DENISE BUISMAN

Through her urban, hand-layered mixed media paintings Denise Buisman Pilger (the Artist Abroad) evokes memories and reconnects her audience to precious moments in time. As a frequent globetrotter, she has called Amsterdam, Fort Worth, Montréal and Nagoya home, taking each relocation as an opportunity to explore the world and gather inspiration. Exhibiting and selling her work prolifically in North America, Europe and Asia, Denise has proudly exhibited her work at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the Artist Project, the New York Art Expo, the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art and galleries in New York, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Nagoya, Okazaki and Gifu.

 Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: This might surprise you, me being an artist and all, but I’m a very structural and organized person which is very evident in the way my art is created. My process is very structured, mixed media memory scapes go through a variety of distinctly different stages. I like to work in a series of 4-6 pieces at once, although I occasionally get over-excited when creating compositions, I remember a time when I juggled 15 new paintings in my studio all at once. I like to finish a stage on every panel in the series before moving on to the next stage of the process which can lead to some creative use of space at times. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I’m inspired by my direct peers, I love going to local gallery exhibitions to see what everyone is up to and at shows I always make it a point to walk the floor at least once to see the art, I always pick up a few new people to keep up with. I’m not necessarily inspired by an artist’s general style but more by little details in their work. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Don’t care about what other people think about you” As a chronic people pleaser this is advice that I have to internalize on a daily basis, one day I hope to achieve this.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: This will be my first time exhibiting my art in Miami during Art Basel week, it means an entirely new audience to introduce my work to and I am excited to meet them. 

ERICK MOTA

Erick Mota is a visionary artist whose approach to the canvas is fueled by a profound philosophical and introspective understanding of the human experience. With each stroke of the brush, he invites viewers on a journey through the diverse facets of humanity, delving into the raw power of emotions and the shaping influence of culture on our personalities. Through his art, Erick fearlessly explores the complexities of the world around him, transcending the boundaries of visual expression to create pieces that serve as powerful testaments to his unrelenting quest for knowledge and self-discovery.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I believe art is an idea about something in the form of an idealized interpretation, and since I am very introspective, I like to analyze a lot of things. I like to create art, but I also hope to inspire and provide people with something to think about. When I create art, I want the work to reflect many expressions of life, an assembly of emotions, and to capture whatever lies within my heart, mind, and soul, that words cannot express the same way. With each painting, my goal is to capture those emotions and make the audience see, feel, and think through their own set of emotions.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: My father has been my biggest inspiration. He is my favorite artist and as a kid, I had the unique experience of watching each of his artistic creations from beginning to end. It was mystifying to me and helped to ignite an interest in creativity and expression. My father created works of art for the family and himself, rarely showing his work to anyone other than family and close friends. I respected his humility, but at the same time, my family wished the world would see a glimpse of his artwork that captured a wide range of themes. I would describe his art as aesthetic, creative, and harmonious. While he mainly works with acrylic paint, he can be considered a mixed-media artist, as he uses a variety of different materials to create unique visual art. In addition to acrylic paint, my father has used tree branches, seashells, sand, metal, paper, etc. to make artwork. One of my favorites of his is a NYC street scene with the Empire State Building in the background that he made entirely out of newspaper clippings. The one medium he hasn’t chosen to use is oil paint, which is why I chose to, challenge myself with the lessons I learned from just observing him.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I received came from a prolific art coach a few years ago. At the time, I had a lot of self-doubt about starting a business as an artist because I was a self-taught artist with no formal art training. Most of what I knew came from observing my father create art as a child. I would find myself scared to even attempt certain paintings or compare my abilities to other artists. The art coach helped me in gaining confidence and becoming more comfortable as an artist. She is instrumental in teaching me the business side of art, helping me to break barriers regarding self-doubt and rejection, and helping me grow as an artist. The advice she gave me at the time was that I needed to embrace how uniquely we are designed as artists, and no one asked us to become an artist. Therefore, daring me to use my artistic voice to impact the world and create life, forgetting about my lack of formal art training and the critique of others, but rather focus on growth and consistency. Her words stuck with me and helped me to keep creating meaningful art.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 is special to me. I exhibited at Art Expo New York earlier this year and this is my first time at Spectrum. I love being a part of something with some of the greatest talent throughout the entire world. I am excited to meet directly with art lovers and art collectors and get immediate reactions about each painting I exhibit, as well as network with other artists.

GASTON CARRIO

Gaston Carrio is an abstract painter and sculptor with career experience as an architect and designer. His artwork employs foundations of aluminum, steel, canvas, fiberglass, polycarbonate, wood, and paper, upon which he implements self-derived techniques combining oils, acrylics, aerosols, alkyd paint, inks, charcoal, graphite, oil pastels, welding residues, pigmented silicones, urethane, sand, cement, lacquers, and resins.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: We should never stop learning and we should always try new things. In my life and in my career, there has always been a fire, a passion, that constantly drives me to seek out knowledge and reinvention. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I am inspired by many artists in a number of varying disciplines, but I would say I draw the most meaningful inspiration from Anselm Kiefer, Joan Mitchell, and Cy Twombly

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I’ve received is from the late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something. Your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because, believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path, and that will make all the difference.”

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Participating in Spectrum Miami 2023 offers me yet another chance to showcase my most recent work to the public within a professional context. This event not only grants access to valuable media tools for enhanced exposure and outreach to a broader audience—thereby raising public awareness—but it also marks another incremental stride towards strengthening a forward-thinking mindset.

JENNIFER JONES

Jennifer Jones grew up in Eastern Pennsylvania. This quiet suburban hamlet coupled with its proximity to New York City provided fertile ground for the young woman’s imagination. Jennifer started studying ballet at the age of 3. Competitive figure skating followed shortly. In addition to these physical pursuits, she began sculpting in her early teens earning a scholarship to continue her fine art studies. A formally trained ballet dancer en pointe, and an award-winning tap dancer until an auto accident at 17 cut both her dance and skating careers short. Injury may have limited her prospects but didn’t stop her quest for kinetic self-expression.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: Do what moves you. Do it for yourself even if it’s not the most popular choice. In art and in life. This impacts the way I do art. I’m less harsh on myself when I work, the work I do I’m less critical of how it looks when it’s finished. For me it’s all about the movement and the release of emotions. The dance moves the paint around the canvas. When I try to do something for public consumption it’s not authentic and just feels like a total fail.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: This is a very difficult question for me and we could be here all night. I’m really moved by music. If I need inspiration I turn on something and just crank it. I don’t think my technique would work without music. There are many fine artists out there that will randomly spark an idea or a color choice. I do have a favorite painting however I saw it once online about 15 years ago then again in either LACMA, The Getty or The Met. I can’t recall. I don’t know the name of the artist or the title and it haunts me that I can’t find it online. Maybe I should paint a bad version of it and do a google visual search. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: My former manager and dear friend who passed away suddenly last year gave me a lot of great advice. The one that sticks out the most is ” just show up every day, showing up is 90% of the gig. go to your studio and paint even if you don’t feel like doing it” That was some good advice, I think he got that from Dolly Parton.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you? 

A: This is a chance for me to meet people in the art world; like-minded artists, future collectors, and galleries. I have the chance to share my passion and possibly inspire some along the way.

LEILANI EUPHROSYNE (BEATE BÖER)

35 wonderful years Leilani-Euphrosyne traveled the world as a flight attendant for Lufthansa. She was always fascinated by foreign people, their cultures, and above all by the world’s most diverse artistic genres. Her special interest however has always been painting. As a flight attendant, Leilani was very close to the sky. Now she paints to experience the sky down on earth. “When painting I feel free as a bird and blissful as a child! Besides all I love to live this blissfulness showing in my artworks also in every little cell of my body. I start to focus on this already in my morning meditation to create the vibes of my day and the melody of my life!” She is a real globetrotter who discovers herself while painting.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: Go through the world with love, light, and floral scent in your heart! Enjoy the lightness and dance frequently and wildly because joy and ecstasy are the secrets of the universe! Dancing is exactly what I do before I start to come into my creative flow and to bring my acrylic candy colors to my canvas and show my soul! 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Frida Kahlo, Picasso, and Mary Lovelace O’Neal.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Go out into the world and show your soul! “One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul. Soul on deck shines like gold in dark times!“ (Source: Clarissa Pinkola Estes)

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you? 

A: Spectrum Miami is one of the most exciting art exhibitions in the world to see and to show fine art of all countries in the world! I am so thrilled and feel so honored to be part of it! Aloha Mahalo, thanks to heaven! This makes me so happy and I can’t wait to show my paintings with the special Aloha Vibes at this fancy and absolutely extraordinary place in Sunshine State Florida!

MARGARITA VIGNE

Margarita Vigne, originally from Colombia, completed her bachelor’s degree in fashion and graphic design before making South Florida her home. Her art is a captivating fusion of materials, colors, and techniques that breathe life into her creative vision. She enjoys experimenting with various textures, colors, and patterns to craft unique mixed media collage pieces that blend expressionism with intricate abstraction. Margarita uses her education as a compass of her work and her imagination.

Her talent lies in transforming of everyday materials into beautiful and meaningful art. Margarita’s bold use of colors and intricate details transport viewers to a vibrant world full of energy and life. Her art encourages viewers to pause, explore the elaborate details, and savor the moment, providing a brief escape from the fast-paced nature of contemporary life. With endless creative possibilities, each of her distinct pieces often carries a unique background narrative or a wellspring of inspiration.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My work philosophy is centered on art as a dynamic expression of my imagination and emotions. It drives me to constantly innovate, create emotionally resonant pieces, provide a moment of reflection in our fast-paced world, tell unique stories through my art, and embrace diversity in materials and themes. This philosophy is the guiding force behind my creative process, ensuring that my art remains vibrant and meaningful.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Collage stands as a significant milestone in Cubism’s history and, consequently, in the broader context of 20th-century modern art. It’s why Braque and Picasso hold a special place among my favorite artists, as their work inspires me to craft my own collage artwork.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I’ve received for my art practice includes embracing fearless experimentation, seeking inspiration everywhere, maintaining a regular art-making routine, and emphasizing patience and perseverance despite creative challenges. These insights have been crucial in developing my unique artistic voice and navigating the highs and lows of my artistic journey.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you? 

