiln. I love
I knew then that my new idea had
color and travel, so I wanted to
momentum.
draw and paint subjects with life and color. I discovered images
What makes your work approach
(many of them by H. Silvester) of
unique?
people from the Omo Valley in
I believe what makes my approach
Ethiopia. Drawn to how the people
unique is the ability to push the
of that region used things from
envelop by throwing myself into
nature--leaves, straw, flowers--
new ideas, combined with a keen
etc., to adorn their face and hair,
sense of what sparks the interest
I set out to create my own work,
of those who view my work. As an
using the images as a reference and
example, in 2018, I began thinking
clay from Little Shop of Crafts.
about applying my work to fabric.
The very first work that I created
With no formal training in design
was sold within an hour of display.
and layout, I created a template for
The buyer agreed to mark the
displaying my art on scarves.
work “Sold” and continue
I wanted to design a scarf that
displaying it. Shortly thereafter,
would allow the front--separated
another prospective buyer tried to
in the middle—to reveal the full
negotiate buying the same piece in
image of my work when the left
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and right sides of the scarf were pulled together. The design was further complicated by my desire to reveal the whole image on the back of the scarf, complete with my signature. The final template allowed me to present my work in a way that I had not seen done before. The design was launched successfully in the summer of 2018. The scarves practically sold out, with one scarf having been purchased by a former Miss America. Why is your work a good investment? I hope that those who buy my work do so because they feel a connection to it. I think it is a good investment in personal satisfaction when we buy what we like. With respect to photography, I believe that a photo can freeze a moment in time that might otherwise be lost. Tell us about your achievements. I have received awards in every category of my mixed media work including: First Place for Drawing & Graphics for “Jumpin’ That Rope” (charcoal). Mixed Media Award for “Pow Wow Dancing” (color pencil), and in photography-- Ruth Bogan Award for “Magnolia of Edgartown” and the Della Hardman Award for “The Lady at the Gallery". All works were awarded and sold on Martha’s Vineyard. In 2018 I donated a new work on clay to benefit the Martha’s Vineyard nursing and rehabilitation center. My work, “The Lady of Straw”, successfully acquired the desired bid by silent auction. In 2016 a Pennsylvania Hospital doctor saw my work on clay and inquired about purchasing three new works for the hospital’s new Center for Breast Imaging. The offer and deadline came at a time that I was temporarily stepping away
"A photo can freeze a moment in time that might otherwise be lost.” 088
from creating art in order to help care for my elderly parents. I had to decline the offer, but the recognition was very inspiring.
"Art and travel are my passions--driven by life’s most basic things such as the variations of colors in the sky, the simple displays of nature in flowers and the diversity of people." What are your sources of inspiration?
Tell us about the back-story of some of your projects.
I am inspired by a diverse range of artists from
In recognition of the 150th Anniversary in 2020 of
Romare Bearden and his work with collages and the
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, I created a new
wonderful choice of colors in his paintings that reflect
work on clay titled “Lady Metoba”. The name
everyday life, to Rodin’s and Michelangelo’s
combines “Met” (from The Met) with “Oba”, a name
wonderful sculptures, as well as contemporary artists.
given to rulers in West Africa. The shape of the clay
Customers who stop by and ask questions about my
vase inspired Lady Metoba’s jeweled crown.
work also inspire me.
The back-story for my drawing titled “Jumpin’ That
What are you passionate about?
Rope” began about fifteen years ago. I was in Paris
Art and travel are my passions--driven by life’s most
with my stepdaughter and nephew. In a card shop I
basic things such as the variations of colors in the sky,
saw a post card with a photo of little girls jumping
the simple displays of nature in flowers and the
rope. I purchased the card, planning to someday create
diversity of people.
my own version of the image. Years later, I finally did. It is one of my most popular works.
How do you want your art to affect your viewers?
I hope that they will want to stop and take it in, and
My photo, “A Wintry Dog-Walking Day”, was captured
that they’ll sense that each work I create was done
during a snowstorm in New York in 2016 in a nearby
with an investment of time, attention to detail and
park. Even in the blizzard-like weather a lady was
passion.
walking her dog and became the inspiration for my 089
090
title. Five minutes later, another strong wind blew the whole scene away! The color photo has also been one of my most popular works. Share with us some of your upcoming projects. In 2020 I have new ideas for abstract paintings, work on fabric, and work on very irregular shaped clay palettes. How do you feel about art and its role today? I feel very encouraged. When visiting The Met, I hear large numbers of young attendees of various ages, genders, and cultures in lively discussions about art. Some of them have sketchpads creating their own version of what they see. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve witnessed the enjoyment of art created by our grandchildren, as well as some artistic talent emerging among them. It leaves me feeling reassured that art will continue to be an important part of life. www.bjwatson.artspan.com
"Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve witnessed the enjoyment of art created by our grandchildren, as well as some artistic talent emerging among them. It leaves me feeling reassured that art will continue to be an important part of life."
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ALEX MORALES
"It has been my goal, remain in the books like a great artist to inspire and awaken passion in future generations."
A committed creator, born in San Jose de Mayo
motivated me. But I always had my crayons and sheet
(Uruguay) Alex belongs to the lineage of Uruguayan
of paper to draw my "doodles"... The years went by
painters who adorned contemporary Latin American
and, in elementary school, I stood out amongst my
art. His boundless creativity is applied to various
classmates when it was about drawing and the same
techniques, creating his own personal style.
thing happened in my teenage years, I was always drawing. It was my favorite pastime. At the age of 14,
Tell us about your background.
I started studying drawing and painting in my beloved
Incentivized by my parents, I started drawing from a
departmental museum of fine arts in the city of San
very young age. Just at 3 years old living in Buenos
José de Mayo, Uruguay, and it was there that I opened
Aires (Argentina), my mother would write letters to
the books and discovered the great masters!
my grandparents who lived in Uruguay and, since I did
Caravaggio, Pieter Bruegel, Hieronymus Bosch the
not know how to write, at the end of her letters, there
(Bosco) among many other "Master Painters” that I
was always a drawing from me. It was my way of
could not name all because the list is very long.
greeting my dear grandparents. I don't know why I
My astonishment was unbelievable. The impact it had
started drawing at such a young age, what inspired or
on me was overflowing and I fell in love with those 093
094
geniuses at first sight. The beauty
Tell us about your work.
really learned something.
of their works, the talent, the
My work has been art and the life I
I think so... but I don't really know
immense dedication of these
have lived. So if I talk about my
anything! It is so hard to talk about
artists, and their so-intense and
work, it is like talking about myself.
art that I sometimes wonder, what
exciting lives were the things that
I have lived "By and For art."
is art? I have no doubt that talking
inspired me for the rest of my life...
First, learning for many years the
about art is more complex than any
and I said to myself, I want to do
secrets of the craft of drawing and
other topic. In art, there are no
that!!! "I WANT TO REMAIN IN
painting, day by day I continue to
limits of any kind. For me it is the
THE BOOKS AND INSPIRE
learn, and then following in a quest
absolute form of "freedom of
FUTURE GENERATIONS.â&#x20AC;?
to find a way to express myself, and
expression". At the age of 50, I am
Well, this is how it all started, and
plastic arts have been my tool.
at a stage of my life where "I
to this day, it has been my goal.
The hope of motivating and leaving
believe"... that I found my path to
Learning, experimentation, and
a legacy that inspires someone to
show something different and this
ongoing practice have been my
fall in love with art as it happened
is what I have been working on for
way, and exceeding myself, day by
to me when I was very young has
over ten years. At times whirlwinds
day, has been my motivation. I still
become an "obsession" in my life.
of ideas, concepts, and images that
have a lot to learn, and a lot to give.
I have tried to learn and learn... and
I have in my mind overwhelm,
It is only up to me to achieve it.
I always wonder whether I have
disturb, and despair me, and there
are times when they fill me with satisfaction, pleasure, and ecstasy. Only the idea of creating and my faith in the project boost me day by day to continue my work. My goal is very ambitious and therefore very complex. But I will not give up until I finish creating a new artistic movement in which I fervently believe and which I have called "HYPERBOLIC IRREALISM." I have not yet completed my writings because I am not a good writer, and sometimes it is very difficult and complex for me to express in words the concepts of what I am working on. But it is only a matter of time to come up with a coherent and understandable explanation of my work. I hope that in the near future it will have many followers.... My painting ABUNDANCE is the best illustration of my new artistic movement. But... in addition to my project, like every artist, I also have to make a living. Therefore my art is divided in three great paths which go side by side, in parallel and, in the end, merge into one. One of them is my most visceral art... what I feel and what I want to express and communicate, the "message", my purest art, spiritually and intellectually speaking, the creation to "TELL". The other path is the commercial art. So there are times when I decide to create works of art which do not have any specific message, but I try to make them visually pleasant to the viewer and mobilize them somehow. But I always try to make them well created plastically. And finally, commissions or requests from my clients, wherein my task is to please the person who hires me to perform the work, provided that I have the freedom to express myself freely without deviating from the task. In the end.... all my work, no matter which paths that I take, decant in the way I express myself. I am â&#x20AC;&#x153;MY Workâ&#x20AC;? and I am a very grateful man with life because I live from what I love doing, no matter how difficult and painful an artist's life can be. I was born for this and I hope to achieve my goal. Otherwise I'll die happy in the attempt. 095
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"What inspires me is an idea that comes to my mind followed by an image almost at the same time, or even a first image that inspires an idea later. Everything happens in an instant." What are your sources of inspiration?
intellect decides what technique I will use. Then when
What inspires me is an idea that comes to my mind
I decide which path I will take, I put everything into
followed by an image almost at the same time, or an
practice and start working, knowing how I want it and
image comes first and then inspires an idea.
how I should do it in my own judgement.
Everything happens in an instant; that idea flutters
Nothing comes up randomly. I am very methodical and
inside me until I shape it, and it can occur absolutely
analytical in the way I act, but with a wonderful
for any reason. I have no particular theme, no
freedom which allows me to change path any time and,
stereotype of what inspires me; from the wind blow on
without thinking, I release my creativity and let my
the leaves of a tree, to a homeless man sleeping in the
emotions and my ideas take me to new ways.
street.... Everything can inspire me, I am a polythematic artist. It is the very need to create, it is
Tell us about your achievements?
something that comes up within me as a wonderful
Achievement is a very personal thing. It is the reward.
magic and takes me to another emotional state while I
It is the satisfaction of feeling that it was worth the
am working, that makes me feel infinitely free.
work and the effort dedicated to successfully finish
Nothing is on my mind at that moment aside from
what I set out to do. This is something I assess with my
what I am doing. My world changes in seconds. I forget
self-criticism, at the end of each job, and all things
everything and I completely focus on my task. I begin a
considered, I always find something to improve.
real journey which has thousands of different paths.
Every day I learn or discover something new, however
The course I take begins with that original idea or
insignificant. My achievements are something
concept, and immediately, without thinking, my
completely different from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;recognitionâ&#x20AC;? that other 097
people or institutions may receive, achievements which also fill me with satisfaction and pride, such as having received the prestigious O-1 visa granted by the United States Government for being an artist with extra-ordinary abilities. In 2009, I was chosen as one of the 12 participating artists selected from 18,000 applicants, from the cities of New York, Los Angeles and Miami to compete on the reality TV show WORK OF GENIUS, in search of the most talented artist. I have had the honor of having painted the portraits of great personalities of the culture of my country and seeing my paintings acquired by the municipal government, and exhibited in my hometown at the Public Library and the Museum. I recently participated in the XII BIENAL OF FLORENCE representing URUGUAY as the only participating Uruguayan artist. I was also selected to exhibit at the Contemporary Art Fair in Carousel du Louvre, Paris. What are you passionate about? What I am passionate about is the enjoyment I feel when creating. It is the whole process of creation that fills me with pleasure and I fully enjoy it. Share with us the back-story of some of your projects? I will tell you the story of some of the most challenging and physically tough work I ever had to do. A few years ago, an architect from New York contacted me telling me that she had a client who was looking for a sculptor artist to work on a new project. When she told me about it, I first wondered if I was willing to sculpt in a big old Oak tree that her client had on his property. This old tree was already dead, it had dried up. But instead of uprooting it, the owner decided to look for an artist who could shape a sculpture out of it, to further beautify his garden. So we arranged a meeting, when I got to the location, I was amazed by the tree. It was a very large and thick Oak tree; I could not wrap my arms around it for how big it was. I spoke to the owner and he told me what his idea was. Within a few minutes, I realized what he had in mind was not feasible because of the proportions. Then he asked me to think about a new project. Immediately after that meeting, I asked for permission to tour his property and take a look at the gardens. During my tour, I realized that he was a lover of art and oriental culture. There were many stone sculptures from Japan, water fountains with beautiful colorful fishes and countless exotic plants. Then the image of a Samurai came to my mind. 098
was very difficult. First I was not used to working with a fixed work schedule, let alone having to travel two hours back and forth to my house every day. It was overwhelming.The shinning sun all day above my head, the intense heat, the rain which sometimes would not let me work for days and when the wood got wet it complicated things even more. Gardeners who worked on site and the people who walked by during the day, in and out of the house, were a real distraction. I also heard the barking of two large guard dogs that were very close to me during my working hours. And the curious people, who spoke to me very often, would affect my concentration. I cut a hand with a chisel, which made it impossible for me to work for a few days. But despite all the inconvenience, I greatly enjoyed working on this project. It was an incredible experience, and at last, I successfully completed it within the anticipated time frame of 45 working days. Tell us about your upcoming projects? My recent projects were: The XII Florence Biennale from in October. In December I participated in an international exhibition in Prague, in collaboration with "Musa International". In February I will have my I looked at the tree and in my mind I could picture it
second solo exhibition at The Hoboken Historical
finished. When I was done with my walk around the
Museum, NJ, United States. And in October 2020, I
property, I went home and started designing what I
will exhibit at The Carousel du Louvre in Paris, France
had in mind. I drew the metamorphosis of a winged Samurai. The image began from below with the giant
Tell us about where you are based.
legs of a lion, which was transforming into a falcon
After living a few years in New York, I moved to the
and then melted into the skirt and the sphinx of the
city of Woodbridge, in New Jersey. My property is
winged warrior. The warrior had one hand on his
located in a very quiet and less cluttered area, remote
sword and the other in his heart facing the front of his
from the city and the deafening noise of the big apple.
house with an earnest and penetrating look.