A: Spectrum Miami is a platform that will allow me to share my creative voice and unique perspective with a diverse audience. It’s a chance to connect with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors, fostering invaluable connections and feedback that will further shape my artistic evolution. Spectrum Miami 2023 represents a significant milestone in my artistic career, affirming the importance of art as a means of communication, expression, and connection with others. It’s a moment to celebrate how far I’ve come and to look forward to the limitless creative possibilities that lie ahead.

TABLINUM CULTURAL MANAGEMENT (FEATURE GIUSEPPE GIANNOTTI)

“I am Giuseppe Giannotti, an Italian-Swiss journalist, born on 15th March 1954 in San Benedetto del Tronto (Italy). My father, Enrico, was an officer in the Italian Navy, assigned to the Port Authorities. Every two years, with my family, I moved from one port city to another. And from here my propensity for travel was born. My mother, Ester Amato, survived the Holocaust, the only one left of her family of Sephardic Jews originally from the island of Rhodes. Ten months in the Auschwitz concentration camp didn’t break her. Esther survived thanks to her extraordinary strength and her mantra (never give up). Values to all of us in the family; I have applied these values in my profession as a journalist.”

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: Our gallery, founded in 2013, has an international vocation and our mission is to have our artists exhibited in international contexts; When compared with different academies, the artists draw great inspiration, an important reason for the development of their professional careers.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: We follow the modern and contemporary art and therefore it is difficult to give names, having to choose: the twentieth-century spatialist concept of Lucio Fontana and the dripping of Jackson Pollock.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: To be a gallery that gives space to young artists and allows them to travel the world with their artworks.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you? 

A: Being at Spectrum and exhibiting the artworks of our photographer artist Giuseppe Giannotti is a source of pride for us; Miami Art Week is the highlight for contemporary art, worldwide.

CHANYU KUO

Chanyu Kuo was born and raised in Asia. After studying Art in the UK for several years, he continues to create artwork and currently resides in Miami, Florida. His artistic inspiration is based on personal development, international vision, and emotions in daily life. From shallower to deeper, and from concrete to abstract, just like the Asian ink and wash skills that have been widely applied through his artworks. Characterized by bold strokes and vibrant colors, Chanyu Kuo’s paintings explore the relationship between Asian ink and wash, and abstraction to meld cross-cultural probing and stylistic innovation with a meditative figural base. As an artist, Chanyu is intrigued by the idea of encouraging audiences to respond with emotions and reflect on their own stories.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My work philosophy is deeply rooted in the notion of connection—connecting to one’s self, to others, and to the broader strokes of our shared humanity. I believe in the power of art to bridge the gaps of language and culture, to touch upon the emotions that are universal to the human condition. This belief impacts my work by driving me to create pieces that are not just visually stimulating, but also emotionally resonant. I approach each canvas with a mindfulness that is reflective of the meditative process found in Asian ink and wash painting. There is an intention behind every color chosen, and every line drawn, and this intention is to evoke and to provoke—to stir something within the viewer that is perhaps unrecognized or unacknowledged. Furthermore, my work philosophy embraces the concept of growth, both personal and artistic. It’s about constantly challenging myself to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, to explore and integrate new techniques, and to remain receptive to the evolving narratives of our time. This quest for growth ensures that my work is never static but is instead a living, breathing entity that reflects my journey as an artist and as a global citizen. In practical terms, this philosophy results in artwork that carries with it the layers of my personal development and my international vision. It imbues my work with a sense of exploration and introspection, inviting viewers to engage not just with the piece, but with the ideas and emotions it represents. Ultimately, it impacts my work by ensuring that each creation is a meaningful encounter, an opportunity for reflection, and a call for a deeper understanding of the self and the other.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: The two artists that most influenced me at the beginning of my art journey were Walt Disney and Mrs. Wang. Walt Disney’s ability to create engaging stories that captivated audiences worldwide greatly impacted me growing up. His works showed me the power of storytelling and how it can be used to spread love and positivity throughout the world. My early mentor Mrs. Wang has been an incredible source of guidance throughout my artistic journey. She truly opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of art and encouraged me to explore new techniques and styles. Some other great artists in history that have had the most significant influence on my work are Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, and Clifford Still. These artists have a unique style and creative vision that I find inspiring. From Joan Miro’s expressive use of shapes and colors to Salvador Dali’s surreal dreamscapes and Clifford Still’s abstract expressionism, each artist has given me something new to explore in my work. Ultimately, their art has helped me push the boundaries of what art can be and opened up new paths for me to explore. They have all contributed to my journey of self-discovery and inspired me to create artwork reflecting my experiences and identity. I am forever grateful for their influence! Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I’ve ever received is embodied in the metaphor, “Be like water.” This phrase encapsulates the art of resilience and adaptability—encouraging me to embrace experiences as they come, to flow around obstacles, and to adapt to various circumstances while remaining true to my essence. Water is yielding yet persistent, capable of carving canyons through stone not through force, but through patience and persistence. Similarly, this advice has taught me to approach my life and art with a sense of flexibility, to absorb experiences, whether they are tumultuous or tranquil, and to allow them to shape my journey without altering my core self. In my practice, this means that I am open to new ideas, techniques, and perspectives, much like water takes the shape of the vessel that contains it. Yet, just as water maintains its inherent properties regardless of the shape it assumes, I too strive to maintain the authenticity of my voice and vision, no matter how diverse the influences or how varied the paths I explore.

This wisdom, “be like water,” serves as a reminder that the true strength lies in adaptability—a capacity to endure, to change form, to ebb and flow with the circumstances of life and art, but ultimately, to remain unaltered in one’s true nature. It’s about the delicate balance of fitting in with the environment while not losing the unique properties that define who I am as a person and as an artist.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you? 

A: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 is a milestone in my artistic journey—a journey that spans over two decades of dedication, exploration, and self-expression through art. Having woven my narrative thread through the years, this prestigious event represents a new dawn, the beginning of a wider recognition that every artist aspires to. To me, Spectrum Miami is not just an art show; it’s a vibrant confluence of culture, creativity, and communication. It is a platform that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural barriers, allowing me to present my life’s work to a global audience. It signifies an opportunity to share my ideas, my vision, and my voice with people from all walks of life, from every corner of the world. This exhibit marks a moment of celebration, a point in time where I can stand back and witness the ripples of my efforts as they touch different shores. It means engaging with art lovers, collectors, and fellow artists in a dialogue that is fostered by the universal language of visual art. It’s about the joy of sharing the stories that have been etched into my canvases, inviting viewers to partake in the experiences and emotions that have shaped my work.

The post Spectrum Miami Artists to Watch, Part 2 appeared first on Art Business News.

ALEX FUNES LOVIS

In the fascinating world of digital art and photography, emerges the remarkable work of Alex Funes Lovis, originally from Mexico born on November 8, 1966, a passionate Plastic Artist whose creativity transcends conventional limits. Through his lens, he captures the very essence of iconic places around the world, transforming images and textures into authentic masterpieces that resonate with the depth of lived experience.

The work of Alex Funes Lovis is characterized by his ability to fuse the rich visual heritage of the places he has visited with sacred geometric elements, vibrant colors and the mystique of numerology. Each creation is a journey in itself, a bridge between the viewer and the destinations they have explored, a connection that goes beyond the physical and penetrates the emotional and spiritual realms.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My philosophy as a visual artist, photographer and creator of digital art focuses on the deep search for internal knowledge through sacred geometry. I believe that art has the power to transcend mere intellectual appreciation and can touch people’s hearts and souls in a deep and meaningful way.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Gustav Klimt, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Antoni Guadi. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: In short, living from moment to moment is the most powerful advice I have ever been given in my life.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 is, without a doubt, an opportunity to promote my work and make my artistic talent known on an international stage. It is an invaluable opportunity to present my creativity and personal expression to a diverse audience, connect with other artists and lovers. of art, and take my artistic career to the next level. This experience represents the recognition of my talent and dedication, as well as the opportunity to share my artistic vision with the world.

ALISSA VAN ATTA

Alissa Van Atta is currently based just outside Asheville, NC and is a mixed media painter and ceramist.  Alissa is inspired by texture, nature and unique surface treatments in her abstract artworks. In 2022, sparked by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, figures emerged in her paintings.  Feminist themes are subtly explored with a neo-pop art style inspired from vintage advertising, pin-up girls and commercial art from the 1950s – 1970s.

Alissa has participated in exhibitions and art fairs in the past few years to further expand her exposure across multiple markets. “The most rewarding part is meeting people that are attracted to my work and I get to connect to people over my pieces and the stories behind them.”

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: You may have an idea of what the work may turn into, but allow the art to lead you forward.  The end result may be very different from the initial idea, but letting the art take you on the journey is what I love the most about being an artist.  The impact on my work can be unexpected, but it allows me to grow authentically. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Eva Hesse, Joan Mitchell, Wilhem de Kooning are just just a few of many.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Do what you love.  Allow yourself to be vulnerable.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: Miami Art Week is such a flurry of art and people that love art.  I’m excited to be a part of it and excited to show my art in front of such a large crowd.

ANASTASIIA KOZLOVA

From childhood, Anastasiia has been drawn to math, geometry, and unseen concepts. Later in her older years searching for life answers esoterics came to her life and she developed a sense of living life through the aesthetics of every day. And in one of the dark moments of her life, she found a glimpse of light in connection with all things through art and expression of beauty, geometry, mystery, and interconnection of all things. That was a touch of higher guidance sending a message to her that we are not alone and always have been guided and protected. And this guidance started to be expressed through sacred geometry.

Her enigmatic artistic journey began as a kaleidoscope of curiosity and exploration. From the very first brushstroke, she fell in love with the beauty and intricacies of sacred geometry. Like a blossoming flower, their artistic path unfolded, guided by patterns, symmetry, and a profound reverence for the hidden mysteries of the universe. She immersed herself in the study of ancient cultures, seeking wisdom from past civilizations that honored and revered the power of sacred geometry. Over time, her artist work transformed into a mesmerizing tapestry of vibrant colors and meticulously crafted shapes.

A: The philosophy behind sacred geometry is all about finding beauty and meaning in the geometric patterns that exist in nature and the universe. It believes that these patterns are not random but hold a sacred, underlying order.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Nature’s Magic: Taking a close look at the mesmerizing patterns found in flowers, seashells, and even the structure of the universe itself. The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio are all around us, just waiting to be transformed into sacred geometry art. 

Ancient Wisdom: Diving into the vast knowledge of ancient cultures, like the Egyptians, Mayans, or Greeks, who incorporated sacred geometry into their art, architecture, and religious beliefs.

Meditation and Reflection: Finding stillness within myself and letting my mind wander. Sacred geometry can be a portal to inner peace and spirituality. Exploring the depths of my thoughts and emotions, and translating them into symbolic shapes and patterns.

Music and Sound: Letting the rhythm and melodies guide my creative process. Turning on some inspiring tunes or exploring the harmonious vibrations of specific frequencies. Allow the music to flow through me and influence my artwork. 

Personal Meaning: What aspects of sacred geometry resonate with me on a deeper level? Is it the balance, unity, or complexity? Connecting with the meaning and symbolism that speaks to my soul, and infusing it into my art. The greatest inspiration lies within myself. Trusting my intuition, play with shapes and colors, and let my imagination run wild.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Probably the best advice I’ve received was to learn to trust yourself and your intuition. Not to be afraid of the unknown. Just calm your mind, come back to yourself and you will find all the answers within. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: The exhibition of my sacred geometry art is a truly special milestone for me! It’s a chance for me to share my unique perspective and expression of sacred geometry with others. I think of it as a magical moment where my art takes on a life of its own, spreading joy, curiosity, and appreciation to those who have the privilege of experiencing it. So, I’m embracing this opportunity with excitement and confidence, knowing that my art has the power to inspire and captivate others. And feel so grateful for this amazing opportunity.

ANDREA BERTHEL

“Within the Square of my canvas, I show the world in a fish can. My artwork is message-oriented. Vibrant colors, humor, and the joy of telling stories lure the observer into a world of its own. My koi express their feelings and state of mind but still keep their fishy appearance.

My artwork draws you in and challenges you to think about society, politics, and culture, about our values and how we implement them. I do not want to scare observers off by negativity, but attract their interest with humor and vibrant colors and let them discover what I am trying to express.

The initial idea runs like an undercurrent through my subconscious until it has matured and can be put down in a rough sketch to determine formal design, light, and shadow. I start to fill in the details, elaborating fish portrayals, often including some funny eye-catchers. The process is fluid and new ideas are included. I paint in oils and cover the canvas with one first layer, deciding upon color and illumination. Then the long process of putting on more thin layers of paint, thus intensifying color and volume, begins.

My work is a constant search to express my ideas about the world I live in, the statement oscillating in the polarity between joy, laughter, anger, and sadness.”

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I am concerned about the world I live in and my themes are political, philosophical, social, cultural, etc. The ideas of how to express those themes pop into my mind at 4 or 5 a.m. For example in the “American Dream, “ the koi close to their leader are white, the ones in the less advantaged places, squeezed under the lid are darker, red, and black and not well equipped (rifles). It shows white supremacy and racism. The pledge to defend democracy is counter-phrased by the halo of automatic rifles and guns around the president’s head. With the koi in cans, I can criticize with humor and irony, with vibrant colors and high technical quality.

“If my art has nothing to do with people’s pain and sorrow, what is art for?”

“I think art is a very important weapon to achieve human freedom.”

Those quotes from Ai Weiwei say what my motivation for painting is.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Artists like Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Veronese, Velasquez, and Goya inspired me. I love to study their multi-layered meaningful compositions, the way they handle light and shadow, and how they achieve depth and volume. I admire the sense of Humor Banksy and the stark impact of Ai Weiwei’s concert hall pillars in Berlin wrapped in swim vests.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “You don’t have to please anybody, but yourself!” (my husband). So I paint what I have to „say“, not looking on easy sales or  mainstream art.”

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: The Art Scene in America is very lively and diverse. It was such a pleasure to attend finally (waiting 3 years) the ArtExpo New York earlier. The positive and encouraging feedback was great. On top of that PopArt belongs to the cultural self-image of Americans. I feel at home in your country and to show my art at Spectrum Miami is a great honor to me.

ANTOINE ART

Antoine de Villiers (South African, 1977) is one of life’s travelers and blessed with an artist’s soul. Antoine works in many mediums, yet, there is always something quintessential of her throughout the core of her work, like a wick in a candle drawing her creations out. During a difficult childhood as a daughter of parents struggling with mental illness, Antoine was in a devastating motorcycle accident that claimed the life of her friend/driver. Days later, the diary she kept meticulously for years was stolen and she lost her medium of expression. It is then that Antoine found her artistic voice and art became a means of survival.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I want my work to be visceral, honest, and vulnerable. Early in my career, I was drawn to the human figure as my world came crashing down amid my struggle with severe depression. I found exploring the complexities of human emotion freeing and using the subject of the figure as a means of expression. While I felt emotionally and physically out of control, my work became autobiographical and gave me much-needed relief. Philosopher Alain de Botton said that art can ‘help us to be less lonely’ and that is exactly the role it played in my life. My figures are nude, as that is the most honest and vulnerable we can be. They are usually anonymous to help empathize with the emotion captured rather than the identity of the subject. But ultimately, as William Kentridge aptly noted, no matter what subject you choose, it will always be a self-portrait.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

I love art and can never get enough of it. From old masters like da Vinci and Turner. Modernists like O’Keeffe and Hepworth, but most of all, contemporary artists like Jenny Saville, Harry Paul Ally and Yulia Bas.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Turn your pain into purpose”

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: I had the privilege to exhibit at Spectrum Miami in 2021. It marked the ‘relaunch’ of my career -not long after my return to the US after living in India for 5 years and teaching art to children living in slums and brothels. This year I’m grateful to be able to return to Miami once again and I’m very excited. I believe my work has grown and I can’t wait to show 20 new pieces never exhibited before.

BRINTON FARRAND

Brinton Farrand is from Indianapolis, Indiana. He received a teaching degree from Purdue University and a Master’s in Art Education from DePauw University. He taught High School Art and Photography for over 30 years, and while teaching he was the recipient of a Lilly Endowment Grant. He studied classical realism at Studio Escalier in France for three months with Timothy Stotz and Michelle Tully. After retiring, he studied painting at Herron Art School in Indianapolis with Professor Marc Jacobson and independently with artist David Slonim. He continually expands his skills through classes and experimenting in his studio and enjoys presenting in multiple shows and venues where he can talk to the public about his work.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: As a young man, I competed in High School and College Wrestling. To succeed and be the best, I drilled, practiced, and trained relentlessly.  I took that work ethic into my teaching and coaching career.  When I retired from teaching, I might say I ‘refired’ myself into a successful artist. I explore myself and the world around me, using new tools and techniques. My goal is to continuously learn from the past artists as well as the new artists of the 21^st century.  I enjoy storytelling and searching for creativity; that is what I enjoy most in my life.  After all, those who are creative and can improvise, adapt, and overcome will succeed in this new age.

My work philosophy is to paint or draw every day. I love drawing with pen and ink. The power of a single line can tell so much of the story of a painting.  Color and contrasting through colors is my favorite aspect to work on.  Color and line work continue to be central themes.  A few years ago I saw an artist using dribbled layers of color and decided to experiment with it.  Each color has a different characteristic of dribble. The line can be fat or thin and the paint may drip fast or slow.  Dribbling has taught me to make mistakes and be freer with my painting.  It has evolved into something unique.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Camille Pissarro – He painted every day and was not afraid to explore new styles as they came along.

Van Gogh – A painter who was strongly influenced by color.

Edgar Degas – An artist trying to capture motion with his dancers.

Salvador Dali – He is my favorite because of his technical skill and he was not afraid to explore art in any direction.

Johannes Vermeer – I like how easily he portrayed the effect of light on a subject.

Eduardo Kobra – He is my newest inspiration, a Brazilian street artist known for his use of vibrant colors.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

• Find the best, copy what the best are doing, and then “plus” it.
• Do not wait for inspiration. Amateurs wait for inspiration, the rest of us get up and get to work. 
• Do not think when you paint.

When I am not painting you can find me walking outside in nature each morning. I enjoy sitting and listening to music as I observe the seasons changing.  The absolute best thing is to sit in a bar and watch people, yet even then my sketchbook is out to catch the moment.

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: To be involved in Art Basel/Miami Week – the biggest art festival in the world – is truly exciting.  Even before participating, we came to Miami to see the art and be inspired.  My favorite venue was Spectrum because the artists seemed to be the friendliest of all the venues, very eager to explain their work and share their thoughts.  To be surrounded by so many talented artists and friends is truly inspiring and a great learning experience.

CHRISTINE LAUBACH

Christine is a passionate painter from the US, Eastern Shore of Maryland. Born in Washington DC she has always had a deep connection with art. As the youngest of 7 she was influenced by the Artists and Scientists in her family. She fell in love with ice skating and spent countless hours creating magical patterns on the ice. Now as a visual artist she paints intricate patterns reconnecting with that sense of magic and wonder. Driven by compassion, she pursued a career as a Trauma Operating Room Nurse, plastics, reconstructive and craniofacial specialist, where she witnessed the resilience of human spirit firsthand. Painting became a bridge that allowed her to express her creativity and bring healing to those who have experienced trauma including herself.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My “Why” is clear. I want to share the meditative and transformative powers of art universally. My art is a vessel for healing, a source of inspiration, and a reminder that beauty can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. I create, explore, and touch lives through my art. With every brushstroke, I invite others to embark on their own transformative journey, reminding them that art has the power to heal, transform, and ignite the spark of hope within their souls. My paintings are a reflection of my journey- the resilience and perseverance to stand in the face of adversity, abstracting the beauty I discover in unexpected places, and the depth of my emotions. These paintings tell the story of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit that resides in all of us. Each piece is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when life takes unexpected turns. But the journey doesn’t stop there. I realize my art has the potential to touch lives and make a difference. With a compassionate heart, I use my skills to help others to heal and transform. I offer breast cancer survivors and people living with all types of scars a unique form of support. I create intricate camouflage and 3-D tattoos specifically designed to help reclaim their bodies and embrace their scars as symbols of strength and resilience. Through my art these individuals are empowered to embrace new beginnings in their journey of healing.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Rembrandt, Rubens, Johnathan Lasker, Joan Mitchell, Gerhard Richter, Chagall, Kandinsky, Pollock, Susan Caporael, and more.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Imagination is the language of the soul. Pay attention to your imagination and you will discover all you need to be fulfilled.” -Albert Einstein

Q: What does exhibiting at Spectrum Miami 2023 mean to you?