I have a beautiful and modest house, spacious enough
"THE GUARDIAN ANGEL”, property protector.
for my needs, surrounded by oak trees, maple trees,
The next day, we met again with the client to show
and other species, in addition to my plants and
him the drawings of the project and he was fascinated.
flowers. My house is very peculiar and artistic, as I am
He accepted my proposal and we signed the contract.
myself, and I have worked on completely remodeling it
A week later, I started the work, with axes, chainsaws,
for six years, trying to create a very intimate and
chisels, and hammers. Honestly, I had never worked in
pleasant place. It is a very comfortable, quiet and
such circumstances before, making a sculpture
warm place, which I love and enjoy to the fullest. My
outdoors, and at my client's house. It was much more
studio is located inside the house, a place that I use for
complicated than I expected. I had to adapt almost immediately to many factors that limited me and complicated my task. Things happened that I had not thought about before, and the completion of the work
"What fascinates me is the joy I feel when I create." 099
painting, drawing, reading and
opportunity to focus and dedicate
advances throughout the art
studying. The workshop is where
myself in a complete way to my art,
industry. Due to the dizzying
the garage used to be. There, I have
having the right space and the
growth of communications we are
all my tools and I work comfortably
indispensable tranquility to do so.
"almost all connected" creating
in different disciplines. I can weld,
In that sense, the place where I am
more opportunities for everyone,
work in carpentry, elaborate my
influences my work in a very
but we still have some problems to
sculptures and crafts, and anything
positive way and in addition, I am
solve. Speaking of painting for
that is more rustic and has to do
very close to the artistic world that
example, one of the problems that I
with tools. Between my studio and
moves in New York and the entire
can see is the poorly applied
the workshop, I spend most of the
metropolitan area, which provides
technology, used with the
day working on my art. Outside the
many opportunities.
intention of improving the work of art, or facilitating the work of the
house, I also enjoy many activities,
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such as chopping wood for my
How do you feel about art's role?
artist. For example, the using of
fireplace on cold winter days or
Perhaps this is a compromising
projectors to reproduce images on
cooking exquisite meats like the
question to answer because, if for
the surface that the artist wants to
good Uruguayan that I am, on the
any reason, I am wrong, my opinion
work on, whether it is a wall to
grill that I built one summer with
could generate great controversy.
paint a mural, or even on a canvas
my father. I also enjoy visits from
Generally speaking, I can say that
to paint a painting. It is a big
friends and family. Where I live has
wonderful things are happening in
mistake, and I would say that even
a great influence on my artistic
today's art world, thanks to
dishonest in "some cases" since, by
career as it has given me the
"globalization" and technological
doing so, the artist is copying and
avoiding a very difficult and beautiful
you need to learn how to put together
task that is the completion of the
first."It is one thing to be a painter and
actual drawing. Many artists choose
it is another thing to paint. To be a
to do this with the excuse of "time"
good â&#x20AC;&#x153;painter-artistâ&#x20AC;? it is necessary to
and project the image to then iterate
have the knowledge, the skill and the
it and do the work faster, but for me
creativity. These three things are
this is not art. If the painter does not
necessary and go hand in hand; it is not
have the knowledge or ability to do
just putting paint on a surface. This is a
something, then they should not do it
topic that gives a lot to talk about and
until they have learned. Drawing is
we would never finish....
the basis of painting and is the first thing that should be learned. Years of
Another problem is the hypocrisy in
learning and constant practice are
"certain" sectors that manage the art
indispensable to have the necessary
world, policies that sometimes set
knowledge and skill. Drawing is one of
aside real talented artists and instead
the most important, essential, and
encourages others who at the end of
purest forms of the visual and plastic
the day, are not ... It is very sad to
arts, indispensable to any painter.
understand that we live in such a
The "skeleton" is a strong and solid
materialistic and superficial world that
structure that allows us to stand
has come to invade the world of art and
upright, to be able to sustain ourselves and walk, but we cannot see it. In painting, the same thing happens and drawing would be the equivalent of the skeleton. It is what sustains the artwork. Even great abstract painters and abstract surrealists know how to draw and studied all the secrets of the craft, such as measuring, learning of proportions, perspectives, learning
"It is very sad to understand that we live in a materialistic and superficial world that came to invade the world of art."
profits from ignorance. In the end, good art endures in all its disciplines. It is a pity that many true and talented artists never achieve it and live in suffering and grieving all their lives, without even having the opportunity to show their works with dignity. Art has materialized and capitalized itself in a cruel and disproportionate way. That has to change and art has to
what is the pure line, the light and
VINDICATE. We must implement real
dark, contrast, passages, shadows, etc.
laws which help, promote, dignify and
The real painters know about it.
recognize the truly talented artist,
However, there are more and more
enough hypocrisy! Enough of feeding
painters who do not know how to do it
the stereotype which exists by
and I say this with full knowledge of
classifying artists as "irresponsible
the facts. I am not curbing plastic
bohemians", enough of thinking and
freedom of expression or anything
judging artists as lazy, sloppy, careless
like that. It is wonderful to know that
or as crazy and delusional lunatics...!
every day there are more people who paint and express themselves.
How do you want your art to affect?
But sometimes it is frustrating to see
I just intend to sensitize people in some
how any artists are called painters".
way, so I can inspire someone to follow
Many think that you don't need to
the path of art.
know how to draw in order to paint and that's a mistake, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to disassemble
www.ajmorales.com 101
JANE BIVEN
"I use the power of color and texture to transform your little spot in the world into a place in which you want to spend most of your time. I achieve “synergy” between creating beauty and balance."
Resin artist, Jane Biven, incorporates epoxy resin, with various materials, to create colorful abstract paintings, 3D geode sculptures and custom-made resin/wood furniture. Bivens' resin artwork is displayed in public and private collections worldwide. Tell us about yourself and your background. I discovered my passion a little later in life and began my artistic career in 2012, at age 48. While renovating an older home, I stumbled upon the idea of refinishing the old countertops with epoxy resin and the rest, as they say, is history! While working for 30 years in the hospitality industry (and always for someone else) I could finally breathe. Once you start relying on your own abilities, great things are going to happen! I never studied art or even took classes, except for one quarter in the ninth grade, but my father loved art. He had a true appreciation for the masters, and we would spend hours looking through his art books. He taught me a lot about that type of artwork, but then I discovered what would instill a lifelong love affair… abstract art. My dad did not care for abstract art but would take me to see exhibits at The High Museum. 103
“Fluid" motion is beautiful perfection, a natural flow that can be controlled only to a point — which is a good life lesson."
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
semi-precious gemstones. Both liberating and
Just as a composer uses various notes to create
exhilarating, my expressive outlet is a freedom like no
beautiful music, I use the power of color and texture to
other, achieved by relinquishing control to fluidity or
transform your little spot in the world into a place in
the natural path of liquid, as it flows thick or thin, into
which you want to spend most of your time. I achieve
and out of other streams. Colors combining naturally
“synergy” between creating beauty and balance.
and resisting the temptation to intervene, until the
I describe my creative experience as a "symphony of
perfect moment to add a mist of chemical, causing an
color”. Each body of work is a chapter, each painting
eruption of color, or introduce a tool, dragging a line of
a page, in the book about my personal journey of self-
color through another. With a burst of spontaneity
discovery.
and a keen eye for color, I hold nothing back when it comes to creating a new artwork.
Describe your process.
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My original process combines various pigments,
How / what do you feel when you are creating?
additives, modifiers & heat with epoxy resin. Careful
I am truly happy when creating my artwork. Painting
layering, manipulation, & timely execution produces
allows me to ‘turn off’ the outside world and focus only
amazing results. I have expanded my work to include
on the creation of something beautiful. It is my Zen.
3-D sculpture, functional houseware and handmade
Fluid art is very different from painting with a canvas
furniture incorporating exotic wood, concrete and
& brush. It has it’s set of challenges, however, for a
semi-precious gemstones. Both liberating and
true fluid artist, “Fluid" motion is beautiful perfection,
exhilarating, my expressive outlet is a freedom like no
a natural flow that can be controlled only to a point —
other, achieved by relinquishing control to fluidity or
which is a good life lesson. It’s about learning how and
the natural path of liquid, as it flows thick or thin, into
when to let go. Using only gravity, patience and self-
amazing results. I have expanded my work to include
restraint, this karmic exercise is quite therapeutic as
3-D sculpture, functional houseware and handmade
well. I am certain it is the only thing keeping me out of
furniture incorporating exotic wood, concrete and
a straitjacket!
What are your sources of inspiration? I am influenced by my visual surroundings, like everyone else. But my true inspiration is music. I always paint to music. Music is a wonderful medium to clear your cluttered mind, release emotions and induce your creativity to perform. I choose music according to my mood and include all genres. Everything from Pink Floyd to Beethoven, Marilyn Manson to The BeeGees! In fact, all of my paintings are titled after the songs that inspire me. “Music is my sole (soul) inspiration. I always paint to music. I translate the audible to visual, it's like I paint what I hear... Lyric and melody become color and form… As I construct a painting like composing a song. My paintings are visual songs, ’symphonies of color’ The more inspiring the music, the more passionate the painting!" Tell us about some of your achievements. When I started my career, as an artist, I understood the importance of running it as a business. I hit the ground running, focusing on self-promotion. There wasn’t much information available, like there is today, so I just asked for what I wanted! It is truly amazing that I didn’t get more rejections or doors slammed in my face. If I attempted these same tactics today, they would not yield the same results! I've been blessed with more than 1700 online sales. I have participated in 30+ group shows and 5 solo exhibitions, including Art Basel 2015, 2016. SCOPE Miami 2016, and a digital display at The Louvre in Paris. I am under contract with Hilton Hotels. I license my artwork to several companies and department stores to reproduce in various forms of print. My artwork is displayed in hotels, lobbies and corporate offices throughout the US, as well as, public and private collections worldwide. BUT, the most thrilling moment for me was a 2014 group show in New York City, NY. ” SEE ME Take Over Times Square”. To see my artwork displayed on the world’s tallest billboards and my name in lights was a defining moment in my life. I had no idea, when I took a last-minute flight to New York, that what I would see that evening would change my life! It took a few days for the magnitude of 105
"I am influenced by my visual surroundings, like everyone else. But my true inspiration is music. I always paint to music."
106
the whole experience sink in. I collected photos, of my
Tell us about your upcoming projects.
artwork displayed, from other participants and put
I am so excited about my ocean awareness project.
together a 3-minute video of the Times Square show.
I am currently working on the second of a 12-piece
During that process is when it hit me. The video is still
series of epoxy resin and concrete tables. Each one is a
available on my website and YouTube channel.
life-like depiction of an underwater ocean floor. This one features a sunken ship theme, the first a coral reef.
What are you passionate about?
I hope to raise awareness about the condition of our
Many things besides music and art! My family and
oceans and the ongoing cleanup efforts of amazing
friends, the plant and environmental crisis. But I am
groups like 4Ocean. In fact, a portion of the proceeds
most passionate about animals. Both domestic and
will be donated to support 4Ocean, as well as, the
wildlife worldwide. From a very early age, I knew that
preservation of aquatic life and habitat.
was my cause. The one I was born to stand up and fight for. In 1985, I began donating my time and
Tell us about where you are based and how it
financial support to the ASPCA, WWF and other
influences your work.
groups dedicated to the protection and preservation of
My studio & gallery space are located in Roswell, GA.
every species, their natural habitats. And to stop abuse,
It’s a historical town north of Atlanta. It’s an art district,
neglect and inhumane treatment of animals. In 2014, I
full of galleries, handmade shops and hundreds of
donate 10% of my art sales to the ASPCA & local animal
talented artists living and working here. I have learned
shelters and then increased my annual donation to
so much from many of them. It’s quite inspiring to be
include 10% of my total income, as well as, 20 hours a
surrounded by a creative and supportive community.
month to our local chapter of The Humane Society. I participate in an annual fund raiser, auction off some
How do you feel about art and its role in the world
paintings and pressure my friends for monetary
today?
donations, which has raised over $250,000 in the last 3
I believe it is more important than ever to teach the
years. This year I will make my largest contribution to
younger generations about art and creativity. I am
the WWF, to aid in the efforts to save two species of
afraid the interest and appreciation for fine art and its
tigers from extinction.
history is fading fast. We can’t let that happen! 107
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"I want to create art that gives people a momentary pause from stress, pressure and the rush to keep up with reality, lift the spirit, encourage a smile and feeling the flow of positive energy, with which it was created." How you want your art to affect the viewer?
Abstract artworks deliver an impact stronger than
I want to create art that gives people a momentary
traditional figurative or subjective paintings.
pause from stress, pressure and the rush to keep
The personal connection of the individual perception/
up with reality, lift the spirit, encourage a smile and
interpretation of an abstraction and itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to
feeling the flow of positive energy, with which it was
command the mood of its audience are powerful.
created. If my work does that, I've succeeded.Â
It makes an impression on anyone entering the room,
I believe artwork transforms the space in which itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
creates a feeling, stimulates, or calms the energy
displayed. Therefore, it should not be random, but
within the room, both of which are initiated with color
chosen. It should reflect the personality of its owner
theory.
and their living space. The right piece of art is essential. Size and scale are very important, but its energy (color and form) should be the elements first considered.
www.halfbakedart.com 109
KARIN AGGELER
"As a young woman in Germany, I never expected to become an artist. Coming to America, to Santa Barbara, California, I found myself in a very exciting place in time. There was a craft revival happening and I became involved in the local art scene."
Karin Aggeler's abstract paintings of memories,
around me; in the design of the historical town
moods and landscapes create a dynamic
buildings, churches, and castles. My parents and aunt
experience for the viewer, allowing them to engage
exposed me to art from early childhood, took me
with their own memories and emotions.
on visits to museums, and provided materials and supplies, which, since it was the years directly after
Tell us about yourself and your background.