A: I’m looking forward to this opportunity to share my work on a large scale in one of the most exciting shows of the year! This means connecting with people who are seeking to collect original art where the experience, the story, and vision inspire them. Meeting buyers, collectors, other artists, and aspiring artists will give rise to future collaborations.

The post Spectrum Miami Artists to Watch, Part 1 appeared first on Art Business News.

Here are nine artists to watch during this year’s fair. Get to know the talented group below.

Alessandra Silvaberg

Self-taught photographer, Alessandra Silvaberg was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and currently lives in California. Her interest in photography started at an early age, inspired by her grandfather who was an incredible artist by heart, she states that he had a profound influence on her life and passion for art. Alessandra has been working with outdoor portraiture photography for the past 18 years, including celebrities, international destinations, and fundraising events, She uses the beautiful outdoors as the background of her artwork. “It is an amazing dance to connect with people and places as one subject” -she says Alessandra always separates a time to take her camera and go out to explore places capturing the moments it was one of the travels that she felt the calling to share her artworks that she had put aside for years. Alessandra is attending for the first time an Art Show as a SOLO and she is thrilled that finally she can share with the world what has been saved until now.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I am grateful for my gift of translating how I see the world. My spiritual journey keeps me centered, sensitive, and strongly connected to human beings, animals, and nature and I have always felt passionate about photographing the beauty I see everywhere and in everyone. I am not a technical photographer. I shoot from the heart. I always say that “I see with the eyes of the heart” and that is how I connect with my subjects I allow them to connect with me by being present in the moment, and that is how I find inspiration for photography. I am grateful for all that life has given me. I am surrounded by so many amazing people and I consider myself extremely blessed to have created a beautiful family who gives me extraordinary positive support, and also to get to use my gift to bring beauty to empower, uplift, and connect everyone who comes across my work. Being able to do what I love, with love, is an incredible power to have.

My artwork is a result of 100% inspiration, love, and gratitude! I believe that my true gift is my capacity to connect with my subject by being fully present and feeling a real sense of belonging with all. I use the camera as the vehicle to capture and bring to life that powerful moment. I always feel empowered and grateful for the results of each photograph. My vision is that everyone who comes across my work can be affected in the same way, feeling as if they are there in that moment.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I appreciate many artists but my biggest inspiration comes from my grandpa Aristides Eudocio.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: I have two strong pieces of advice that I carry with me for my life: The day I left Brazil to pursue my dreams in the US, my dear grandma Anna Bolonhanni held my hands, looked into my eyes, and said “ALWAYS REMEMBER – WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.” Someone I dearly respect for his work and life of bringing peace to the world, the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said “Clarity in Mind Purity in Heart Sincerity in Action.”

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 is a result of a mental image, that I have created in the past, with a burning desire of sharing my artwork with the world. I feel incredible accomplishment, gratitude, and excitement and I am honored to be part of this event together with so many amazing artists in my hometown.

Alius Fine Art

“We are the recipients of nature’s compassion, nourished by millions of invisible creatures that allow our food to grow and keep us alive. We are cared for by a bounteous and forgiving planet, inseparable from the earth that we came from. I hope my work is a reminder that all of creation is connected, codependent and profoundly beautiful.” – Alius Fine Art

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I need to keep challenging myself to change, so even as I approach the age of seventy I am still learning about who I am as an artist and how far I can stretch myself creatively. In the past I focused too much on detail and effect, working very tight and slowly. Now I am learning to experiment, and allow chance and accident to play a role in my work. More importantly, I am learning to overcome the fear of what people will think of my imagery and to pay attention to my own voice. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Artists who continue to work in spite of severe handicaps and personal difficulties have my undying admiration, whatever I think of their art. Creativity is hard work! It’s physically demanding and mentally exhausting, so I am inspired by artists who dare to think big and overcome hurdles imposed by their chosen media, their subject matter, their community, or their own limitations.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Pay attention while you’re dreaming! I began keeping a dream journal years ago because so much weird and wonderful material floats up while I’m asleep.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: San Diego is my favorite place on earth, the part of the world I call home, even though I also maintain a studio in Canada and sometimes work in Asia. Exhibiting at Art San Diego means showing my latest work to my very best friends and collectors, sharing my vision with my Southern California community, and unveiling my latest ideas to the world at large.  

Arendt Graphics

“Born in 1945, I spent my formative years in Vienna and entered the professional School of Graphic design. Early in my youth, I was drawn to the visual arts and music.” – Arendt Graphics

Q: How long have you been an artist?

A: As a result of my early childhood experiences and dealing with the aftermath of World War II the arts symbolized beauty and permanence for me and I fell in love with music, paintings, sculpture, dance, and theatre. In the mid-50s and 60s, Vienna was a great place to enjoy the arts. The city had recovered from the war and there was a powerful renaissance in music and the performing arts with many famous people coming to perform. We were fascinated with modern jazz and listened to performances from John Coltrain to Beethoven. We did not know it then, but we were able to enjoy some of the best performers of the time. I hung around many of the art places throughout the city and soon became familiar with the struggles and expectations of being an artist. When I reached fourteen, I made the decision to enter the graphic field with the goal of becoming a graphic designer. I took evening classes from some of the best-known designers of the time and immersed myself into this lifestyle learning about composition, design, and typography. On the weekends I played jazz music with several bands to earn extra spending money. I went to all the gallery invites and openings and got exposed to many artists including my two favorite artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. I can truly say that I spent most of my life with a pencil in my hand.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: Faces are to me the most fascinating thing. They are the mirrors of our passions, our struggles, failures, and triumphs. They are the calendar of our collective experiences and a most reliable read/reflection of our feelings. Studying people is almost second nature to me wherever I go, particularly when I see a face that happens to fit the subject that I am presently working on, I look for a combination of body language, the tilt of a face, the sudden drop of a head, the look of an uncertain smile, the narrowing of the eyes, an expression of hate or sorrow down the cast of sham, the shimmering of the cheeks as tears are emerging. These are faces that belong to all of us as we experience joy, sorrow, love, and hate. There are many combinations and you can find them. All you have to do is look around you and watch what people are saying silently. 

Q: What do you like about your work?

A: I am looking forward to developing different series like the “Children of War” and I have just begun with a new series called “Structures.”

Q: Professionally, what is your goal?

A: I would like to find a broader audience for my “Children of War” series. It is a subject that I eel deserves a place in our conscience and needs to be presented as part of our overall understanding of war. The violence and horrors that children experience around the world should no longer be ignorable. 

Art by Joshua

California native, Joshua Rios, is an oil painter in the abstract, expressionism, realism, and allover styles. When he’s not painting, he works as a K-12 visiting teacher for San Diego Unified. He also plays guitar, makes frames, and writes novels and short stories.

Q: How do you work?

A: When painting at home I put away all distractions, sometimes working in complete silence or playing instrumental music in the background. Working with oil requires patience; it takes a while for the paint to set. However since I don’t have any, I am often working on multiple paintings at a time between sessions. Whether painting on site or in my home I absorb myself entirely and work as swiftly as I can. I will paint until a subject is finished or the canvas is completely wet and I can no longer add layers. I try to be efficient and plan out the amount of time and sessions I will work on a single painting. However, this is hardly the case and I accept my process must be free to continue as long as it takes. The process is a journey. I can only control it so much before I find myself working with a painting as much as on it. 

Q: What has been your favorite experience so far as an artist?

A: I started painting to experiment with color and design and decorate my walls. I was hooked when I realized how much artwork can positively change a living space and add to our lives. The more I painted the more ideas I had, and I fell in love with the possibilities. I look forward to bringing more unique artworks into the world for myself and others to enjoy. My favorite experience has been rediscovering a years-old painting and being inspired and reassured by it. It’s like receiving a message from your younger self hoping to tell you how talented you were yesterday, are today, and will be tomorrow. 

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: I learned many years ago that good advice can come from anywhere. One day while painting outside my apartment, my neighbor, an older gentleman who comes from a family of musicians, was walking out of his house and saw me working. He approached my station and asked what I was up to. I told him I was just experimenting with some paintings. He studied my work and then said, “You know, eventually it just comes down to proficiency. How proficient are you at what you do? Because not everybody’s going to like the same stuff. But if you can be proficient at what you do, then you’re doing alright, man.” That might have been the first time I thought of myself as having a distinct style of painting and realizing it doesn’t have to please everybody. 

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: When I am not working I am working. My day job as an educator keeps me busy during the week. When I come home, I rest, eat, and then start painting, practicing music, or working on a writing project. But aside from work and home, I enjoy exercising, either at the gym, the park, or just around my neighborhood. I like to get out in nature and take hikes or just walk around the city and find a new restaurant to eat at. Sometimes I go out and listen to live music on the weekends at a few different venues. You can find me at Balboa Park, walking through the museums, enjoying the scenery, or just passing through. I also go to Mission Bay or any of the beaches in San Diego when I want to swim or just relax outside. 

Bruce Swift

Bruce Reeves Swift, a distinguished painter with over four decades of professional experience, has earned a well-deserved reputation as “America’s Artist” through his remarkable depictions of everyday American life. With a deep passion for capturing the essence of the ordinary and the extraordinary in the American experience, Swift’s body of work resonates with a profound connection to the heart and soul of the nation.

Swift’s journey as an artist is a testament to his unwavering dedication to portraying the rich tapestry of American life. His paintings are windows into the heartland, cities, and suburbs, revealing the diverse stories, traditions, and moments that define this great nation. Through his skillful brushwork and keen eye for detail, he has immortalized scenes that range from bustling urban streets to serene rural landscapes, from joyful celebrations to quiet moments of reflection.

What sets Bruce Reeves Swift apart is his ability to infuse his canvases with a palpable sense of nostalgia and familiarity. His work evokes a deep emotional resonance, stirring feelings of nostalgia and pride in viewers who recognize the quintessential American scenes he portrays. Swift’s paintings capture the essence of small-town diners, Fourth of July parades, family gatherings, and the unassuming beauty found in everyday life.