World War II, usually amounted to nothing more than
Growing up in Bavaria, Germany, the arts were
a set of colored pencils, which I greatly treasured.
always important to me. The region was known to be
Looking back, I can now see how those formative
a hotbed of both woodcarvers and painters, like
years helped develop my artistic persona, but as a
Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, who had both
young woman in Germany, I never expected to
lived nearby, and were among the artists that
become an artist myself. In 1963, coming to America,
founded the “Der Blaue Reiter Group,” (The Blue
to Santa Barbara, California, I found myself in a very
Rider Group), pioneering breakthroughs into
exciting place in time. There was a craft revival
expressive abstraction in 1913. I also had a strong
happening and I became involved in the local art
awareness of beauty in nature, and in the art forms all
scene, took painting and ceramic classes, and met 111
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very accomplished local artists. I married a Swiss ceramicist, and we worked together creating pottery and selling our work throughout the U.S., in galleries, shops and fairs. Starting in 1981, for 17 years, I divided my time between my home studio and working full-time at Braille Institute in Santa Barbara, where I founded the Arts and Crafts program, teaching ceramics and coordinating the entire department. I loved working there—it was challenging and fulfilling, introducing visually impaired adults to the arts, witnessing their thrill at being able to accomplish and create new, unique works. Most of the students never practiced the arts before and it was exciting to see them blossom and master a new craft. That time was a very enriching and amazing learning experience for me as well. What are your sources of inspiration? Eventually, I married again and around 2000, my husband gave me an easel and paints for Christmas and I began to paint again, starting where I had left off, with abstract expressionism. My husband introduced me to the Southwest and that magnificent landscape—deserts, mountains, canyons, pueblos, big sky—brought about a new focus that I was excited to express. When I saw the work of Leon Gaspar and Nicolai Fechin, two Russian impressionists, in a gallery in Sante Fe, I was taken by their rich palette and it awakened an irresistible drive in me to return to the canvas. Even now, on a recent trip, I found myself in front of two large Gaspar paintings at a Santa Fe Gallery and spent over two hours being overwhelmed by their unique and striking expression of color. Tell us about your process? Sometimes I give myself a challenge to pick a theme and express a certain place, memory, emotion or experience and do it in a diverse, abstract way, using color, light, texture and movement, so that it conjures my own personal impressions of the theme. Once I have captured the present moment—how I am feeling towards that theme while I paint—I move on. Sometimes, if I don’t get it right away or I feel like there is more to discover, I keep making more paintings along the same lines, be it an emotion or landscape inspired idea—until I feel I’m done with that theme. Those paintings can become a series even though I’m not trying consciously to create one. 113
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"I like to use color, line, shape and texture relationships to build a multi-layered work, purposefully letting a coat underneath to show through the top layer creating depth and mystery, enticing us to imagine what cannot always be seen."
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"When I paint, I’m completely in the emotional space of that theme or place or feeling." Tell us the back-story of some of your projects.
commissions unless I can truly understand the
I made a Santa Barbara series that was influenced by
person and feel like they will be open to how the final
the incredible natural beauty of the area, the city that
interpretation ultimately presents itself.
has been my home for over 50 years—the beaches, the
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harbor, the mountains, the sweeping vistas.
What are you passionate about?
On some of the paintings I would invent new colors
When I paint, I’m completely in the emotional space of
to express the feeling I have when I look down a
that theme or place or feeling. I find a way to express
street or a certain neighborhood, and in other works,
it somehow through the various techniques I have at
I gathered inspiration from the marine fog, recalling a
my disposal, often using both palette knives and
Wednesday afternoon Regatta when the mist rolled in
brushes, sometimes one or more in each hand,
and all you could see were the colorful sails
moving quickly, not thinking, just flowing, loving to
providing a gentle brush of color through the blue
bring new color and shapes to life, smoothing out
haze. Doing a custom commission is an entirely
areas, cutting lines and textures into the canvas.
different experience as I put myself into the mind,
Many times I start to paint and then the painting takes
personality and personal tastes of the buyer. I’ll visit
its own course and turns out very differently than my
with the client at their home, learn who they are, their
original idea. I have to flow with it or it becomes
personality, what’s important to them. I’ll carefully
forced and doesn’t feel alive. I like to use color, line,
consider the space where the art work will ultimately
shape and texture relationships to build a multi-
live, examining the colors and light. But even after all
layered work, purposefully letting a coat underneath
those considerations, it’s ultimately still a personal
to show through the top layer creating depth and
expression for me and because of that, I rarely accept
mystery, enticing us to see and imagine what cannot
always be seen.
something we may consciously consider, becomes part of the
How do you want your art to
mystery of our own life story, a
affect the viewer?
mystery that often cannot be
I don’t give a lot of thought to the
expressed in words but is perhaps
viewer when I paint, it’s more of a
better left to the abstract.
personal journey, but in making
"When I paint, it’s more of a personal journey, but in making these abstract works it’s my aim that they will ultimately enhance people's lives."
these abstract works it’s my aim
What are you up to now?
that they will ultimately enhance
I sell my paintings throughout the
people's lives by becoming a
U.S. and Europe and show them in
dynamic object that changes in
California at 10 West Gallery in
their eyes as their mood and daily
Santa Barbara and Gallery Los
selves change. They are purchasing
Olivios, and on my website.
a living thing. I think that’s the
I have also recently returned to the
unique power of these abstract
ceramic studio and am now
works—they are not contained by a
experimenting with abstract
realistic depiction of a portrait or
sculptures in clay.
landscape and so, if I am successful, they invite the viewer to walk into
Karin Aggeler works and lives in
them, to move about, rediscovering
Santa Barbara with her husband,
a familiar time or place and evoking
children and grandchildren.
a memory, an emotion, and a sense
www.KarinAggeler.com
of connection. All of that, while not
@karin_aggeler 117
ELEANOR GOLDSTEIN
"Every subject I paint (no matter the medium) I need to show in its strength-- not in delicacy. I push the images forward for the impact to be experienced."
Eleanor Goldstein is a painter and sculptor from New
College, teaching art in the NYC school system, and
York City, working in a variety of mediums. She is a
taking part in residencies in America and abroad. I still
mother, wife, social worker, teacher-- and always a
go to classes at the Arts Student League, and I am back
passionate supporter of all the arts, having spent
to sculpting again after 5 or 6 years; learning to cast in
most of her 84 years painting.
Bronze! I am always trying to push my work forward and experiment.
Tell us about yourself and your background. I am a Jewish girl from the Bronx approaching 85, and
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
I paint as much as I can. I have lived through a world of
When I start a new project, a certain kind of fear
tremendous change. I trained at the New York City
literally takes hold of me. But then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll reach a breaking
Ballet School, and played piano for seven years. When
point and paint a passionate response to that feeling
I did discover I had to paint- I was so young that I
of fear. I typically paint large (I like the paper to be my
needed written permission to draw the nude models
size or larger), which enables me to attack the paper.
at the Arts Student League in Manhattan. From there,
I can only paint when I cannot stand NOT to paint any
I have kept at it -- majoring in sculpture at Bennington
longer. 119
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I have done a lot of work in just about every medium: painting (oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic), as well as sculpture, solar etchings/monoprints, and mixed media/college. Each subject chooses its own medium to best express or capture it: with people and figures it was clay/wood/pastel primarily, with the cityscapes it
"Sometimes I start in one medium and it will not work until I find The Right One for the job."
was oil/monoprints, with landscapes it was watercolor. Sometimes I start in one medium and it will not work until I find The Right One for the job. I want to use the medium that most forcefully allows me to express a feeling. Every subject I paint (no matter the medium) I need to show in its strength-- not in delicacy. I push the images forward for the impact to be experienced. It is unusual for me to paint something from a great distance. I want the here-and-now of the work up front, almost as if one is able to step into the image. What are your sources of inspiration? The cyclical nature of life and death is often a theme. I am driven to catch beauty (whether urban or natural) before its destruction. Silence and solitude are other true sources of inspiration. I also love discovering the works of other artists, which is absolutely essential. 121
"I am driven to catch beauty before its destruction."
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Tell us about some of your achievements. The most exciting achievement of my career was the commission of a 19-foot mural for St. John the Divine Cathedral -- that was a total gift to me, a magnificent experience. Also, this piece of sculpture (Risen) was a real accomplishment. What are you passionate about? I am passionate about the patterns of shadows cast across highways; the marsh in October turning from green to the color of wheat; the sound of a violin played in the empty columbarium of a Church, and by the cry of need heard across our world. Share with us the back-stories. I have made two trips to Greenland in the last year to see the icebergs in their true majesty before their destruction. I am fixated on the warming of our Earth and the pending loss of life, and beauty- particularly in this landscape. My first trip to Greenland was on a converted fishing boat, up the shoreline, where we touched the Arctic Circle. On my second trip, I chose to see and experience this endangered world on my own. One night, standing in darkness, I was surrounded by complete silence, not a sound by man or nature. I have been trying to capture those moments in my studio ever since. Tell us about your upcoming projects.. In early 2019 my first series of works on Greenland was presented in a show called Requiem. I continue to paint this subject, what has become to me a crie dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;couer. I hope in the next year to have another showing responding to this second expedition to Greenland.
"One night, standing in darkness, I was surrounded by complete silence, with not a sound by man or nature. I have been trying to capture those moments in my studio ever since." 123
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"I am passionate about the patterns of shadows cast across highways; the marsh in October turning from green to the color of wheat; the sound of a violin playedin the empty columbarium of a Church, and by the cry of need heard across our world."
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www.eleanorgoldsteinart.com
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Tell us about where you are based. While I have traveled the world to remarkable places, I was born in the Bronx, and have continued to live in and around New York City ever since. New York is a vibrant city-- diverse in its people and its art. A cauldron from which I drink and gain energy! I was compelled to memorialize the dynamic time in
"The Arts are a diary of what is, of the moment, how it relates to our past and future. Do we celebrate, or are we the voice of nightmares? Or both?"
New York in which I was raised (post WWII) and do honor to the workers who built my city. They worked hard (Union guys!) and I really wanted to capture their landscape before all the old neighborhoods were torn down. How do you feel about art and its role in the world? Not art -- but The Arts (plural)-- are a diary of what is, of the moment, how it relates to our past and future. Do we celebrate, or are we the voice of nightmares? Or both? I applaud the diversity of artists now being recognized. We were so oriented to Western Art for so long, and so minimally invested in global art -- and the broadening of what constitutes art, legitimate art, is now acknowledging the power and beauty that is created in many places of the world,which is very exciting and inspiring to me. I think it creates a broader understanding and respect. How you want your art to affect the viewer/ world? I want them to stop, truly look, and feel. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it! 127
NANCY STAUB LAUGHLIN
"My assemblages: pastels and photographs, are created by layering juxtaposing elements: nature vs. glitter. The viewer enters my glowing world of color, light, dimension and beauty."
Nancy Staub Laughlin is an accomplished highly
ketchup. It was an attempt to be the new Claus
imaginative artist who brings a new contemporary
Oldenburg at the age of 11. I have been a career artist
concept to the genre of still life. She composes pastel
since my early twenties.I have a BFA from Moore
drawings and photographs to create dynamic
College of Art, Philadelphia, PA and upon graduation a
assemblages that are rich in texture and color.
two year apprenticeship at the Johnson Atelier School
She is represented in numerous, collections,
of Technical Sculpture. At the Atelier, I did some
museums and galleries throughout the northeast.
commissions for Henry Heide candy company doing facsimiles of some of their Juicy Fruits made out of
Tell us about yourself and your background.
transparent resin. This started my obsession with
I have been creative as long as I can remember. As a
glow and hence, paired with sparkle and light. I was
child, I was always doing ”projects” of some sort that
born to be an artist…period.
involved creative thinking. I did have an art teacher in 7th grade named Mr. Cooper. He was great! I made a
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
six foot hotdog with the roll out of chicken wire and
My assemblages: pastels and photographs, are
plaster cloth. I painted it to look real with mustard and
created by layering juxtaposing elements: nature vs. 129
glitter. The viewer enters my glowing world of color, light, dimension and beauty. I create these stills by combining the elements: ie. photographs of the landscape in seasons and detailed photographs of glowing or glittering moments. The paralleling objects are added to accentuate these phenomenas. These compelling compositions are the culmination of many carefully executed steps that define my unique creative process. The common review,” I have never seen anything like Nancy’s work”. What are your sources of inspiration? No matter where I am, I am drawn to sparkle, glow, light and shadows.I see the world in a different way than most people. I have an intuition to find glow and sparkle 24/7. In my drawings, I use my fascination of “sparkle and glow” and combine nature vs. glitter to put it simply. The kinetic aspect of each drawing brings the viewers eye around the drawing like “connect the dots”. The key is to capture and execute the landscape and the baubles artistically so the viewer can enter my beautiful world I have created. Curator, Ingrid Fox, wrote of my work as "Objects are added or subtracted and the end result creates an effervescence, sparkle and glow, which makes the inanimate come alive and brings all elements together as one." and Kate Somers, a curator at Princeton University described my work as individualized and described me as an “alchemist".
"The key is to capture and execute the landscape and the baubles artistically so the viewer can enter my beautiful world I have created." 130
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"I am creative in whatever I do and strive for creative perfection and love every minute!" Tell us about some of your achievements .
What are you passionate about?
My most memorable highlight was being reviewed by
I am passionate about sparkle and manage to find it in
Sam Hunter, Art Critic and Historian of Modern and
the most obscure moments. I love that my family and
Contemporary Art who found my work “refreshingly
friends know me so well, that all presents involve
unique”. This has been a common theme among many
sparkle in some fashion. I am passionate about being
positive reviews. I offer a “different” approach and
creative. My creativity extends to everything... I am a
passion to drawing. "Nancy is consistent in her
needlepointer, (I do a fire screen of each series).
vision…one can always recognize her signature style
Each one takes 4-5 years. I am also an avid gardener
no matter how much she has changed or grown.” Sam
where my gardens are in the Archives of the
used the words “a demanding vision that rewards the
Smithsonian Gardens of America. I am creative in
viewer gloriously and dynamically”. I have stayed true
whatever I do and strive for creative perfection and
to my unique self. I have also been recognized and
love every minute!
honored in New Jersey where I had a one- person
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exhibit at the New Jersey State Museum along with
Share with us some project back-stories.
being included in the permanent collection. I was also
In my previous series my pastel drawings emerged
honored by Secretary of State, Nina Mitchell Wells
from my self- photographed unique assemblages or
(under Corzine) with a solo exhibit at the State House
“simulated still life’s”. These photographs were an
of New Jersey.
important part of the process and were a separate
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"I am always working on new works that evolve from the previous. I like to be prepared for exhibition possibilities at all times." 134
recognized body of work. One day,
possibilities at all times. When I am
I had a brainstorm and thought to
not creating, I am working on the
combine them to add another layer
“business” end. We all wish it was
and dimension. The photograph is
like the movies where you are
mounted on foam core to add the
”discovered”. I stick to the 10,000
3D effect. I actually draw shadows
hour theory…this is where passion
to make pop even more. In art
about what you do comes in! I keep
school, I actually was a sculpture
plugging away. My goal is to exhibit
major. I try to have many
every two years.
dimensions in my drawings to bring the viewer right in.
Tell us about where you are based and how it influences your work.
Tell us about upcoming projects.
I am based in Princeton, New
I am always working on new works
Jersey. I am not limited to New
that evolve from the previous. I like
Jersey for exhibitions. I am with
to be prepared for exhibition
the Carter Burden Gallery in New
"I want people to leave my exhibition and, first go “WOW”! I want them to leave knowing who I am and what my mission is." York City. I am from Connecticut originally so try to have a presence in New England. How do you feel about art and its role in the world? With all the social media , an excellent way to see work all over the world, you are also exposed to so much more, good and bad. I love instagram for following galleries, museums, artists, etc. I look for talent. I may not love what I see, but if it shows creativity and talent, I will click on the heart. Let’s say I'm not clicking all the time… How you want your art to affect the viewer? My work captures the viewer and takes one on a scenic tour of my perceptive world. The audience is seeing through my eyes. I want people to leave my exhibition and, first go “WOW”! I want them to leave knowing who I am and what my mission is. I want them to say, “she is unique and stays true to her talent” and I need one of these! www.nancystaublaughlin.com 135
LOUISE LEVY
"The movement and rhythm in dance are elements I search for in a photographic image."
Louise Levy is a photographer living in New Hope,
me the ability to create that distilled moment,
Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her work spans several
preserving a time that no longer exists. In working on
genres including abstract, nature and travel
a photograph, I lose all sense of self connecting with
photography. In her work she is guided by her
creative energy. In those solitary moments my focus is
curiosity and opening her eyes to the magic that
pinpointed, and all other stimuli drop away.
surrounds her. Her lyrical style transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Your images offer the viewer an infinite potential for searching... what shared DNA do your images have?
Why were you drawn to photography?
Wang Wei an 8th century Chinese painter, poet and
I love dance. And the movement and rhythm in dance
landscape designer said he did not want to paint a
are elements I search for in a photographic image --
flower, rather he wanted to paint the essence of the
the bend of a line, the angle of a leg, the ethereal curve
flower. This approach is a way of telling a story from
of a petal. In my work angles and motion are
many different perspectives and is a philosophy with
contrasted with stillness. Pristine moments captured
which I am constantly experimenting and aspiring. My
reflect the fleeting nature of time. Photography gives
abstract work creates a conversation with the viewer: 137
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"My abstract work creates a conversation with the viewer: what are they seeing? It is familiar, yet unidentifiable."
what are they seeing? It is familiar,
Tell us about some of the places
yet unidentifiable, it is a
you have photographed.
dreamscape in which familiar
During a trip to Alaska, I climbed
objects appear in unfamiliar ways.
Exit Glacier outside Seward. When
My work has been described as,
I got to the top of the glacier a
â&#x20AC;&#x153;putting the viewer into a dream-
mountain range spread before me
like world of compositions where
covered with miles of snow and
abstract figures are juxtaposed
only the tips of the mountains
against organic structures layered
peeked through the white expanse.
on top of one another in a way that
The snow was untouched by a
compresses space and removes all
footprint. I felt I was looking at
context and sense of scale. The
infinity. I became enthralled with
compositions become like another
snow and ice. Many years later I
world where people merge with
was lucky enough to travel to
the environment and transform to
Antarctica with my new Sony Nex
become new organic structures.â&#x20AC;?
5, and my travel photography 139
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began. Since then I have photographed the Hmong people in Sapa, Vietnam; Nomads in the Sahara Desert in Morocco; the fjords of Iceland; echidna in Australia; suspension bridges over gorges on the Routeburn Trek in New Zealand; and the music scene in Cuba. Can you place a finger on how you are able achieve deeply impactful images irrespective of the subject? By nature, I am a curious person and eager to be engaged with the world. I have many passions: nature, geometric shapes, abstract art. When I go into the field, I have no preconceived ideas. I am open to the world and what speaks to me. But the most common ingredient is light and how it dances, plays and illuminates. Share with us the relationship between the micro and macro in your work? I have always loved nature, I got my Master of Science degree with a concentration in ecology and geomorphology. During this study I learned how to look at systems as a whole and analyze the ways in which the parts were interrelated. I also studied ornithology and botany which required in-depth and detailed examination of plants and animals. These studies provided me with a significant understanding of the macro/micro relationship. Describe how people typically react to your work. I love to show people a new photograph and then just stay quiet while they react to the piece.
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"It’s like a Rorschach test. People often see a picture very differently than I do." It’s like a Rorschach test. People often see a picture
wide. She needed the photograph to hang on a large
very differently than I do. One photo was taken inside
wall behind her baby grand piano. I had never created
a car wash. Some viewers see a UFO in the Twilight
a piece of that scope. She chose an abstract design
Zone; others see cat’s eyes looming in the distance;
and, although I never change a photograph to fit room
still others see a rainy evening at the ocean. Another
specifications, I was curious and accepted the
photo was taken into a mirror inside a restaurant:
challenge. I selected a section of the abstract piece,
Jersey City is reflected in the background, joggers and
cropped it to landscape dimensions, and exported a
bikers are mid-ground; and diners eating at tables are
pixel rich image. The resulting photograph creates an
visible in the foreground through cracks that run
ethereal, dreamlike quality that the smaller version is
through the mirror. People tend to look at the
missing. Now, I’m printing my pieces larger, though not
cityscape or the activity on the street, only a rare few
7 feet long!
can capture the whole, seeing the cracks running through the different scenes, wondering why the
Tell us where you are based and how it influences
name of the café is written correctly instead of
your work.
backwards. Only an occasional viewer realizes it’s a
I live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Bucolic is the
mirror image.
word often used to describe the county and its landscape that attracted the New Hope Impressionists
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Share the backstory of some of your projects.
as well as talents like Dorothy Parker, Moss Hart,
A client was drawn to my work but needed a photo to
Oscar Hammerstein and Margaret Mead. Soft autumn
fit a specific space. It was 7 feet long and 42 inches
colors of yellows and orange are reflected in the river
"Art takes the sharp corners of my world and smooths and softens them enabling me to discover parts of myself I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explored."
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and canals; mounds of winter snows transform the farmscapes; and on misty summer mornings fog hangs in the air playing peek-a-boo with the bridges. What inspires your work? Everything is fair game. I am inspired by landscapes and cityscapes; rivers, lakes and the sea; reflections; other artists work in all media; theater; dance; rain and a fallen leaf. But more than anything else, it is the way the light interplays with all of these elements that captures my attention and is my inspiration. Tell us a bit about the power you feel when creating. Creativity is like a seed planted in my soul waiting to germinate. Under the right conditions it is able to blossom and grow in unpredictable ways. Art takes the sharp corners of my world and smooths and softens them enabling me to discover parts of myself I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explored. It takes me away from my head and enables me to connect with my heart, my emotions, and my subconscious. Art is discovery, pushing the boundaries, and taking leaps into the unknown. How do you feel about art and its role in the world today? The value of art is the way it bears witness to our lives; it helps us understand and feel what it means to experience life, the world around us, what it means to be human. Understanding that is what connects us to one another. Art is personal and, at the same time, universal. It helps us gain new perspectives, laugh at our inadequacies, and create a vision of a new path. 144
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KEISHA MANIJEAN
"My paintings are meant to invoke something. Regardless of what that may be, as long as they invoke something. If I can just do that, I have done my job as a celestial storyteller."
me an art school and by the following quarter, I was enrolled in Savannah College of Art and Design. You studied in Savannah, you now live Los Angeles... My name is Keisha Manijean, I am a surrealist. I live
how has that transition influenced your work?
in Los Angeles California with my fiancé Howard I
College was kind of rough for me. I would say I was
Palmer Jr. I view myself as a celestial storyteller,
Robin Hood and Savannah was Sherwood forest. I am
rather than an artist. Pictures are a form of
very dramatic and animated. When I returned to LA, I
communication that helps me convey to the world
was able to return to normal, surrounded again by the
the Importance of love.
people who love me and I felt comfortable with. This is how I was able to come up with the concepts that you
You came to art at a young age, when did you realize
have come to love today.
this was for you? I was a young mother, having my first son at 16. I have
Your paintings are bold, unique and evoke healthy
also always been a hustler, so at a young age, I worked
feelings – is that deliberate?
for my mother as her assistant. My mother Debra was
They’re meant to invoke something. Regardless of
a hair stylist and one of her customers asked me what
what that may be – as long as they invoke something.
I would study if I had an opportunity to attend college.
If I can just do that, I have done my job as a celestial
The answer was of course, art. This customer found
storyteller. 147
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"I simply created what I felt was lacking in love. I thought, what can I do to make love as important as it should be?"
The Universal Love Series has
Why were you drawn to
made a major impact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what were
characters such as spoons, forks,
the origins of this idea?
knives and trees?
The origins of the idea stemmed
After leaving school, I perceived
from early childhood experiences.
myself as the fork that was needing
My best friend Channon Busey and
a spoon. So, I just started painting
I were bullied in school by a girl our
the spoons I felt were missing in my
own age, but much bigger, named
life. My passion for Tarzan is what
Toni. Channon had brought a fork
inspired my love for trees because
to school and when Toni began
trees give us oxygen to breathe.
bullying us, Channon defended us with the fork. So, throughout my
I simply created what I felt was
life, I associated forks with safety
lacking in love. I thought, what can
and security, viewing them as
I do to make love as important as it
weapons of protection. Later, while
should be? This also led me to think
in school in Savannah, I did a
about food, which I love. Eating
surrealism piece for a class project
food brings memories of time
in which a different friend, also
spent with loved ones, which led
ironically named Tony, posed for
me to associate food with love. The
me while he was studying for his
rest is a collection of my heart in
final. I made his face a spoon.
the moment. 149
The curator Renee Phillips mentioned the potential of your art to gather a following in culinary communities – what do you think? I think she is right as food has always brought me new people, friendships, and happiness. It embodies everything I believe love is. After all, my slogan is everybody’s gotta’ eat, everybody’s gotta’ love. Meeting Renee and having her select my art for an online art exhibition and her invitation to join her online membership program was like crossing the finish line at the end of a long and difficult road as an art professional. Did you expect Universal Love Series to be as successful and widely collected as it has been? My reason for universal love was always to teach. I view myself as a celestial storyteller, rather than an artist intending to sell pictures. Pictures are a way of communication for me. I am trying to go back to the beginning, where art was used as form of communication. What have been some of your big hits so far? “The Red Chair” from the Universal Love Series won an Award of Merit in the Manhattan Arts International “HerStory” 2019 exhibition. The tree series has also received a lot of positive reaction because trees are bearers of life. Also, “Blue Moon”, a painting that communicates unity and love through various characters such as spoons, forks, knives, and trees, was selected for an online exhibition “Change and Evolution”. What do you want to achieve in your paintings? I simply want to achieve “A Just Love movement.” I am currently in the process of establishing a nonprofit charity called the Just Love Movement. It is all about natural born talent. This is what saved me, my natural born talent. I believe we all have one and if we can discover it within ourselves, we can make the world a better place.
"I simply want to achieve “A Just Love movement.” 150
How can we best allow art to heal? I think that art allows a person to come out of themselves and create, the same way as our maker creates, by taking a blank canvas and making something of your own. This gives you a feeling of accomplishment, of Creatorship. It creates something within yourself. Taking and making something out of nothing is a miracle and as an artist I make miracles with every canvas I come across.
"Taking and making something out of nothing is a miracle and as an artist I make miracles with every canvas."
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"Followers can expect to look for all the new happenings with the Just Love Movement. It is going to be just that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all about love."
152
"My name is Keisha Manijean, but I am so more than that. I am Keisha Renee Nicholson Rowser Manijean. Each of theses names have their own journeys." What does 2020 hold for you – what can followers of
originally in color pastel. This led to the beginning of
your work expect?
KeishaManijean.com. So, there you have it, basically,
Followers can expect to look for all the new
all I can say is that I am artist, a hustler (hard worker),
happenings with the Just Love Movement. It is going
and a mother determined to take care of her children.
to be just that – all about love. I have ideas of my own, like rebirth for the elderly, being in need of recovery
I’m going to take this last bit of my interview to thank
when you’re ready, for the recovering addict, and
those people who showed me love and didn’t judge me
natural born talents for kids ages 11-17. The focus
on my journey. I first want to thank my fiancé Howard
being to help people discover their creativity
Palmer Jr. My children’s fathers, Jerome Rowser Sr
and natural talents.
and Gabriel Manijean (Dr. Mikey). My children Jerome Rowser Jr., Gabriel Manijean, and Onree Manijean.
Tell us about you – tell us about your journey? My name is Keisha Manijean, but I am so more than
My friend Bridjette Richards of BEverythingBody.com,
that. I am Keisha Renee Nicholson Rowser Manijean.
for asking me to paint her logo. My sisters, my
Each of theses names have their own journeys. So I
brothers and all of my family! Channon Bausey my
guess the journey I’ll speak of is the journey back to
childhood friend and owner of B Royal Beauty Palace.
art. As everyone, I’ve had ups and downs. I thought my
I would also like to thank Renee Phillips for believing
last down was going to take away my art, thankfully it
in my art. Thank you.
brought me back to art. In early 2019, I began to repaint my entire Universal Love Series, which was
www.keishamanijean.com 153
NICOLE MORRISH
"I am telling my subject’s story, allowing their moment to be expressed through composition, color, line, and negative space."
My name is Nicole Morrish and I am a painter.