Over the course of his prolific career, Bruce Reeves Swift has become not only a masterful painter but also a cultural historian, chronicling the evolution of American society, culture, and values. His dedication to preserving these moments in time has earned him a revered place in the annals of American art.

As “America’s Artist,” Bruce Reeves Swift’s enduring commitment to celebrating the everyday American experience through his paintings serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation. His work continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds, reminding us of the shared stories that unite us and the beauty that can be found in the simplicity of life. Bruce Reeves Swift stands as an iconic figure in American art, capturing the heart and soul of the nation with each stroke of his brush.

Deborah M G Cassolis

“My name isDéborah M. GiVogue Cassolis and I have a love for nature and enjoy expressing my studies of cycads, palm trees, monocots, and tropical plants for over a decade, and a lifetime of loving the contrasts of light and shadows.  Fawn and fauna have always inspired me from my backyard and traveling to tropical places like Africa, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, California, and other places around the world.

My story began when I was a child, my parents knew I had artistic talents, and my mother entered one of my pieces when I was 9 years old a competition and heard back from them telling her that there was no way a 9-year-old child could ever be that good; I remember her crying because they didn’t believe her child was a gifted child.   Thereafter, in high school, often the teachers would claim my art and keep it for the schools, and I never got my art back, this was starting to get to me then.

After some years of just keeping my art to myself, I did do some commissioned work, and a company I worked for asked me to design logos for their shipping department, an architect asked me to design a banner for his new company, but these things were minor, and I loved to do art in any way I could.  Eventually, after years of never sharing my talents, I went to Africa to meet my husband’s family, I was bored so I painted the children of the family we stayed with, my husband didn’t even realize I was a good artist.   Then, we moved to the United States where again I took up art classes and sold lamps to businesses that did not intrigue me at all, so I quit my job and went straight to college and enrolled to get my Fine Arts and Liberal Arts Degrees, I knew I was in my element, no turning back.  I graduated with Honors and pursued my life as a full-time artist.” – Deborah M G Cassolis

Q: What is my work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: As a painter I always believe that I should know everything I can about what or whom I am to paint.  The more I know about the subject(s) the more I feel that I can convey to canvas the spirit of how they impact our lives through my paintings.

I chose palm trees and tropical plants because how I see it is if we know about the environment they are from, we can also help animals who rely on the forests to bring awareness of their importance to the ecosystem.  I feel that giving back to what I believe in by donating art or some proceeds from the sales, is a good way to send a message to the world that our animals forests and ecosystems are important to care about.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: When I heard about Art San Diego, the city that I yearn to live in, was having an art show at the convention center, I knew I wanted to be a part of this event.  I got tickets to the event but COVID-19 happened, then the next time that the show opened, the Governor of San Diego closed the convention center to the public due to the building may still be contaminated by COVID-19.  So, finally the next year in 2022 I went to the show with the help of Mark Shapiro who helped me get the tickets. He advised me to talk to as many artists as possible to learn about this event.

I left there and I was excited, I got home, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this event in 2023. 
This means I can be in front of a larger audience connect with key people and fellow artists and be inspired to new levels with my skills.  I think it is important to participate in events like Art San Diego to help grow my name and to share my art with people who would love to know the story behind my artwork and acquire pieces. 

Stephen Robeck Photographs

“My more serious work with a camera began through long wilderness treks in the High Sierras around Yosemite. Surrounded by grand vistas and natural wonders, I felt driven to capture grand panoramic landscapes. But once I began to really see the abstract forms, colors, and textures that abound in nature, all my preconceptions of what my work should be were fundamentally changed. In a sense, I was set free. Now I find that images are everywhere.

I love creating photographs whose origins may not be readily clear. This kind of abstraction can lead to images that are peaceful, but also a bit mysterious. I want my work to engage viewers through color, texture, and depth, and to keep their eyes moving. If they ask, “What is that?” I feel I’ve succeeded in some way. My intent is to make photographs that people want to look at and explore every day.” Stephen Robeck

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: The first tenet is, don’t ever try to imagine what others will like or want to collect. It’s impossible. One of the first things I learned as an artist is to focus on those images that speak to me. When I trust my own vision, others are much more likely to respond.

The second tenet is, to just keep doing the work and learning from the process. I think this is key for all kinds of artists.

The third tenet is, when the work connects with others, understand this is the gift. Sales are great, but it’s the personal connection with strangers that is the core of the virtuous circle.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: As a young photographer, I soaked up monographs of the work of many photographers who were known for particular things. Gene Smith made a variety of photo essays that were featured in Life Magazine. He was also famous for his coverage of fighting in the Pacific during WWII. Ansel Adams made the Yosemite and the High Sierra come alive with his dramatically manipulated Black and White images. Eliot Porter was one of the first to open my eyes to color in the natural world. These and other artists were inspiring because their work was so distinctive, each unlike any other. So part of that inspiration was the understanding that they couldn’t really be emulated, only appreciated and admired.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: When my mother was nearing the end of her life, I asked if she had any advice for me. After thinking about it overnight, the only thing she said was, “Have no regrets.” Of course, this pertains to everything, not just art, but it has been a lodestar for me ever since.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: I exhibited in Santa Barbara galleries for a number of years, but usually with just a few pieces at a time. Art Santa Fe was my first Art Fair experience, followed by others in Santa Fe, Dallas, and Miami. The most valuable thing I derive from all these fairs is learning more and more about how to curate more of my own work and present it in a way that gets the attention of others.

Whitney Anderson

Whitney is a self-taught multi-disciplinary fine artist practicing in the mediums of drawing since she was 3, painting since she was 15, and collage since she was 27. Born in Alaska into a 3^rd generation commercial fishing family, she and her family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado in 1996. She took up ski racing for 4 years before switching to cross-country and track. Excelling in sports, she attended Duke University on a full-ride athletic scholarship and in 2009 received her B.A. in Fine Arts.

Whitney’s signature style is contemporary realism with a flare of pop-cultural nostalgia. She considers herself as “old school, raw, a purist”: everything is free-handed and that stems from the thousands of hours refining her fundamental art skills over the past 25 years. This is reflected early on in her childhood: “I didn’t like coloring books or tracing, I was always a blank, white slate kid.” Her blue-collar upbringing also prepared her way as an artist. There were no shortcuts to being successful: pure passion, drive and long hours make up a signature Whitney L Anderson art piece.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I’m not going to romanticize becoming a great artist: it’s plain old work harder— in labor and in your smarts– than your peers. That’s it. People who view my art have expressed to me how they see the hard work and depth of emotion put into it—it’s almost 3D in the way it escapes Its 2D nature and permeates the atmosphere around it, uplifting spirits. The subtleties are everything in the art world—one that makes a piece go from good to a masterpiece. You have to catch the soul. I call it the Three C’s: I’m Calculating, Controlled, and Commanding in my craft. By the time I was 30, I had put in my 10,000 hours of mastering my field and I believe it’s because it’s the one thing in my life that I have complete 100% control and confidence in. When it comes to art, I like to capitalize on my emotions—they will bring out the potency of my work (because I was creating it with a lot of heart). One more thing: do art for yourself first and then for the world second. You’re never going to please everyone so don’t turn into a pleaser—you’ll end up losing yourself altogether.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: “Stay hungry.” Several people over the years have told me that during my career. I think they saw where I could go and how prolific I was becoming. Other people believing in me helps fuel my drive even more—that angst to produce more and make something of myself. It’s the feeling that time is finite and I need to accomplish great works with the skill set God gave me. There is also another quote that I discovered years ago, one that I have always told myself in order to stave off comparison and self-doubt: Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous line, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I just love it as it automatically snaps me back to the stoic composure I need in my life because I am such a deep feeler and empathetic—I have this default weakness of feeling like that if I get rejected I have to feel rejected and inferior by the person doing the rejection. Sometimes, yes, we should feel the retribution in certain circumstances, but I have learned that most of the time it is the other person. So, I have had to be very judicious about what I do with it. Never has that been more true in the art world: highly subjective, political, and fickle—“you’re too this” or “too that.” If you absorbed all the critics around you it would make you go crazy. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I discovered George Condo’s work a few years ago after watching the documentary “The Price of Everything” and it was so arresting. Ingenious. The other work I like is Kazimir Malevich whose stark abstract pieces were the forerunner to the hyper-modernist movement. He was ahead of his time. I could name a lot more musical artists that inspire me to actually create art— some pieces that I recall have a “soundtrack” to them because I usually listen to a ton of music while I create. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: It means exposure to a larger audience, hopefully, direct sales, and definitely residual sales. I want to be discovered by a formal reputable gallery and be represented by them. When I visited Art Basel in 2021 and got acquainted with several galleries: DTR galleries along the east coast, Galerie Leroyer in Toronto, Space Gallery in NYC, and Art Angels in Los Angeles. Those are the places that would sell my art really well. Any galleries similar to their curation I would love to meet at Art San Diego–my first major art fair appearance!

World Chinese Art Committee

The World Chinese Art Committee Art San Diego 2023 exhibition mainly focuses on the works of artist Huang Yue. At the same time, they additionally display the works of two other artists Huang Simi, and Huang Ziyao.

Huang Yue was born in Beijing, China in 1960. In 1982, he graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Beijing Film Academy; in 2000, he created a new style of oil painting – Huang Yue Bird-Flower Oil Painting; in 2014, he created Huang Yue Ink and Color painting.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My work philosophy is to keep discovering and innovating, so I need to keep practicing.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: Create paintings that do not exist in this world.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Impressionist paintings inspire me.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: The art fair will let me know and compare the art of 2023.

For tickets to Art San Diego 2023 visit this link.

The post Art San Diego 2023 Artists to Watch appeared first on Art Business News.

Taking place at the beautiful Santa Fe Community Convention Center in the heart of the city, Art Santa Fe welcomes its esteemed exhibitors and attendees to a beautiful gallery-style venue. Artists from around the world will be exhibiting at Redwood Art Group’s Art Santa Fe fair this July during Santa Fe Art Week.

Here are nine artists to watch during this year’s fair! Get to know the talented group below.

Shan Ogdemli

“I believe there are unseen patterns and structures that exist in multiple dimensions across the multiverse, surrounding, connecting, and influencing everything in the material and non-material realms. My aim as an artist is to capture the essence of those unseen structures and bring them forth into the visible physical world in the form of colors, patterns, and images.

I’m inspired by light and color, Nature, the Earth, the Cosmos, patterns from biology, geometry, astronomy, physics, quantum physics, metaphysics, and the interconnectedness of all things. I’m intrigued by the mathematics behind the patterns and structures of living organisms, by the way the vibrational frequencies of sound can translate into visual structures, by the way the frequencies of spinning electrons create color, and how color in turn emanates vibrational frequencies, by the mysteries of quantum physics, the mysteries of space-time and the mystery and wonder of life.

My acrylic paintings incorporate diatomaceous earth with gel mediums to create heavily textured surfaces with expressive brush strokes that add movement and energy. I make my own brushes out of dust broom straw to achieve the directional textures. Color and the vibrational and emotional effect it has on the viewer is an important part of my work, with color harmonies meticulously built from several layers of translucent and opaque paint. The full effect of the color vibrations and energy emanating from my paintings are best appreciated in person.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I have always been able to achieve my goals despite life’s many obstacles and hurdles – through intense focus, perseverance, and hard work. I set high standards for myself, don’t give up easily, and am not afraid to take chances. Those qualities have been both a blessing and a curse throughout my life as sometimes you do need to know when to give up and taking chances doesn’t always turn out well. But those same qualities serve me well in my art practice, allowing me to expand my artistic range, finish even the most challenging projects, finish them well, and put in the hard work needed to make a living as an artist.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, Yaakov Agam, Victor Vasarely and the Psychedelic and Op Art movements of the ’60s and 70’s.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: That is a hard one. I really have not gotten great advice. Most of the advice has been against following my heart. But if I were to give advice to a young person it would be to follow your heart, no matter what anyone else tells you. Your heart knows where you need to be and what you need to do in life to be happy and fulfilled. You just need to quiet your mind enough to hear what your heart is saying.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I am thrilled to exhibit at Art Santa Fe 2023! It means having a chance to show my art to the sophisticated art community of Santa Fe, as well as from all over! I love that it is the only contemporary art show in Santa Fe, as my art is very contemporary. I love that it attracts art collectors, art enthusiasts, interior designers, art consultants, gallery owners, and other professionals from everywhere, including from Santa Fe.

Stacy Nixon

Stacy’s award-winning work has been shown consistently in some of the region’s most noteworthy exhibitions and venues, has been recognized by multiple artists in residence programs throughout the country, and can be found in private collections and illustrated publications around the world.

She has a deep desire to illuminate the connections between the conscious mind and the unconscious landscape of possibility, with lots of beauty on the side. Connection to history, story, myth, and magic is always present, waiting to be discovered.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I feel that to be successful in any business there needs to be a willingness to commit to all aspects of the vision. I would love to paint 90% of my time in the studio but that is often not the reality. Creative actions are always balanced by administrative actions. That being said when the Muse does visit- you listen!

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I am currently inspired by Mimmo Palladino, his simplicity of form and color sense are timeless. Deloss McGraw is also a real inspiration, the looseness in his work and the naivety applied to deep subjects is so beautiful.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: The best advice I have received is “Ready, Shoot, Aim”, which at first seems mad. The idea is that you broadcast a wide net, see what makes a connection, and then narrow the focus.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I am looking forward to exhibiting at Art Santa Fe because it is my home town! Santa Fe is such a special place to be an artist and I look forward to connecting with even more wonderful people in the arts and art patrons at our event.

The Nick Haus

“I create because it allows me to live fully, it affords me a way to address unarticulated feelings and ideas. For me, painting becomes an intimate conversation with the canvas, brush, and paint. I prefer to paint with Acrylics, using movement and color to express the emotion and content of the work. I use fast strokes, allowing the brush and the emerging feeling of the composition to guide my progress. I approach works without preconceptions of structure but with a sense of something needing to be expressed. I think of my style as abstract expressionism, and although I have many influences, I think I’m most influenced by Freida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock-probably more in their energy, need to create, and to regulate emotion through art rather than a specific style. Art has always been a crucial part of my life and continues to act as my sanctuary to cope with the painful trauma and remarkable beauty of life.

I hope all this is what my art communicates to others, and I hope to accomplish a greater interconnection to myself and an emotional connection with others thru my works. It feels bigger than me, and this nurtures my sense of being and my identity as a person and an artist.”

Those who love Abstract Art and bold colors would be great admirers of the works of Nick Haus. After all, she’s an Abstract Expressionist who grew up in West Texas influenced by the Marfa art scene.

But Nick Haus is more than just an artist who specializes in the creation of vibrant abstract paintings. The Nick Haus has been an art educator for the last 23 years.

Previously, she taught at a residential treatment center for at-risk youth from 2000-2020. She is currently working at a Classical Academy where she teaches art to K-8 grade. She has extensive experience in art education and working with students of various ages.

For her education, The Nick Haus studied at Sul Ross State University where she earned a BFA, MA specializing in Art.

Inevitably, The Nick Haus began focusing more on launching her career as a professional Artist in 2019. This journey started with experimenting with various mediums and subject matter, this is where she found herself continuously returning to abstract art. The Nick Haus found that through her abstract works, she was able to convey unarticulated feelings and ideas through her lines, color, and movement.

Since she launched her Art career, she has continued to paint and has worked on private commissions, and continues to take part in group exhibitions.

Vicki Todd

Hailing from Happy, Texas (the Town Without a Frown), Vicki Todd is a largely self-taught artist. Her fascination with art began in her Grandmother’s china shop and painting classes taught in her home attic. Todd’s Grandmother encouraged her to sit in during the classes and paint china pieces along with the adult students. At the age of 6, Todd announced that she wanted to be an artist during the question-and-answer portion of the Little Miss Happy beauty contest, which she participated in and won – a  memory she recalls through her mother’s telling of the story. However, art became a part-time hobby pushed to life’s back burner.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I call myself a memoir artist because whatever is happening in my life makes its way into my art. This practice began when I transitioned from a nonworking wife in a failing marriage, who lost a baby I knew I was not meant to conceive, into a university professor, after going back to school to earn a doctorate degree to teach public relations. During this tumultuous time, I began painting expressive female portraits to convey my feelings of anxiety, fear, hope, and determination. After teaching for 17 years, the call to pursue my love of art prompted me to resign from my tenured professor position at the age of 50 and focus on creating art full-time. This leap allowed me to write and perform a one-woman show called Shine Happy Shine!, for which I created 30 body print paintings and seven paper mache fairytale masks. I used the play format as an evolving art exhibit that urges viewers to follow their heart’s whispers, rather than society’s shouts of what is expected. In 2018, I took the plunge into clay and began sculpting female figures that include flowering vine motifs, which symbolize evolution, self-growth, and transformation. My hope is that my artwork in all its forms gives others joy, strength, and resilience, and inspires them to probe their own dreams.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I took a class from Kristine Poole, a sculptor in Santa Fe, who transformed my practice as an emerging artist/sculptor. She taught the class how to build a female nude at 60 to 75 percent life-sized. Learning to sculpt larger figures has prompted me to not only increase the size of my work but also explore more challenging body postures and expressive hand and foot gestures. Seeing her uber-realistic nude figures in striking poses has helped me to think more expansively when crafting my own sculptures.

I recently viewed an exhibit by another Santa Fe sculptor, Clea Carlsen. The extreme detail that she hand-builds into her sculptures’ coiled hair and sometimes deconstructed body parts inspires me to push the limits of what flourishes can be successfully added to a sculpture.

I love the bold colors, magnitude, and immersive quality of Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures and installations, which is a possibility I would like to explore in the future.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: Two separate mentors told me: “Onward and upward!” and “Don’t look at the mountain. Focus on one rock at a time.” These sayings help me when preparing for a large exhibit, such as Art Santa Fe, but also on a daily basis when I might feel a little stuck and need to keep my art flowing forward.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: After teaching public relations at the university level for 17 years, I evolved through the novice-proficient-expert scale. Upon quitting my tenured professor position, I once again became a floundering beginner trying to find my footing as an artist. Being accepted to exhibit at Art Santa Fe as an emerging artist in the SOLO Pavilion gives me a sense of validation that I am on the right track once again. I look forward to connecting with galleries and collectors and welcoming new open doors of opportunity through this dynamic art experience.

Victoria Veedell

“Places have a memory, a history, a feeling that we connect with. These memories, like faint echoes, are revealed as light moves across the landscape, transforming the color and texture of a place. It is these moments and experiences that I capture in my atmospheric landscape paintings.

My fascination with the landscape stems more from an interest in exploring our primal connection to the land rather than a focus purely on the aesthetics of a place. My paintings trace the effect light has on a location, how it leaves its mark on the landscape, and how it illuminates the essence of nature–creating different moods, transforming a scene, drawing us in, focusing our gaze, changing the temperature physically and emotionally, and capturing movement. Combined, these elements relay the feeling and memories of a place. My paintings are a snapshot of a particular moment in time. Recording these moments is an act of resistance documenting places that are threatened by increased urbanization and catastrophic climate change. They are a call to preserve these places and a reminder of the important symbiotic relationship that we have with nature.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I have a very strong work ethic and take my practice seriously. I am a full time painter and keep regular 10-5 studio hours. This helps me stay focused and create the paintings I want to make. Travel is an important component in my work. I attend artist residencies regularly so that I can explore a place for an extended amount of time while being able to paint and record my experiences straight away. I am a prolific painter and feel like there always more to learn in painting. Nature supplies endless inspiration.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: Wolf Kahn, Joan Mitchell, and Richard Mayhew.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: Show up to your studio every day and make the work.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I’m looking forward to making new connections and nurturing new relationships. I want to share my paintings with a new audience of collectors, artists and art lovers.