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
I use oil paints on paper and canvas. I am based out of
I feel my work is unique in its simplicity. There is
Nederland, Colorado, USA. I feel all Artwork is
power in something being so simple. However, there
unique in telling another story or another version of
are layers of color, bleeds in the negative space and
the same story. I am but one storyteller among the
just as much intention in the white lines as there is in
billions of important stories.
the color.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I am a self-taught painter and was a Photojournalism
I am lucky to have so many. The main; The beauty of
Student at the Art Academy of San Francisco.
this planet and I have lived in beautiful places with rich
Photography helped me to see frames of life in
senses of history and blood in the ground. This
snapshots. My paintings are the same way, I am telling
dichotomy is what calls me to expression. Sadly, the
my subject’s story, allowing their moment to be
only time that our society seems to take notice of the
expressed through composition, color, line, and
natural world is when we are watching it destroyed,
negative space.
threatened or hurt. We need to flip this mentality. 155
"Creating Art elevates me to live through the joys of life." Tell us about some of your achievements. I have shown in Denver and Boulder, Co. I am a member of the RAW Artists organization and received the Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Highlight Award for the 2016 Season of Showing. What are you passionate about? The environment! Preserving ancient and public lands, Human Rights, My heritage-Native American (Lenni Lenape (Deleware) Tribe, being an Indigenous woman, Art and my mission for my art- to create community, bring together instead of divide and evoke questions to facilitate solutions. Creating Art elevates me to live through the joys of life and not the hurts-and to instantly connect with that feeling in my chest. Share with us the back-stories. My abstracts are almost a purging of emotion to mecolor is so powerful and representative of feelings and energies. My abstract landscapes are from pure 156
joy and reverence of the surroundings I call home. These lands, many of them are under threat from the current government to lose protection SO.NOT.COOL These places need to be protected, honored and enjoyed-this is our historical record, our storytelling, and our responsibility to preserve for future generations. Tell us about your upcoming projects. I am in the beginning stages of a series I am doing on Bulls… I have four done each in different contexts. Honestly, It is not completely clear to me as to why this amazing force of nature has a hold of me-stay-tuned. Tell us about where you are based and how it influences your work. I am based in Nederland, Colorado, at the base of the Continental Divide- not such as easy place to be but stunning in beauty. I also have lived in New Mexico for quite a few years and play constantly along the Taos plateau. These lands occupy my heart and I am blessed to glean inspiration off of their natural beauty and inspiration. How do you feel about art and its role in the world? I am grateful that with the explosion of Social Media, we can see Art from all-over the world and be exposed to Artists from all over the world and share in creativity and community. This gives Artists a chance for their work to be seen. There are more and more paths for opportunity and success. I thank this wonderful publication for being an advocate for Art. Words don’t do justice for all of the important and amazing art out there and the creators behind it. How you want your art to affect the viewer/ world? I would like my Art to enable the audience to feel quiet and calm in this super-charged world. I want the viewer to feel the motion and light. To have a moment of reflection and breath.
"These lands occupy my heart and I am blessed to glean inspiration off of their natural beauty and inspiration." 157
158
"I would like my Art to enable the audience to feel quiet and calm in this super-charged world."
159
"The White space in my work and life allows quiet to scream, ideas to marry and allowance to breath."
160
My Art is an expression of the gratitude I have for my life. I am a proud indigenous woman of the Lenni Lenape tribe, and for that I am thankful. I believe the most important thing we as artists can do is create community-through evoking emotions, questions, commentary and moments for pause. My work straddles Abstract and Contemporary Expressionism. I use the exploration of color to show the relationship of feelings and emotions, power and resilience, resistance and allowance. We have a beauty of mind narrative that I hope to express through the process, that ultimately speaks to the vulnerabilities, strengths, and courage of humanity’s every day and how it influences our Nature. My subject matter strives to express the simplicity of what can be conceived as a complex environment; Ruins, local canyons, landscapes and figures that inhabit my mind space. I strive to ask my audience to look beneath the surface of my works and in their life experience in general. Look at the borders, above, below and inward. Notice the bleeds of the negative space, and take a breath. The White space in my work and life allows quiet to scream, ideas to marry and allowance to breath. I hope to help facilitate a level of connection through color, depth, and composition. Maybe this connection will help save us from ourselves and in turn facilitate some healing for us all and Mother Earth. www.nicolemorrishart.com
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BEATRICIA SAGAR
"I want my work to have elements of surprise that invoke a curiosity in the viewer."
Beatricia Sagar is a well known New York and Miami
experience led me to search all my life for ways to
based contemporary artist whose colorful mixed
express these deep feelings of wonder on the limited
media works can be found in Corporate Collections
size of canvas. I have also lived in many places
including The Neiman Marcus Group, Four Seasons
including Soho, NYC in a large 3000 sq. ft loft. I was
Hotels, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the Grand
surrounded by artists, dancers, musicians, fashion
Hyatt New York. Her works are often presented in
designers. I am very curious, and aware of trends in all
series; Art of Haiku, Vessels, Totems, and Spaces and
the creative fields as they change faster and faster
Places. Beatricia is represented by Cheryl Hazan
with the advance of technology. I like things that are
Contemporary Art located in TriBeCa, New York.
edgy, inventive, culturally different, and at the same time I am fascinated with the subtlety of the Asian
Tell us about yourself and your background.
sensibility to line, color, sound, and fashion.
I was born in the Bronx, N.Y. and lived where an Elevated train traveled very close to our windows
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
forcing us to close our blinds which shut out the light
My current work gives form and structure to my
and kept us safe from the passenger’s curious eyes.
collected memories and feelings to connect spirit with
This train cast a shadow of darkness over the
art. My concept is an Empty Room which is a
neighborhood. When I was 13 I discovered by
metaphor for the silent space within us that we try to
accident that by walking in a certain way I was able to
reach through meditation and chanting. The empty
enter a park where there was, the now famous, New
room is an infinite space which allows, inspires and
York Botanical gardens. It was there I discovered a
guides me to explore varied ways of working. Each
world of light, and it was where I started to draw and
Series I do references Empty Room but is focused on
paint. The botanical gardens were magical for me.
the infinite possibilities in contemporary abstraction.
Each room had a variety of plant species alive with
The different series include Empty Room Series #1
color, aromas, and different origins. As an Artist, this
and #2, Prints, Artifacts, and Shrines. Each series is 163
unique but explores mental and emotional truth in an inventive original way. I want my work to have elements of surprise that invoke a curiosity in the viewer. While the paintings are highly original they fit into both contemporary and corporate environments. Tell us about your process and what/ how do you feel when you are creating. My process is to free my mind from where the original idea originates and work with a variety of materials and techniques to take advantage of the accidents as they happen until there is an integrated but unexpected outcome of that idea. What are your sources of inspiration? My sources of inspiration come from the world around me. A color, the sun setting, the rain, an abstract mark on the street, and a poem can invoke a desire to work. I am inspired by art, fashion and sneaker designers, film, music, and changing youth cultures. My spiritual life is inspired by meditation and chanting and people who share their wisdom with others. Tell us about some of your proudest achievements. My work is in many private collections but also in Corporate Collections. These include 18 Neiman Marcus Stores, Caribbean Cruise Ships, Hilton and other Hotels, MTV, Banks, etc. I have written a book called “Nico’s Guide to Foreplay” which is a penetrating excursion into the lives of two young men who are a study in contrasts in their approach to money, sex, and love. (published on Amazon”) I was also photographed by Nan Golden, a well known New York photographer. The photo is called “Bea with Blue Drink”, it was taken in West Berlin in 1984. It has appeared in many of her Museum Shows. 164
165
"My process is to free my mind from where the original idea originates and work with a variety of materials and techniques to take advantage of the accidents as they happen until there is an integrated but unexpected outcome of that idea."
166
"Because Art has made fortunes it has and will always have a mystique." What are you passionate about?
How do you feel about art and its role in the world
I am very passionate about creativity, originality,
today?
spirituality, Art both mine and others, inspiring
I think art still plays an important part, and because
relationships, learning and loving.
Art has made fortunes it has and will always have a mystique. The ways of buying and selling art are
Largest collection of your work so far?
changing rapidly because there are new kinds of
Neiman Marcus is known for original art that usually
distribution. The Art Fairs make it harder for Galleries
comes from local artists. The consultant liked my work
to maintain their exclusive ways to sell art. Collectors,
enough to place it in other stores around the country.
Interior Designers, Curators, and the person who appreciates original art have many more ways of
What have you got coming up now.
connecting to artists, because of social media,
I am in touch with some art consultants about projects
Instagram etc. For artists, it has become more difficult
I might be considered for.
because of rapidly changing tastes. 167
168
"I start with the realization that my work is the source of my vitality." How you want your art to affect the viewer? I think every artist has a need to be noticed for what they do. I start with the realization that my work is the source of my vitality. I was in a Residency studio at Art Center So Fl. for 18 years which was open to the public for 7 days a week so I am privileged to know that many people respond to my work. I am hoping that through your magazine I will be able to find some other opportunities. www.beatriciasagar.com | Photo Credit: Robert Vano 169
AMIR EHRLICH
"I aim to show nature beyond what the naked eye can see."
My name is Amir Ehrlich, married with 3 beautiful
Tell us about your work and why it is unique.
children. I live in Israel and consider myself to be a
The majority of my work revolves around long
landscape photographer. I mainly use long exposure
exposures. Using this kind of photography allows me
photography which enables me to “paint” with my
to paint with my camera, showing things that the
camera’s sensor. I aim to show nature beyond what
human eye can’t see normally. I love shooting star
the naked eye can see.
trails and the Milky Way as well as the sea during sunrise or sunset. Using long exposure I’m able to
Tell us about yourself and your background.
reach effects that makes my photos look like painting.
I was born in 1973. I’m married with 3 beautiful
The unprofessional viewer usually needs a few
children (2 boys and a girl). I grew up in a Moshav (a
seconds to understand what he sees or an explanation
kind of a village in Israel), a place that helped me
to understand how it was created. The majority of my
connect to nature and learn to love and admire it. For
work shows the scene as it was in reality, considering
the past 16 years I live in Modiin which is a new city in
the atmosphere I wanted to present (balanced
Israel, also surrounded by fields, forests and nature.
exposure or alternatively – over or under exposed)
Photography was always a hobby of mine but in the
with slight, basic develop adjustments. Only in rare
past 7 years it became more of a passion and I decided
cases I manipulate my photo but still, not too much.
to deepen my knowledge with my gear and understanding of the basics of photography in order
What are your sources of inspiration?
to better control the results I produce (I moved from
My main inspiration comes from nature itself. I find
automatic to full manual control).
myself more and more seeing landscape in terms of 171
"My main inspiration comes from nature itself. I find myself more and more seeing landscape in terms of possible frames, always looking for an interesting and unique composition."
172
"Using long exposure I’m able to reach effects that makes my photos look like painting." possible frames, always looking for an interesting and unique composition. I see a lot of landscape shots from other photographers, all over the world and get inspired by them. I’m not looking to copycat shots that I’ve seen but to combine ideas from those I liked best into my own point of view. I first see the final result in my mind (high key or low key, stars, clouds or water movement). Tell us about some of your achievements. I think that my main achievement is being a self-didactic photographer. Besides a basic course, to help me get started and learn the basics of camera operating and photography guidelines, I learned the majority of what I know today by myself. During the past few years I was honored to participate in several exhibitions, digital and printed showcase) in galleries around the globe but the thing I’m proud of most is when people chose to buy my artwork. I think it is being selected to be present in a stranger’s everyday life because my work influenced them emotionally. My photos also decorate from time to time the main weather broadcast (on primetime) in the largest TV channel in Israel. 173
"My passion is to be unique, to be able to show something that is different."
174
What are you passionate about? My passion is to be unique, to be able to show something that is different. In today’s world, when one can see hundreds of photos from almost every location, my goal is to ‘bring” something different, an angle or a view that is not similar to many others. One of the very biggest compliments I can get is when someone says he/she never saw this point of view before or that he/she cannot believe this photo was taken in that location. Share with us the back-story of some of your projects. One of the places I love to shoot most is the Dead Sea. This unique, very special piece of sea shore is a true gem. The salt crystals creating special shapes and forms. Due to several different environmental reasons, the shore of the Dead Sea is constantly changing – the sea is drying and sinkholes are forming and changing the shore line. This is a sad outcome to human interference and usage of the land but on the other hand, it creates countless photography opportunities. As this place is not very far from home, I’m able to visit there a lot and document the changes of the shoreline in my own, private way. Tell us about where you are based. I live in the center of Israel. As I do not travel a lot (outside of Israel), I shoot mainly close to home. Luckily for me, most of the country’s beautiful places are located no more than 2 hours drive from my home. I still consider my photography as a hobby and as such, it needs to fit into my everyday life. I love shooting mainly sunrises and sunsets which allows me to combine it with my work. How do you feel about art and its role in the world? In reference to the art of landscape photography I think this field is becoming more and more difficult for the unique artists (as I consider myself). As we live in an instant era in which photography became a common practice (everyone has a cell phone camera and even the more professional cameras became more accessible) where photo stocks and mass printing control the field, it is getting harder for artists to maintain uniqueness and make a living from their art. Personally, I refuse to sell my photos in stock sites as I prefer my work to stay individual. When someone purchases a photo of mine they should know there is no chance they will see it hanging also on a neighbor’s wall. 175
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"I love our planet’s beauty. Being able to present it in my own special way, appreciated by the viewers is all that I’m hoping for." How you want your art to affect the viewer/ and the world? I love the WOW effect. When people are looking at my work and this is their initial response. Secondly, I wish my work to give the viewer a relaxed and comfortable feeling. When I hear from someone that bought a photo of mine that it makes them feel relaxed just to sit and stare at the photo, I feel that I did my part. I love our planet’s beauty. Being able to present it in my own special way and to be appreciated by the viewers is all that I’m hoping for.
www.amirehrlich.com 177
RAYMOND PEÃ&#x2018;A
"The spiritual and the rational are polar concepts we all grapple with on a personal level. My work invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship to this spectrum within the work."
Raymond PeĂąa is a Spanish artist living and painting
the US Army, studying at Art Center College of Design
in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His artwork employs a
in California, and working for advertising agencies
range of materials and styles and draws inspiration
such as J.Walter Thompson and BBDO on Madison
from his previous career as an Advertising Art
Avenue in New York City, I found myself pulled back
Director in New York City and the stunning
to the beautiful landscape of New Mexico. I am moved
landscape of his home in the Southwest.
by the terrain and the culture around me, and want to produce paintings that move the viewers.
Tell us about yourself and your background. I am a Spanish artist living and painting in
Tell us about your work.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. I was born in Belen, New
Drawing inspiration from a full and varied life, my
Mexico, south of Albuquerque, to parents who were
paintings range in subjects, materials, and styles.
direct descendants of the first Spaniards to settle in
I work primarily in acrylics, but delve in watercolors,
the southwest in the 1600s. After growing up on a
charcoal drawings, oil pastels, mixed media, and digital
farm in New Mexico, working as a Draftsman for
works. I stay open with my artwork â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes
Sandia National Laboratory, serving as an illustrator in
painting representational depictions, then hard-edge 179
"I let my diverse life experiences inform my paintings, juxtaposing the spiritual with the mathematical and technical."
180
abstraction, and even loose
Tell us about where you are based
expressionist paintings. This keeps
and how it influences your work.
my work fresh, free, creative, and
I live in a multicultural state where
fun.
Spanish, Native American and Anglo influences exist simultan-
"I live in a multicultural state where Spanish, Native American and Anglo influences exist simultaneously. Motifs from these cultures appear often in my work, and the varying aesthetics inspire me."