Michele Thompson

Michele was born and raised in a rural canyon community in Orange County, CA, where she recognized her symbiotic relationship with the natural world and developed a fondness for artfully capturing her interactions with it. She demonstrated an interest in drawing and painting from a young age, developing her skills gradually. Although she was accepted into the fine arts degree program at Laguna College of Art and Design in California, and eventually attended Colorado Mountain College and Alaska Pacific University in Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Therapy degree paths, she never attained a degree. Instead, when she wasn’t attempting to piece together an education, she was coping with the slow loss of her mother and eventually her father. Having spent her 20s experiencing the time-consuming tribulations of grief and attempting to find a purpose in the world, Michele is now devoted to her art practice as she seeks to use painting to deepen her understanding of life and death and demonstrate the commonalities of these collective experiences. She has participated in three international artist residencies which have allowed her to expand her understanding of the cultural and spiritual leverages between humanity and nature. Having lived in many U.S. states thus far, she currently resides in Arizona with her husband.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: In the last couple of years, I’ve let go of the pressures involving ‘my place in the world’ and have begun freely carving my own path. My philosophy is simply to be authentic. In remembering where I come from and holding on to the most important things in my life, I become more inspired to create. All of it has evolved into this beautiful cycle of inspiration, research, and creative production. I have found that the more inspired I am during a painting, the more enthusiastic buyers and other artists are about it. Genuine enthusiasm for my work is one of the greatest achievements I can attain. It validates my work and my life – And there is virtually no separation between the two.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I’m foundationally inspired by French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, which brings many artists to mind, such as Berthe Morisot and Vincent Van Gogh. Art Nouveau and early 20th-century American Illustrations also interest me. Artists like J.C. Leyendecker who have styles involving intricate and specific mark-making, and painters like Monet and Renoir who mastered the art of capturing light in a scene, are currently influencing my work in significant ways. The historical contexts behind the art of the late 1800s – early 1900s are also plainly fascinating to me, as the Western world was exploding into modernity. The deeply evocative works of Kathe Kollwitz are an eternal source of inspiration as well.

I’m constantly learning about contemporary artists whose works and processes motivate me and provide stimulating insight. Some off the top of my head include Erika b Hess, Angela Chin, Mark Maggiori, and Pat de Groot.

The writers who have recently influenced my work include Mikhail Bulgakov, H.G. Wells, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gustav Flaubert, W.B. Yeats, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ernest Becker – Male writers providing a variety of perspectives on femininity and romance, sociopolitical criticisms and solutions, and historical and cultural insights.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: “Use more paint.” This changed my life. After I dropped out of art school, I clung to my rigid realist approach. This meant I was afraid to make changes to a painting after making a certain amount of progress on it. Many painters can probably relate to this: being early in my career, I didn’t have enough experience making mistakes, so I didn’t know how to fix them. Not being in school prevented me from receiving that much-needed third-party influence to teach me how to overcome this. I would preemptively apply less paint out of fear so that I could wipe it off and still have a clean surface for another try. During an artist residency in 2014, a mentor and friend told me to use more paint and began periodically painting on my canvases, which I found off-putting at the time, but I now realize how much that helped me. It messed with my palette, my ego, and my sense of what art even is. Now, I’m an Impasto painter and find so much enrichment in spreading around copious amounts of paint! Experimenting with texture and movement is essential to my process now.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: It feels like I’ve been promoted. To present my work to industry professionals and collectors in this setting will be an incredibly valuable experience. The opportunity to have enriching discussions about art, not just about my own but about any art at the fair and about the industry in general, will be constructive no matter the outcome. Being around other artists stimulates my creativity and motivates me to learn. The feedback I receive will ultimately fuel my deep desire to be the best painter that I can be. I’m honored to have the opportunity!

Olayinka Kasali

“My sculptures are primarily made of clay, wood, fiberglass, and bronze, with humans and animal forms as the predominant subject matter. To give the idea more depth, I add elements like antique musical instruments, fossils, and everyday objects. My sources of inspiration are both current events and historic sculptures from West Africa. My sculptures are intended to communicate my spiritual revelations,  African traditional ideas and values while educating through provocative thoughts.”

Olayinka Kasali is a creative and forward-thinking artist and teacher who creates paintings and sculptures that speak to the religious, social, and political cultures of people while also capturing their minds and emotions. He studied Fine Arts with a major in sculpture at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos state, Nigeria. He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, which allowed him to work as an art teacher in Nigerian schools. Olayinka decided to study special education for a master’s degree in New York City because he has a passion for kids and wants to utilize his work to inspire students with disabilities. A few people who are successful artists in their own right all around the world have been influenced and mentored by Olayinka. He has three solos to his credit and numerous group shows at home and abroad including “Turning Point; 2008, “Blossom; 2009”, Treasures of Creation; 2013, African Arts and Crafts Expo; 2013, New York Art Expo 2016, Contemporary Nigerian Arts Exhibition, Chicago; 2016, New York Art Expo 2022 etc. His works are housed in hundreds of private and corporate collections around the world.

In ancient African cultural traditions, art is used as objects of worship and symbols of royalty and nobility. I believe artwork should be aesthetically appealing and convey a message. This message should stem from intellectual, social, cultural to spiritual matters. This is the reason why my work is focused on exploring life issues, cultural and human spiritual well-being. As much as I pursue great aesthetic value in my art, I strive to make my works tend to man’s subconscious mind and essence of living. I am inspired by Pablo Picasso’s artistic lifestyle and a living legend; Michael Chukes who once told me: “You only have one life, don’t be afraid to live it! He went further to say: “Ask yourself how you want to be remembered, as the guy who played it safe and kept his job or the artist that took a leap of faith and created something that brings positive change to the world!”

As I made the decision to go into my art full time with grit and determination, facing and conquering any challenge that may arise like a bull faces a lion head-on and chases it away, Art Santa Fe will be my first solo show; a great propeller and launching pad into the limelight in the art world.

Brianna Timourian

Brianna Timourian was born and raised in Austin, Texas. From a young age, she always had a passion for storytelling and this led her to make short films and keep a spiral of poems in order to express her highly imaginative thoughts and feelings. Today, Brianna believes her creative muse can be spread through her paintings of abstract women and abstract expressionist art. She studied Studio Art and Kinesiology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Brianna then decided to pursue art and become an art teacher. She taught for 4 years at Hopewell Middle School in Round Rock, Texas. Currently, she teaches Art 2 and Art 3 at Benold Middle School in Georgetown, Texas. Brianna enjoys spreading her love of art with others and helping students find their own creative voice to express themselves. She loves color and is inspired by bright Pop art. Brianna had her own art exhibition titled: Eclectic Synergy in January of 2023 at the Georgetown Public Library. Brianna is keenly interested in nature and the outdoors and she spends time hiking, kayaking, practicing yoga and playing tennis.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: My work philosophy is that art is not work, it is therapy. I choose to make art. I am always trying to do my best, but some days a piece may not turn out as good as other days. That is okay. I will take a break and come back to it later or just chalk it up to good practice. Everything may not be a masterpiece and that is okay. The process of making the art is my first and foremost goal. As I said before, art is therapy to me. I think this impacts my work because I don’t put too much pressure on myself when working because it is just an enjoyable experience that is part of who I am as a person. I make art to feel good.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I am very inspired by Frida Kahlo because of everything she went through in her life and her amazing symbolism in her paintings. I am also very inspired by Andy Warhol because of his cleverness and bright use of color.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: “There can be 100 people in a room and 99 of them don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one and it just changes your whole life.” -Lady Gaga

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: It means the world to me. I am so happy to be recognized as an artist. I am so excited to have this opportunity to showcase my artwork amongst so many great artists! I can’t wait, and I will soak up every minute of it!

Billion Gallery

Billion Gallery is thrilled to share the success of its represented artists at Art Santa Fe 2023. Among them is the brilliant Mexican artist whose works have been displayed around the world. Our artists possess experience in painting, plastic arts, photography, and drawing, and each piece is carefully crafted with a perspective inspired by Mexico’s idiosyncrasy while incorporating global trends.

Our artists seek to express feelings through their art, going beyond aesthetics to provoke empathy with the viewer. The themes of their works are philosophies of life and feelings from a unique perspective, seeking to cause a spark in the eye of the person and transcend.

At Billion Gallery, we believe that art generates an incomparable feeling for each human being, motivating them to be and do their best every day. Therefore, everything that materializes in the hands of our artists is born from passion and purpose.

We draw inspiration from all great artists, whether in painting, sculpture, music, photography, or any type of art. We believe that each of them has something to contribute to us and their techniques.

Our philosophy is succinctly captured in the advice we’ve received: “The drop of water pierces the rock, not because of its strength, but because of its constancy.”

Exhibiting at Art Santa Fe 2023 means a lot to us. It is the result of many hours, months, and years of hard work behind this project. Exhibiting at one of the most important art fairs in the United States is a source of pride for us, and representing Mexico means everything.

We couldn’t be more proud of our roots and the entire team behind this that made it possible.

We invite all art lovers and collectors to experience the fresh and sophisticated works of our artists at Billion Gallery, the premier destination for contemporary art collectors.

For tickets to Art Santa Fe 2023 click here.

The post Art Santa Fe 2023 Artists to Watch appeared first on Art Business News.

The post Art Santa Fe 2023 Artists to Watch appeared first on Art Business News.

The post Art Santa Fe 2023 Artists to Watch appeared first on Art Business News.

Here at ABN, we’re always discovering new artists to love. With this list of top 40 artists to watch, we are thrilled to introduce you to our current obsessions. This group includes painters, sculptors, and photographers with already flourishing careers, as well as those just bursting onto the art scene.

Ashley Andrews
ashleychaseandrews.com
“I’m working on minimalist found-object sculpture and painting. The trademark of my work is the idea of mark-making. I incorporate images; marks with references to other artists; personal references; and colors from Mexico, the Caribbean, California, Africa, and Europe—all places dear to me.”

Ted Asnis
tedasnis.com
“For a long time, I have had the desire to paint in an abstract mode, and in the past few years I have been applying all I learned from my landscape painting to this new effort. The work has slowly migrated from total abstraction to an abstraction of my beloved Hamptons settings.”

Andy Baird
bairdstudios.com
“My paintings are unique in that they are finely rendered subjects done by dripping paint instead of the traditional methods of ‘medium and brush.’ That’s the eye-catcher. If you look at my body of work as a whole, you realize that my genre is pop in nature. My subjects are from the commercial world and its infatuation with beauty.”

Joëlle Blouin
joelleblouin.com
“Imperfection and abstraction are present in my work to show that aesthetic beauty can emerge from a simple environment. At times chaotic, serene, or mysterious, each of my works should be viewed differently. The moment my painting catches your eye, a new journey has begun and beauty shall prevail.”

Ken Bonner
kenbonner.com
“I love to combine an abstract with figurative work. The inspiration for this comes from the world around me; for instance, going on a hike will produce many ideas for me. No photos or drawings are used. I allow all of the aspects of nature to be absorbed in the moment into my being and imagination. The composition evolves from these sensory experiences, internalized visions, scenes, and creatures.”

Roy and Amanda Clark
clarkartstudio.com
“The trademark of our work is the process of sculpted fine art. To our knowledge and from what has been confirmed by art professors from around the world, we are the only ones painting on solid sheets of brass and then sculpting the paint off with a grinder to reveal the metal underneath, creating an illusion of texture, depth, and movement.”

Christian Charrière
christiancharriere.com
“In my portraits’ frontal, oversize compositions, I mine the same kind of crackling energy that I find in comic book panels. Texture is an essential component, especially in the different kinds of hair: short stubble, groomed eyebrows, and luxurious long curls. Because there is no background or even body in many of the images, the viewer must wring all the information possible from small details like the sitter’s hair and grooming habits.”

Andres Conde
andrescondeart.com
“My work is a mix of modern pop imagery with a classical expressionist style. My goal is to create an emotion which leaves the viewer feeling as though the passing of time has no relevance. I always want the work to speak for itself, to have its own storyline.”

Patricia Coulter
patriciacoulter.com
“The most challenging part about establishing myself in the art world is finding the right connection for promoting my art. My art belongs in places where people need to be energized and uplifted, and I hope to make connections with the right partners to facilitate that.”

Jeanne Dana
paperandstone.com
“We both grew up studying music in the ’60s and ’70s, but Jeanne also designed greeting cards, and Dana had experience in photography and printmaking. Together we created silk-screened greeting cards and sold them at fairs and festivals. With the development of the Internet in the late ’90s, the demand for greeting cards declined, so we built a small paper mill, making paper, envelopes, and cast-paper sculpture with recycled glass.”

Mamuka Didebashvili
mamukadidebashvili.com
“Much of the emotional charge of my paintings is drawn from their color palettes. When painting a background, I guard against it taking away from the main statement of the canvas. When I paint people, I strive to depict them so that their essence is comprehensible by hinting at their occupation and descent and featuring their personal accessories because they are informative and add to our ability to understand and interpret the characters.”

Nancy Egan
nancyegan.com
“My trademark today is my Museum Scapes [series]. These paintings capture who is looking at what art—everyday scenes recording details of our culture.”

Joe Fenton
joefentonart.com
“All artists now have the opportunity to present their work to a large audience through the Internet. Especially for artists like myself that do not fit into any particular box that may have been defined by the fine art world, the Internet has become a necessity in order to survive and make a living from my artwork due to the fan base I’ve managed to have gained.”

Sandra Fuka
sandrafuka.com
“My trademark in art is the women. I try to paint them in their different moods and characters: sensible, sensual, delicate, joyful, seductive, or powerful. Sometimes I paint them alone; sometimes [I paint them] with a partner who supports them, like in a dance, or protects them in the form of an animal. With my paintings, I like to bring positive energy into places and to awake something new in the observer.”

Brian Goodman
briangoodmanphotography.com
“I’m often asked if the images in my ‘Solace of Space’ series are watercolors, or even oil paintings. While many of the photographs start out as landscapes, I use a variety of techniques to create an otherworldly experience for the viewer. I don’t want people to analyze my art, I want them to feel it.”

Christine Hähner Murdock
christine.exto.org
“I have done a lot of black and white recently. I am going for bigger sizes, more color, and easier-to-read paintings. So the obvious is more obvious without letting go of the hidden layers. That’s for my entertainment and for [that of] the buyer to be.”

Gina Piccirilli Hayden
ginapiccirillihayden.com
“My vision is to achieve common ground with emotional connections through my art. History repeats, and our interpretation of the circumstances are what’s unique. I am a clay sculptor who tells stories. My empathy dictates the story. I use the symbolism of nature because it is the oldest form of communication.”

Inam
inamgallery.com
“I usually don’t plan things; I just let my feelings loose and my soul wanders around until that specific moment emerges from nowhere. When this moment embraces me, I feel the energy. Then I immediately start. It is a beautiful world, though temporary, that this energy establishes for me.”

Jean Leclercqz
flyingmachines.be
“The basis of my work is a hand drawing on a large sheet of white paper with a continuous line that I compare to writing. When I start drawing, or ‘writing,’ flying machines, it is a constant discovery. At the beginning of the drawing, I never know what the final shape of the flying object will be.”

Brett Lethbridge
lethbridgegallery.com
“My secret, if there is one, is to always base my search for subject matter on my own emotional experiences and the things that have significance to me. The drape was in fact the sheet I shared with my future wife while she was studying in Europe for 5 years, and the perfume bottles were the gifts I bought her when I would go and visit. These deeply personal emotions I have toward these objects … breathe life into them as the subjects of my paintings.”

Iryna Lialko
larkgalleryonline.com
“Art requires an exacerbation of feelings, the heightening of all senses leading to the shedding of my own skin, which is very difficult to do when exposed to the cold, piercing winds of life. My main inner struggle in the world of art is my struggle to find time I can devote to pure art without hustle.”

Cathy Locke
cathylocke.com
“I like to capture behavior that is unique to a child, whether it is the joy of twirling in circles, hiding in a secret place, or creating a puppet show out of an old box. My figures are painted in the method of the old masters, where I build up thin layers of paint over an extended period of time. I also like to combine oil and cold wax to create a rich surface for the backgrounds.”

Arrington Magny
arringtonart.com
“One of the most challenging aspects of establishing oneself in the art world is simultaneously one of the most liberating: There are no rules—at least none etched in stone. There are no straight, direct paths. Seeking to further one’s career as an artist is certainly not as easy as 1, 2, 3. There is quite a bit of trial and error, experimenting, failing. But it is an adventure!”

Peter Maier
impossiblyreal.net
“My passion for creating art and for making a mark within the fine art world has been one wild ride. The journey to me is everything. Let it continue.”

Jason Matias
jasonmatias.com
“There is something quiet and pensive, something solemn and secretly stirring about my photographs. My work has veiled energy and subjective drama. I try to create images that give the audience room to travel and find themselves in their own unique space. I see life as a patchy blanket of individual happenings. Regardless of the world’s connectivity, our experiences seem more and more singular.”

Darian Rodriguez Mederos
condecontemporary.com
“First and foremost, I’m looking to please myself with the visual results of my work. I want to get to my perfection. Every centimeter of the canvas has a secret, a richness. I want to feel like a god in front of the canvas, creating a completely habitable world.”

Todd Monk
toddmonk.com
“I have a background in graphic design and have worked as a digital retoucher for many years. I use these skills in my pre-visualization process and my roughs. When you see my art, you get the impression that it’s somehow digital, but it’s not. My work is a marriage of vector, pixel, and digital art—all rendered traditionally.”

Kat Moser
katmoser.com
“These amalgamations are an extension of my evolution from image taker to image maker. There are no longer any bad photos, merely unfinished images waiting to be manipulated or layered with another that together make a more compelling statement than either image would on their own.”

John Napoli
johnnapolifineart.com
“What distinguishes my work is the way in which it depicts the positive energy in the world around us, particularly the life energy of nature. My paintings and pastels are colorful, exuberant, and rhythmic. Capturing nature’s beauty, the changing light of day, and the passing of time, the art depicts flow and movement.”

James Paterson
jdpaterson.com
“A trademark of my work is the use of kinetic, hand-driven motion as a compositional element in the art pieces themselves. I like that the viewer must engage in a tactile way to get the full effect of the art. I want the work I create to be beautiful to look at, invite reflection, stimulate ideas, and then further spark the imagination when you touch it and it moves.”

Rigo Peralta
rigoperalta.com
“I’m working on a series of black-and-white paintings entitled ‘Nothing is black and white; there is some gray in between.’ The basis of this is differences in human race. I’ll be showing that, if there is no
pigmentation on our skin (in the paintings), then we are all the same.”

Richard Riverin
labelleimage.org
“I had to develop a personal style. I had to paint in a way nobody else ever had. I knew that my paintings had to look great in a living room or a dining room. It was not enough to do a very artistic work; it had to be cherished and loved by the buyer. It had to have a great and comforting presence in a home.”

Christopher Rimmer
christopherrimmer.com
“A Zen-like calm is revealed in my work as I seek out a visual representation of the polar opposite to what I experienced growing up in South Africa during the Apartheid era. My childhood was dark, chaotic, and tragic. I have never been able to completely release myself from my experiences as a child in South Africa; thus, as an artist, I have felt compelled to constantly return in an attempt to articulate what I feel.”

Susan Schmidt
susanschmidtart.com
“My continuing ‘Seaburbia’ series explores the cultural memory and heritage of the beachfront homes of Australia. Painted in acrylic and oil, patterned, layered, rubbed back, and glazed, the works achieve a weather-worn texture recalling the erosion of matter overtime and the exquisite residues of nostalgia and decay.”

Waqian Sun
waqiansunart.com
“We are living in the 21st century, really overwhelmed by a multitude of different art forms: modern, contemporary, pop, classic, abstract. If I were just to crawl behind some masters who are my idols, imitating their styles, I could never become a real artist on my own. I must be completely free in my spirit, following my heart and mind and inspiration to offer to the world what I really feel and see.”

Rajvi Dedhia Unadkat
rajvidu.com
“I take deep inspiration from ongoing transitions in life, and I strive to portray these inspirations on canvas, which gives me immense joy. Constant change brings challenges. I strive hard to convert challenges into new opportunities.”

Anna Voloshko
artvoloshko.com
“A human life, and especially the life of an artist, is full of events, impressions, and achievements. Since my first steps in art, I was doing something I really enjoyed. The sculpture is the most important thing in my life. When I create, I am happy and I live.”

Kenneth Ray Wilson
kennethraywilson.com
“Big, bold, simplistic images of pristine nature have been a passion of mine throughout my career as a professional fine artist. My most recent series of birch and aspen trees has brought a surprising reaction from the public. My ‘portraits’ of birch and aspen trees are like faces; they are all interestingly different.”

Martin Wittfooth
martinwittfooth.com
“My work is most recognized for exploring the confused relationship between our species and the rest of the natural world, depicted in animal allegories. This is an issue that weighs heavily on our times and is one that I feel compelled to process through my work.”

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