What is unique about your work?
eously. Motifs from these cultures
I let my diverse life experiences
appear often in my work, and the
inform my paintings, juxtaposing
varying aesthetics inspire me. I'm
the spiritual with the mathematical
drawn to the unique New Mexico
and technical. My strict Catholic
landscapes, chiles, ristas, the sun,
upbringing informs the appearance
churches, crosses, Mexican food,
of crosses in my work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as
and adobe buildings. New Mexico
reference to religion and to history,
is my home and I love this land.
but also with a formal interest in the design. My experience drafting
What are your sources of
and doing mechanical drawing
inspiration?
influence my geometric, hard edge
My connection to the spiritual
paintings. The spiritual and the
leads me to create both abstract
rational are polar concepts we all
and non-representational art.
grapple with on a personal level.
I look at images and patterns and
My work invites viewers to reflect
textures that I see in nature, in
on their own relationship to this
photographs, in animals, in
spectrum within the work.
shadows and in clothing. I am 181
182
drawn to things that line up, straight lines, cubes, and geometric forms of all types. Contemporary architectural shapes as exemplified by Philip Johnson and Frank Gehry inspire me, as does the Ocean Park series by Richard Diebenkorn. Tell us about some of your achievements. I am proud to be a first-generation college graduate who has remained committed to the creation of contemporary art for many decades. Being an artist is not something that was expected of my generation, but having felt called to it, I built my life around it. I was a founding member of the Santa Fe Contemporary Art Gallery, followed by a solo show of my paintings. In the New Mexico State Fair Hispanic Art shows, I have been recently awarded 2nd place in Watercolors (2019), 2nd place in Pastels (2018), 1st place Mixed Media + 2nd place Acrylics (2017). My paintings were recently exhibited at the Albuquerque City Hall, and are currently on display at the University of New Mexico Hospital and at the Roma Cafe. Every artwork I create is an achievement, as they are each worlds that I imagine and build that did not exist before. Share with us the back-story of some of your projects. I like to work instinctually and am often surprised by images that I create. Several years ago I found crosses appearing in my paintings. Rather than a direct religious meaning, I believe these symbolize a part of my youth and connection with family, having been raised in a Spanish Catholic family. When I realized this, I wanted to explore the symbol of the cross further, and began making physical crosses out of weathered wood, tin, copper, turquoise and other found objects. To this day, I continue incorporating crosses into my paintings, often as representational depictions of churches with crosses. I am moved by their appearance within abstract works, and welcome the varied interpretations viewers may have of the symbol in my artwork.
"Every artwork I create is an achievement, as they are each worlds that I imagine and build that did not exist before." 183
"I want the viewer of my art to sense that it has been done honestly with a free mind and a true expression of my authentic self."
184
Tell us about your upcoming projects. I remain open to wherever my spirit moves me. Rather than being led by plans and timelines, I work to stay present to create work that responds to my life and things that may be happening around me. How you want your art to affect the viewer/ world? I believe art can create an empathetic dialogue between the artist and the viewer. I want the viewer of my art to sense that it has been done honestly with a free mind and a true expression of my authentic self. I hope they feel the freedom and creative spirit by the variety of images and by the media used to create, and I hope that sense of freedom impacts how they live their own lives. www.raymondpena.artspan.com 185
CHARLES McCLINTON
"I consider my art Spiritual Abstract. Most dear to my heart is “Stephen” the first Martyr."
Born in Oklahoma, raised in Christian faith Denver,
My life is full of wonderful experiences and beautiful
Co., enjoyed many talks with my mother and grandma
friends. For an introvert who is definitely a loner, I can
about God and the Bible throughout my early life.
only look back and be grateful. For the remainder of
After high school, I attended local community college.
my days, I will seek to share a love found for all within
I was living life as a responsible young adult not a
my heart! That love comes from God and is found in
"student.” Eventually, I dropped out of college.
my art.
My love for the arts started to show through music
I consider my art Spiritual Abstract. Most dearest to
and photography early on "not too serious".... I've now
my heart is “Stephen” the first Martyr in the New
come to appreciate the art of painting a lot more.
Testament is part of a collection entitled “Wine of Canvas” was a very unique, spiritually-led experience.
After a few years wandering through life, the desire to travel the world began to grip my soul. While on life's
The most beautiful thing about God, besides His loving
journey, I was blessed to create friendships with great
kindness... He is allowing me to know & love myself.
people from many different cultures.
For if you know God, then you know who you are. 187
"ECRUOS YM SI DOG"
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"An amazing lesson of how much control one truly has? One cannot move nor rush time, it requires adjustment of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement."
189
"God is in my paintings and I'm just grateful to share with the world."
This loving relationship is teaching
Tell us about your background.
me that even when I think / assume
My childhood was filled of love &
what will take place at the start, He
joy. The greatest of friends one
always reveals a plan that is very
could only have hoped for... love,
different from what I had originally
trust, a true bond. Years of growing
assumed.
and experiencing life itself led to realizing that love is the greatest
For example, at times I think /
act of humility given to man.
assume what I’m going to create God flips the script 10,000 times &
Tell us about your work.
I’ve created His will not mine.
It's somewhat new to me creativity concerning the oils & experiences
190
That is how Stephen (and most of
with brushing. As the spirit moves
my pieces) came to be. God is in my
the brush strokes begin... a truly
paintings and I'm just grateful to
wonderful and unique journey of
share with the world.
peace... unique in it's purest form.
"I believe that those who see my work and deep passion behind it, will discover the value of it's investment. Like a true Artist, my work is priceless... love is an investment to be shared."
191
"As the spirit moves the brush strokes begin...a wonderful unique journey of peace... unique in it's purest form."
192
"Love is Art and it is being lost in the world today." Why your work is a good investment?
What you are you passionate about?
Good investments are beliefs of the investor/s.
People... I'm passionate about humility, I'm passionate
I believe that those who see my work and the deep
about love.
passion behind it, will discover the value of it's investment. Like a true Artist, my work is priceless...
Tell us about where you are based.
love is an investment to be shared.
Southwest and the Pacific Northwest are my bases.
Tell us about some of your achievements.
How do you feel about art and its role in the world.
My greatest achievement is Stephen....the process
*Lost*.... Love is Art and it is being lost in the world
was a spiritual awakening of love passion, obedience
today.
and commitment.
How you want your art to affect the viewer?
What are your sources of inspiration ?
I want God to be given glory to all whom enjoy my
God is my source.
work... I want my Art to stir up that Spirit.
Tell us about your upcoming projects. I honestly can't say....I'm just been blessed to share.
www.lormaun.com 193
ARANTXA X.RODRIGUEZ
Arantxa Ximena Rodriguez is a Mexican artist currently living in NYC. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, including three solo shows in Mexico City, where she is from and group exhibitions in Mexico, USA, and Europe. Her work has been exhibited in Galeria Oscar Roman MX. Background> Location> Arantxa X. Rodriguez (AXR) was born and raised in Mexico City, she never thought of herself as an artist; for that same reason she ended up studying media advertising. In the agency she worked in, they pushed her to become an artist, saying that her ideas where too “arty”and that she should start showing the drawings she doodle in the office, little did she know, these doodles where going to give her an 8 year full study on fractals and explorations into sacred geometry. When she decided to resign from the agency with the intention of pushing this further, her ex-boss jokingly said “Hope to see you showing in NYC” very soon. Little did he know that she was going to be accepted in The School of Visual Arts NY a few years after that. 195
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Process>
and explore new territories, this crushed her but
Inspiration>
opened a vast new horizon in her work leading her into
Back-stories>
performance art. While she was in grad school she
AXR has always seen her work as spiritually oriented,
created three characters based on projects with
with the fractal inspired work she explored notions of
different topics: “The selfie project”, “Becoming
the universe, what are we made of and where do
Green Tara” and “Delamer Ituarte”. With them she
we come from. When AXR arrived to NYC, her mentor
explored different aspects of herself and the world in-
(Sheila Pepe) pushed her to leave the fractals behind
pair with the question about ways of looking at art.
The Selfie Project> With â&#x20AC;&#x153;The selfie projectâ&#x20AC;? she took a deep dive into a analysis of herself while tattooing her face on her whole body with temporary tattoo selfies, she walked around art fairs such as Frieze London and interviewed people about the thin line between self-love and narcissism. One aspect of this project was a live performance with a tattoo artist getting her real selfie on her arm. Like an echo of this, she is emphasized in her uniqueness, accepting that past scars is what builds who we are today. She invited people to look at themselves and ask who they are, knowing this can be painful. With this performance she showed herself full of security, power and confidence, but she also wanted to show there is a place of vulnerability.
"Like an echo of this, she is emphasized in her uniqueness, accepting that past scars is what builds who we are today."
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Becoming Green Tara> With â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becoming Green Taraâ&#x20AC;? she carried on with everyday tasks but dressed up as a female Buddha and tried to sink into her mind, as an exercise to accomplish an active meditation and question what would be living with a conscious mind completely in the present while helping others, exactly as a Buddha would do. She took this project as more of her Buddhist practice than her artistic one.
"Dressed up as a female Buddha and tried to sink into her mind, as an exercise to accomplish an active meditation and question what would be living with a conscious mind in the present while helping others."
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Delamer Ituarte> With â&#x20AC;&#x153;Delamer Ituarteâ&#x20AC;? she plays the role of a gallerist who represents anonymous artists who plants their pieces in the streets of different parts of the world. With this project she aims to share a perspective into conceptual art and share the interpretation that she goes through whenever she encounters it. Delamer makes the viewer doubt about what is real and what is not, leaving only one thing in the game: what is meaningful.
"Delamer makes the viewer doubt about what is real and what is not, leaving only one thing in the game: what is meaningful."
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The Thread That Weaves Us All> In her second year of grad school her work took another radical turn, she was challenged to create a completely new group of work and that is where she discovered her interest in string installations. This work can be interpreted as a series of wallcorner mind installations, paintings in space or architectural moments. Made out of multi-colored yarn, they are intrinsic representations of three alchemical elements in her life: her Mexican culture, Buddhism practice, and their interrelationship which has influenced her artmaking. The strings come from Teotitlån del Valle,OaxacaMexico. She went beyond the aesthetics of her work to also explore the energy of new materials. She does not plan how the pieces are going to turn out. Rather, each work emerges through the making. This is the current group of pieces she is still working on today. You can check out her full thesis on her website. 200
Passionate>
Achievements>
AXR feels that this series of
Impact>
Upcoming Projects>
drawings are the catalysts for a
It is hard for Arantxa to answer
Arantxa graduated from SVA this
larger project that will develop
what she is passionate about
past May 2019, lucky for her she
further after the residency in pair
because the world fascinates her.
was accepted to an artist residency
with her string installations.
She firmly believes that every mind
called ProjectArt (Only 13 artists
is a universe worth exploring, this
were accepted in this program),
AXR got the opportunity to show
is why she is a very people person
that consists in teaching an after
one of her string installations at
and is eager and keen in helping
school art program for kids. She
Untitled Art fair this past
and inspire every human in being
mentions that this was surprising
December in the span of Art week
the best version of themselves, she
and rewarding because she felt a
Miami, she mentions that this was
confesses that art is just an excuse
big need to give back to the
the most important achievement in
to do this, her interest to become
community after grad school, since
her career so far.
successful eradicates on this, in
she felt NYC had been amazingly
having a larger platform to reach
generous with her.
She is also showing one of her
people, she is not interest in people
As part of the residency AXR is
pieces at Zibu Art Center Chicago
admiring her work, she is
also expected to develop a
as part of a collective show curated
interested in helping people
personal practice, where she is
by Sergio Gรณmez and will be
getting to know themselves better
developing a series of abstract
making an installation for Material
through her work.
drawings accompanied by writing,
Art fair NYC this coming March. 201
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Art's Role> The vast majority of civilizations that existed, are represented by their arts. Art is what creates culture in a large majority. AXR emphasizes that artists should be aware of this fact and think about what they are putting out there “The majority of us want to be remembered, want to leave a legacy, how do you want to represent the world that you are living in today and how would you like other people to remember it?” the artist explains. She recognizes that there has been huge injustices in the art world towards minorities and is relived that things are changing today, things are slowly moving forward, but we are still way away from creating world peace, and the only way to accomplish this is through finding peace within ourselves first, even if this means finding a lot of crisis and catharsis to begin with, there is no real change without rupture, maybe this is why the world constantly brakes apart, but since this is a more devastating than hopeful though, every art that enables a deep change in her eyes is serving the world. “The art world has become more inclusive and less exclusive, more accessible to a larger public, this means that we have to take huge responsibility as our role as artists and realize the enormous power we have, as my former teacher Sharon Louden once mentioned. Contemporary art represents the current time, art in general represents culture, what are we summing up to this?” www.axr-artist.com | Instagram: @axr_artist
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ANDREW RILEY
"I love that alchemy, of transmuting one thing into something completely different. A photo becomes a painting becomes a parallel world."
Andrew Riley (or just Riley); Digital Painting; Los
novels, building fantasy worlds of my own, and found
Angeles; I got back into art in 2018 using Procreate
my way into screenwriting. I put visual art on the
to manipulate photographs into vibrant, arresting
backburner, and it wasn’t until recently, after finding
splashes of color. In this way I give people a glimpse
the app, Procreate, that I got hooked again.
into my imagination. Any more than this and I’ll freak them out.
Tell us about your work and why it is unique I start with a photograph with a high contrast of darks
Tell us about yourself and your background.
and lights, and then I use the various smudging effects
I was born in Massachusetts, and started drawing in
on Procreate to move the image around, splatter it,
the 6th grade after I saw a fellow classmate doodling.
streak it and transform it into something else. Then I
He was good. It blew my mind, and that’s when I took
tweak the color balance, hue, and saturation to create
up drawing and painting lessons for a few years.
work that leaps out. I don’t add anything to the image.
When I started college, I majored in fine arts with a
Sometimes it turns into a surreal landscape, others are
focus on graphic design, but then I saw The Lord of
completely abstract. I love that alchemy, of
the Rings in 2002 and it was all over. I got into writing
transmuting one thing into something completely 205
"Stories. They drive so much of what we do. Myth, religion, how our universe unfolds, even advertising. Stories seem more vital than oxygen."
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"A photo becomes a painting becomes a parallel world."
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different. A photo becomes a
How about your achievements?
painting becomes a parallel world.
In the art world I don’t have any. I steered my path into screen-
"I don’t believe that inspiration is only found in specific places. It’s everywhere around us, even inside of us." 208
What are your sources of
writing and although I found ways
inspiration?
of using art, for instance, in world
Movies. Anime. I like bold, vast,
building, I am essentially starting
sweeping images that transport
over.
you, but also intimate or darker
moments, and that’s what I try to
What are you passionate about?
convey in my work. I tend to think
Stories. They drive so much of
cinematically, but there’s also
what we do. Myth, religion, how
everyday things that can spur my
our universe unfolds, even
imagination on. A dark cloud.
advertising. Stories seem more
A dead leaf. People holding hands -
vital than oxygen. I’ve been coming
or fighting. I don’t believe that
up with stories for fifteen years,
inspiration is only found in specific
but it’s been difficult to share them
places. It’s everywhere around us,
with the world. Within the past
even inside of us. Also, my fiery
year I found myself going back to
three year old daughter and her
my visual arts roots and finding
carefree painting reminds me to let
solace in conveying a story with a
things run wild.
single image.
"I want it to stop them. I think my work pops, grabs you and turns your head. In this world thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rare because everything is vying for our attention."
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How would you define your journey? I feel like I’m back at the beginning of my art career, trying to make up for lost time so I don’t have completed projects. I’m coming up with work as I go along, letting my emotions at the time drive the piece. Now I feel like I can set up a project and see it through. Tell us about your upcoming projects. I’m gearing up for a series inspired by sci-fi and noir films like Blade Runner, Heat, The Third Man, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien, The Fifth Element, and more. I would also like to tackle something inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s films. I could watch those forever. Tell us about where you are based. I live in Los Angeles. The diversity of people, wildfires, Hollywood, how pizza isn’t as good here as it is back east, it all influences me. It’s very different from New England where nature was more accessible (you have to drive so far to find it here), but LA has a lot of art. And not just in museums and quirky shops. Drive anywhere and it’s on the walls, sidewalks, fire hydrants, utility boxes--the whole place is a living museum. How do you feel about art and its role? Art has always been important, vital to how we communicate and express and stir things up, and now we have more ways than ever to put it out there. Painting has taken a backseat to photography and film and TikTok, but I think it still has a place. People still want that image, that scene, that emotion captured in a splash of color, an attack or gentle strokes on a canvas. Knowing it was made by hand still holds power. How you want your art to affect the viewer? I want it to stop them. I think my work pops, grabs you and turns your head. In this world that’s rare because everything is vying for our attention. I’m not trying to evoke any particular emotion, but I suppose I want a person to take a moment and feel something and be aware of that emotion... which I think is even rarer. 210
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MOC.YELIRFOTRA.WWW
THE FREQUENT ARTIST
"I’m a storyteller that has a viewpoint from many angles if allowed. Restriction doesn’t limit potential but inspires me to center the idea into a broader mindset. I will always create ways to tell a more coherent story while the color directs a clearer view."
Jessica Patterson also known as The Frequent Artist.
having any former training eventually I did become
is a visual artist from Alexandria, LA that specializes
interested in painting at sixteen years old. The influence
in painting and illustration as well as graphic design.
into fine art replaced the study of comics and focused on
As an artist she loves to incorporate color with
learning newer techniques for construction of my first
movement so the content presented has its
real pieces. The rest is history.
individuality. Tell us about your work. Tell us about yourself and your background.
Each piece represents a mood of the time. So, I purposely
Well, I’m Jessica Patterson, a visual artist from
try to give them individuality and a personality. Color has
Alexandria, LA that has had a long journey into the
always been a wonderful addition to constructing a piece
creative process. I started since I could hold a pencil
because of how much movement happens whether
and never stopped learning to create stuff. I won my
paining/drawing a place or character. I love to paint with
first art contest in kindergarten. I started studying the
the entire color palette if possible, but I know there can be
basics since I’m self – taught with comics and used all
limits with spacing, so I try to keep control. I love to
my time just to pick up visual information. While not
combine prior influence with newer influence to see what 213
comes together. Abstract and
Why is your work a good
Impressionism pieces are not so
investment?
divided in theory but they both
I’m a storyteller that has a
have their ways of explaining a
viewpoint from many angles if
similar scenario. Representation
allowed. Restriction doesn’t limit
over the set limitations.
potential but inspires me to center the idea into a broader mindset.
"Abstract and Impressionism pieces are not so divided in theory but they both have their ways of explaining a similar scenario. Representation over the set limitations." 214
What is unique about your work?
I will always create ways to tell a
Each piece has its personality in
more coherent story while the
the color as well as line work.
color directs a clearer view. If the
I believe in utilizing every inch of
color is too blinding a minimalist
the canvas not restricting the size
view is a clearer option.
of the idea. Color has become a
While color presents a certain
center point in planning a piece,
characteristic so does lines of black
which always for more movement
or white. I’m not afraid to work
in some cases. One piece titled,
with that presentation when
“Dreamscape”, was constructed
needed.
around the idea of the colors dancing in unison. In my mind I
Tell us about some of you
visualized only the colors first and
achievements.
they were dancing like wind
I’ve had a few accolades growing
blowing through the trees.
up that are quite memorable which
The simple concept of movement
also gave me great experiences
inspires newer work all the time.
since I was a lot younger. The
earliest memory happened when I was five years old in kindergarten which placed me first place over two classes. I remember being surprised considering I just loved to draw and didn’t know the specifics to why I won. Later in eighth grade, around 1997-1998, I received third placement in a statewide contest for Law Day in Louisiana. The honor went to few students in the surrounding areas of Louisiana along with elementary through high school level. The artwork completed was framed and placed on display in the courthouse for a limited time. In 2004 I was involved in a group exhibition show at the Main St. Gallery in Pineville, LA for a short time. This was my first public display of my work. What are some of my sources of inspiration? Multiple forms of content have excited me to try to create more complex ideas, so I’m forever inspired by them. I always list three artists that were the starting point to have that need to create spark which are Leonardo Da Vinci, Picasso (Rose and Blue Period), and Vincent Van Gogh. The direction with images and color is inspiring especially considering how trivialized their work was made by the general public. Comics made me want to pick up a pencil and learn how to use technique with line work and once again the stories were incredible. Movies were huge for me as well growing up and I often was drawn in by how characters played along with the scenery. What are you passionate about? Art is and forever be my first love, but I also have a love of gaming. Gaming since I was younger and the Nintendo was my first console. Duck Hunt and Super Mario combo that came with the NES was my first game. Gaming always kept the interest in exploration at a maximum and knowing that stories with interactable gameplay is wonderful for building the imagination. Travel is another part of my life that I try to keep active with but lately I haven’t been able to. The furthest place reached has been Alaska, even lived in Anchorage for 5 months. Trip of a lifetime to be honest.
"Multiple forms of content have excited me to create more complex ideas, so I’m forever inspired by them." 215
Share with us the back story of some of your projects. Miseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chess is one of my latest pieces that started from my feelings of getting older. This piece particularly went through 3 phases starting as early as 2007 and now finally finishing it in 2019. The project was centered around time and though my intention was to finish this many years ago, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think how to piece it together properly. The vase is was experimental considering I looked at an oddly shaped shadow and painted an image from just the idea of looking at the shape of the shadow. Tell us about you upcoming projects. Working forward to publish a book of work in the future of older pieces. I also want to keep putting together ideas for a massive sized piece of art like a sculpture or a structure of some sort. I would love to reach out to more galleries or museums to showcase some work soon. Maybe even do a solo exhibit eventually. Skies are the limit as far as ideas go really but nothing set in stone for now. 216
"I agree that art has many forms and just when we feel we’ve figured it out, no one really has. Each new generation has something to say and the evolution will continue to grow if people still have something to contribute to that conversation." 46
Tell us about where you are based
How do you feel about art and its
and how it influences your work.
role in the world today.
I’m based currently in Louisiana
Art is constantly evolving and just
and while and art community
exists no matter the situation. I feel
exists; I have been quite dormant
positive to the future because of
to the activities around the area.
how much of art still feels new to
Mostly my life has been focused on
me even though I’ve been doing art
my education and so timing has not
for my lifetime.
allowed much time spent doing too much else. Growing up in Louisiana
One of my favorite songwriters
made me a more curious kid about
said that no matter how many
the world around me and because
times you’ve heard a love song
of this my imagination grew.
there will always be another way to
The rich southern culture has
sing about it because of the
connections all over the state and
multiple ways sound and language
is celebrated most during the
interact as years go by.
annual Mardi Gras. I agree that art has many forms and Mardi Gras growing up meant good
just when we feel we’ve figured it
food and celebration with parades.
out, no one really has. Each new
The atmosphere alone always
generation has something to say
made me excited surrounded by
and the evolution will continue to
the green/ purple/ yellow clothing,
grow if people still have something
costumes, and jewelry.
to contribute to that conversation. 217
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"Enjoy the little details to the brighter ones and never forget how these details could connect us." How you want your art to affect the viewer and the world? I feel small compared to the broader conversation that is happening always but I have something to contribute to that conversation even if the colors would speak loudly for me. When someone sees my work I can hope that they will at least take interest in the exploration of meaning within it. Enjoy the little details to the brighter ones and never forget how these details could connect us. I want to be able to contribute my point of view while speaking broadly no matter the subject. www.thefrequentartist.com
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MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT
THE NATIONAL ART MUSEUM OF CHINA
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The National Art Museum of China
The museum houses more than
Dong Xiwen, Wu Guanzhong and
is the only national art museum of
110,000 pieces of various
Zhu Dequn; works of famous
plastic arts in China. Construction
collections, most of which are
calligraphers such as Yu Youren,
began in 1958, NAMOC, with its
representative works of different
Gao Ershi, Sha Menghai and Qi
title board inscribed by Chairman
periods and great artworks of
Gong; works of sculptors such as
Mao Zedong, was formally opened
Chinese art masters from ancient
Liu Kaiqu, Hua Tianyou, Wang
to the public in 1963.
times until today, constituting art
Linyi, Zeng Zhushao, Xiao
development history since the
Chuanjiu, Zhang Chongren, Wang
NAMOC integrates exhibition,
beginning of modern China.
Zhaowen, Pan He, Liu Huanzhang,
collection, research, public
Collections also include some
Wen Lou and Zhu Ming.
education, international exchange,
ancient paintings and calligraphy
The museum also collects works of
restoration of artworks and
works, foreign artistic works as
great foreign artists such as
cultural and creative industries.
well as plentiful folk art works.
Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Kaethe
It is the highest hall of fine arts in
Kollwitz and Ansel Adams.
China and also a public cultural
The museum collects works of
service platform. Many collectors
many Chinese great artists such as
NAMOC has held thousands of
and artists donated their
Su Shi, Tang Yin, Xu Wei, Ren
exhibitions, which reflect the
collections to the country out of
Bonian, Wu Changshuo, Huang
development and prosperity of
their social responsibility and
Binhong, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Lin
Chinese art and provide an
strong belief in “art serving the
Fengmian, Liu Haisu, Pan Tianshou,
important platform of artistic
people".
Jiang Zhaohe, Wu Zuoren, Li Keran
exchange with the world. 221
www.namoc.org/en 222
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Philippe Pastor Philippe Pastor engages his creations towards a reflection on Nature and the role of Man. Philippe Pastor was born in 1961 in Monaco. He works between Monaco and Spain. Committed to the world's environment, Philippe Pastor has developed through his work a personalized vision of Nature, translating Man’s interaction with the planet. Using living matter, its transformation through time and immediate surroundings, combining soil, pigments, minerals and plants of all kinds, Philippe Pastor represents his vision of life, environmental destruction and Man’s involvement in society. Since 1990 his work has been recognized with two biennale of Venice and has been shown around the world. He was the official artist of the Monaco Pavilion at the Universal Exposition EXPO Milano 2015. www.philippe-pastor.com 224
Dinh Cong Dat Dinh Cong Dat was born Hanoi, Vietnam in 1966. He is an artist who combines the exhilarating sense of art created by a perceptive mind with the talents and skills of a skilled craftsman. Emerging in the generation of sculptors of the late 90's in Vietnam, Dat was presented in a significant exhibition titled "New Space" at the National Fine Arts Museum, which opened the important transformation of cubist language and modern space to the Vietnamese sculptural scene. Over the years, Dat's sculptures have always been filled with improvisation, humor, sophistication and diversity along with a fresh spirit. Dat is a pioneer - discovering new material and daring to try new things; his work ever changing. He is never satisfied with the familiarity and tediousness of traditional creativities. www.toriizakaart.com 225
Lawrence Abu Hamdan Describing himself as a “private ear”, Lawrence Abu Hamdan focuses on the politics of listening, the legal and religious impact of sound, the human voice and silence. His practice arose from a background in DIY music, but it currently spans film, audio-visual installations and live audio essays – a term he prefers to “lecture-performance”, as it better describes the intertwining of voice and content, and of the discourse and the conditions in which it is pronounced. He deals with the human voice as a politicised material, easily graspable by governments or data companies. In 2019 Abu Hamdan was nominated for the Turner Prize for his exhibition Earwitness Theatre and his performance After Sfx. In 2017 his film Rubber Coated Steel won the Tiger short film award at the Rotterdam International Film festival, The audience award at 25 FPS Festival in Zagreb, and Dialog Award at Osnabruk. www.lawrenceabuhamdan.com 226
Hari & Deepti Hari & Deepti are a husband-wife artist duo based in Mumbai and previously based out of Denver. Their collaboration with paper and light started as an experiment in 2010. They are story tellers who bring their stories to life through their intricate paper cut light boxes & have always been drawn towards the imaginative aspect of story telling. Stories have so many shades and depth in them, and paper as a medium has the exact qualities to reflect and interpret them. They believe that “Paper is brutal in its simplicity as a medium. It demands the attention of the artist while it provides the softness they need to mold it in to something beautiful. It is playful, light, colorless and colorful. It is minimal and intricate. It reflects light, creates depth and illusions in a way that it takes the artist through a journey with limitless possibilities.” www.harianddeepti.com 227
Alice Miceli Alice Miceli was born in 1980 in Rio de Janeiro. Her exhibition record includes the SĂŁo Paulo Biennale, the exhibition Basta! at John Jay College and Max Protetch Gallery, in New York and the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation, in Miami. Her work has been widely shown, including the Japan Media Arts Festival, in Tokyo, the TRANSITIO_MX Festival, in Mexico City, the Transmediale Festival, in Berlin, and Documenta XII, in Kassel, among others. Fellowship awards include the MacDowell Colony, the Bogliasco Foundation, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Dora Maar House An extended conversation with the artist has been published by the Skull Sessions, in New York. Alice is the recipient of the 2014 PIPA Prize, in Rio de Janeiro, and the 2015 Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation Grants & Commissions Award, in Miami. www.alicemiceli.works 228
Edoardo Tresoldi Edoardo Tresoldi plays with the transparency of mesh and with industrial materials to transcend the timespace dimension and narrate a dialogue between Art and World, a visual summary which reveals itself in the fade-out of physical limitations. Mixing classical and modern language, he generates a third one, strongly contemporary. Raised in Milan where he experimented with different languages and techniques under the guidance of the painter Mario Straforini. In 2009 he moved to Rome to work with cinema, music, scenography and sculpture which gave him a heterogeneous vision of the arts and became a platform for experimentation. He performs public space interventions, focusing his research on genius loci and the study of landscape elements. His works have been featured in public spaces, archaeological contexts, contemporary art and music. www.edoardotresoldi.com 229
Caleb Vinson A talented film maker and photographer known for his distinct style, artistry, soulful expression of life and for telling stories about the human experience in an intimate and up close way. There is a haunting beauty in his work that will touch your heart and lift your spirit.In 2006, his first documentary, Why Baltimore Why?, won him the Outstanding Achievement Award of his graduating class from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. His 2014 documentary release, Koentopp, was a Best Shorts awards winner, and an Official Selection of the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival. His most recent documentary, Who Am I, is just now being released. To date, it has won an Award of Merit from the Impact Doc Awards. Caleb Vinson was born in NYC, raised in Connecticut, and currently makes his home in Chicago and Los Angeles with his wife, Rachel. www.calebvinson.com 230
Adel El Siwi One of the most famous and influential contemporary Egyptian artists, Adel El Siwi has been exploring the subject of faces, which have become his trademark, since the 1990s. As a continuum of his reflection on the human body, which tends to be imperceptible in the local public conscience and discourse in Egypt, he brings back to the limelight the most expressive part of the body against the backdrop of inhibited and guiltridden precepts. El Siwiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elongated faces, which seem to be growing out from the surfaces, are the amalgamation of a threepronged influence: the Pharaonic face, the African mask, and the Fayum mummy portraits. This gives form to an array of different personalities: amongst pensive moods and suggestive looks, some faces emanate allure and charisma, others intimidate, others reveal a subtle capacity of seduction. www.mashrabiagallery.com 231
Cannupa Hanska Luger Cannupa Hanska Luger is a New Mexico-based, multidisciplinary artist. Raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, he is of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, Austrian, and Norwegian descent. Using social collaboration and in response to timely and site-specific issues, Luger produces multi-pronged projects that take many forms. Through monumental installations that incorporate ceramics, video, sound, fiber, steel, and cut-paper, Luger interweaves performance and political action to communicate stories about 21st century Indigeneity. Recently, a social collaboration resulting in the monumental sculptural installation Every One, composed of over 4000 individual handmade clay beads created by hundreds of communities across the U.S. and Canada to re-humanize the data of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, queer and trans people. www.cannupahanska.com 232
Reynier Llanes Born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba in 1985. He attended the city’s school of art (Instructores de Arte). Llanes was tutored by one of the country’s most recognized realist artists, Juan Miguel Suárez. In 2005 he moved to Havana where he continued his studies and collaborated with various artists. The capital was a thriving mecca of art and culture and the museums the grounds for inspiration. In 2007 LIanes emigrated from Cuba and moved to the United States, first settling in Naples, FL. He began to introduce his work in a major exhibition entitled “Strange Visitor” at the Kapo Maestro Gallery. In 2009 he relocated to Charleston, SC where he had the honor of being granted an artist in residency at the Jonathan Green Studios. Llanes is also an avid art collector in his own right, focusing on works by artists from Cuba, and particularly those from his native province. www.reynierllanes.com 233
ASTRO-TOURISM IN CHILE GET CLOSE TO THE GALAXY 234
Chile holds 40% of the world's
In La Serena, Elqui Valley, San
water in some of the most fertile
astronomical observatories and in
Pedro de Atacama, Antofagasta
valleys in the country.
2020, through the Giant
and Iquique you’ll find agencies
Magallanes Telescope (GMT)
that can arrange transport and
If there’s a place in the world
projects, the Great Synoptic
accommodation and provide
where you can actually reach out
Tracking Telescope (LSST), the
observation equipment for
for the stars, it is Chile.
Extremely Large European
travelers. If you’re a real
Its privileged skies have caught the
Telescope (E-ELT) and the
astronomy fanatic, don’t miss the
attention of scientists around the
expansion of the Atacama Large
chance to visit some of the world’s
world that carry out important
Millimeter Array, the country’s
leading scientific observatories.
research daily. The unique
north will concentrate nearly 70%
At sites like ALMA, Tololo and
geographical and climatic
of the world’s astronomical
Paranal, you can witness the state-
conditions of the country have
observatories. Due to the above,
of-the-art technology used to
fostered the development of first-
Chile is recognized as the
investigate the universe.
class astronomical projects.
and is called "the eyes of the
In Chile, you’ll find the world’s
SOLAR ECLIPSE IN CHILE
world"
clearest skies. Its nature,
Chile is the astronomy capital of
geography, climate and position in
the world, “the world’s eyes to the
EXPERIENCE A JOURNEY TO
the world turn the skies of this
universe,” and is the ideal
THE STARS.
country into a real window to the
destination for observing the solar
Observe constellations, planets,
universe. For a unique experience
eclipses in 2019 and 2020.
shooting stars and all manner of
of connection with nature, visit the
When the moon passes between
celestial bodies in the spectacular
northern and the central parts of
the earth and the sun, the different
Chilean skies – the clearest in the
the country and enjoy the
phases of the eclipse can be
entire southern hemisphere. Chile
enormity of the universe away
observed from our planet, showing
enjoys more than 300 clear days
from the buzz of the big cities.
how the sun is partially or totally
per year and with little or no light
Watch the stars, hunt for a
hidden.Visit Chile and enjoy this
pollution in the north, conditions
shooting star and learn about the
gift of nature in person.
are ideal for stargazing under open
constellations and planets.
skies. For a truly close encounter
Enjoy a nighttime excursion guided
Learn more about the eclipse,
with the planets, visit one of the
by experts in the middle of the
where to enjoy this phenomenon,
many astronomical observatories
world’s driest desert or a trip
and astrotourism-related events in
open to visitors.
accompanied by the sound of the
Chile at www.astroturismochile.cl
"astronomy capital of the world"
46
235
The Skirvin Hilton Hotel Oklahoma City Located downtown, the Skirvin Hilton has been
Situated downtown, the iconic landmark is the oldest
recognized as one of the best hotels in the city and
hotel in all of Oklahoma and it was recently recognized
throughout all of Oklahoma.
as the best Hilton hotel across all of the brand’s locations.
Skirvin Hilton is 100 years of tradition, elegance, and luxury. This contemporary-classic hotel offers the
Artist In Residence
finest in guest accommodations with 225 recently
The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is an establishment ingrained
renovated rooms, upscale amenities, and 18,500 square
in the history of Oklahoma City. Since 1911 the hotel
feet of versatile meeting and event space.
has been at the center of several vibrant arts and culture movements that have transformed the city to
This iconic hotel is also at the epicenter of Oklahoma
the unique cultural destination that it is today.
City’s vibrant culture with so many of city’s biggest
Now, more than a century later, Skirvin Hilton has
attractions nearby. Schedule a night with Skirvin Hilton
commenced a unique Artist In Residence program that
and you’ll experience the prestige and charm of the
hosts world-class artists in a one-of-a-kind studio
most beautiful hotel in OKC. In 2011, the Skirvin Hilton
space. This program reinforces the importance of arts
celebrated its 100th birthday. Today, our iconic stature
in our community and gives all Skirvin Hilton visitors a
makes the Skirvin the best hotel in Oklahoma City.
chance to interact with Oklahoma artists and witness
For the past 10 years Skirvin Hilton has been rated
the evolution of the artwork first-hand.
Oklahoma City’s #1 hotel with exceptional customer service and extraordinary guest experiences. 236
www.skirvinhilton.com
Wine Country Back Roads California's Southern Central Coast Located halfway between San Francisco and Los
marine breezes. The region has over 50 grape varieties
Angeles, grapes were first planted in San Luis Obispo
—from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling in the west
County more than two centuries ago by Spanish
to Bordeaux and Rhône grapes in the east.
missionaries. Today the region is home to over 230 wineries, including 13 American Viticultural Areas: 11
Santa Barbara County has about 200 wineries and nine
in Paso Robles and two in San Luis Obispo.
wine tasting routes, including the Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Solvang and Buellton wine trails.
The cool San Luis Obispo coast, known for Chardonnay
Taste Chardonnay and Pinot Noir on the Sta. Rita Hills
and Pinot Noir, has six wine trails including Edna
or Lompoc wine trails. The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail
Valley and Arroyo Grande. Paso Robles is celebrated
offers a taste of Santa Maria Valley, including the area's
for Rhône varieties such as Syrah, and Cabernet
famous tri-tip barbecue.
Sauvignon, Merlot, and Italian and Spanish varieties thrive there as well. Explore Paso's west side via the 46
Wine Institute's Wine Country Back Roads focuses
West Wine Trail. Discover wineries just east of town on
on California's southern Central Coast, extending
the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail or take in ocean views
from Paso Robles in the north to Santa Barbara in the
along the Pacific Coast Wine Trail.
south. Hidden among California's world-famous wine regions are wine roads less traveled featuring stunning
Santa Barbara County, located halfway between San
scenery, delicious wines and, often, fewer visitors.
Luis Obispo and Los Angeles, is defined by the eastwest traverse valley, open to the inland flow of fog and
www.discovercaliforniawines.com 237
Wuxi,China A City Devoted to A Music Instrument Wuxi's most famous product is one that bears a stark
China's most famous Erhu player, Hua Yanjun, more
contrast to its sweet cuisine a traditional Chinese
commonly known as A Bing, was born in Wuxi in 1893,
music instrument that is loved for its sorrowful,
and learned how to play a variety of Chinese
melancholic sound.
instruments when he was a child. He would then play
−
these instruments as his father, who was a Taoist priest, Wuxi is one of the art and cultural centers in China's
performed religious rites. Hua's life took a downward
Jiangnan region (the area south of the Yangtze River).
spiral following his father's death, and he fell prey to an
So, it comes as little surprise that Wuxi's most famous
opium addiction and lost sight in both his eyes after
product the Erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument)
contracting syphilis. Homeless and penniless, he took to
−
−is related to the field of music.
the streets as an itinerant Erhu performer, and this was ironically how he eventually came into fame. One can
Such is the city's reputation for crafting the musical
spot statues of A Bing and hear Erhu tunes at various
instruments that it was officially recognized as the
tourist destinations in Wuxi.
"Land of the Erhu in China" by the Chinese Musicians Association in 2011. Also known as the Chinese violin
Most Erhu makers in Wuxi are based in Meicun, a quiet
in the West, the Erhu comprises a long neck with two
town northeast of the city center that is said to have
tuning pegs located at the top and a sound box partially
more than 3,200 years of history as a vibrant arts-and-
covered with snake skin at the bottom.Typically made
culture hub. The Erhu is more than just a local product
with either redwood, rosewood or black sandalwood, the Erhu produces a hauntingly beautiful sound that typically evokes a sense of melancholy among listeners. 238
−it is the way of life in Wuxi. www.cnto.org
Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore Designed by noted architecture firm WOHA, the 27storey 314-room Oasia Hotel Downtown is a breath of fresh air and welcomed greenery in Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Business District. A true respite in the city, the tropical skyscraper is refreshingly sleek inside, thanks to the modern functionalist style of architect and renowned designer, Patricia Urquiola. The living, breathing vertical garden is a remarkable combination of lush foliage, copper, wood and stone. Filled with picturesque sky gardens, terraces and green screens, the hotel is as inviting to the flora and fauna as it is to visiting guests. With welcoming breezes everywhere you go inside the property, and thoughtful spaces for you to relax, Oasia Hotel Downtown makes it easy to Refresh, Refuel and Recharge. Oasia Hotel takes you away from the hectic city life but never too far away from it's conveniences. www.oasiahotels.com 239
GALLERY SPOTLIGHT
THE JIM THOMPSON ART CENTER BANGKOK
240
Located in the heart of Bangkok,
and traditional arts within today’s
Jim Thompson
The Jim Thompson Art Center is
context. Among its many activities,
Founded by Jim Thompson in 1951
situated in the same compound as
the Art Center organizes
while undertaking the task to
the unique and famous Jim
exhibitions; conducts educational
revive the Thai silk industry.
Thompson House Museum.
and outreach programs; produces
The “King of Silk” was a man of
publications; and networks and
multiple dimensions: a visionary
Serving as a haven for Bangkok’s
collaborates with local and
entrepreneur, a great marketer, an
local and international arts and
international cultural institutions.
art collector, an aesthete, a man of
cultural communities, the Center’s
action and conviction. Above all, he
reputation as a place to mingle,
Previous exhibitions included
was driven by a great love for Thai
interact and exchange dialogues is
Pinaree Sanpitak, Arahmaiani,
people and their rich culture.
rapidly spreading. In conjunction
Christian Lacroix, Interweaving
The Thai Silk Company continues
with its exhibitions, the Center’s
cultures, Metissages, a
to be inspired by its founder’s
activities include parties, events,
crossbreeding of contemporary art
values. The Jim Thompson brand
seminars, lectures and workshops.
and textiles. Traditional
presents fabrics, personal goods
The Jim Thompson Art Center is
exhibitions focused on Southeast
and fine Thai cuisine to the world’s
operated under The James H.W.
Asian textiles including ikats,
most demanding customers,
Thompson Foundation, named for
costumes and maps painted on
particularly those in search of
the American who assembled a
cloth. Other facilities included the
authenticity, originality, and
Thai and Southeast Asian art
William Warren Library, Two
refinement, who share our
collection in his traditional teak
Artists-in-Residency Rooms, Thai
aesthetics sensibility, and who are
home. The mission of the Art
Textiles Society Office, and
fascinated by the mysteries of the
Center is to nurture artistic
workspace for Conservators
brand and of the region.
activities and create public
without Borders (Conservateurs
awareness of both contemporary
sans frontiers).
www.jimthompson.com 241
DESTIG AWARDS Nominate at www.destig.com