Author: Mary W

Clint Imboden, born in 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, is a Bay Area-based artist whose work channels a unique blend of nostalgia, cultural history, and social critique. Now residing in Oakland, California, Imboden crafts intricate 3D pieces that repurpose everyday items—tools, toys, and pieces of Americana—to comment on social and political themes. His creations invite us into a world where commonplace objects, often taken for granted, carry complex narratives that only become evident through his art. Imboden’s work strikes a balance between the visually intriguing and the intellectually stimulating, merging the familiar with the thought-provoking. Imboden’s early life introduced him…

Randa Hijazi, a Syrian Canadian artist now residing in Laval, Quebec, began her journey in Damascus. Her artistic roots took hold when she earned her degree in Painting from the University of Damascus in 2000. She later expanded her knowledge, graduating in 2008 from the Faculty of Mass Communication and Science of Media, which gave her an insightful, multidisciplinary view of the world around her. This fusion of visual arts and media sharpened her ability to capture life with the precision of a photojournalist while creating art that speaks to deeper emotional truths. After settling in Canada in 2017, Hijazi…

Arie Otten (1954) is a self-taught visual artist based in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. His art is a captivating journey through the realms of abstract painting, embracing a diverse range of disciplines. With unwavering passion and a spirit of artistic freedom, Otten fearlessly experiments with an array of techniques and materials, including acrylics, oils, and organic pigments. Starting with a blank canvas or panel, he embarks on a creative odyssey, allowing his ideas to take shape through experimentation. Otten’s work frequently delves into the human experience, where faces emerge as compelling subjects. Additionally, he crafts abstracted landscapes and other enigmatic impressions, evoking…

New York City-based Russian-American artist Marina Chisty draws inspiration from the complexity and layered experiences of urban life. Her early connection to art started in Russia at a children’s art school, where she discovered a passion for visual expression. Over time, she honed her skills, influenced by her cultural background and an affinity for abstraction and color symbolism. These formative years shaped her approach to art, blending the emotional with the abstract. Marina’s dedication to her craft has been steadfast. Since 2018, she has been part of the Art Students League of New York, working under experienced mentors while developing…

Katerina Tsitsela’s artistic journey spans both painting and engraving, offering a deep dive into the complexities of human emotion and perception. Her work moves beyond the traditional idea of landscapes, instead portraying what she calls “internal landscapes” or the “landscapes of the human soul.” These pieces are rich with introspection, filled with moments of darkness, yet pierced by beams of light that hint at hope or revelation. The figures within her paintings are central to this tension, embodying the existential struggles that we all face. Tsitsela’s focus is on revealing truths that exist beyond the physical world, with each canvas…

Mary Arnold is a Canadian artist whose extensive career in photography spans over four decades. Known for her innovative approach, she effortlessly merges analogue and digital techniques to craft visually captivating stories. Her panoramic photos, carefully stitched together digitally, highlight her expertise and precision. What truly sets her apart is her choice of medium—printing her photos on aluminium, which brings a contemporary edge to her depictions of timeless landscapes. Mary’s work has been exhibited in various galleries across Canada, including the Art Gallery of Vancouver in 1985, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in the 1990s, and the Art Gallery…

Kirandeep Grewal is an artist and educator living in Canberra, whose multidisciplinary practice centers around mindfulness in everyday experiences. Her work emphasizes both learning and sharing, creating an open space for others to engage with art in meaningful ways. Over the years, Kirandeep has gathered various artistic techniques from her travels and interactions with artisans from diverse cultures. Her creations range from silk scarves to wall hangings and paintings, using materials such as silk, canvas, and paper. Through her art, she prompts viewers to reflect on harmony, migration, and their connection to nature. One of Kirandeep’s notable textile pieces from…

Judy Gittelsohn’s paintings are more than a play of color; they are rich reflections of memory, family bonds, and life’s symbolic layers. Raised in the scenic surroundings of Portland, Oregon, her life and art have been inspired by vivid childhood memories and a sense of shared space with family. Gittelsohn’s early years were defined by the lively, interconnected atmosphere of a big family, all within arm’s reach. Growing up with grandparents, cousins, and extended relatives under one roof, her world was one of constant shared moments and collective experience. The family gatherings at a beach house in Cannon Beach and…

Garda Alexander is a Swiss artist who blends her talents in visual art with her skill in transforming spaces, bridging the gap between art and everyday environments. With a solid background across multiple disciplines—including painting, sculpture, drawing, and installations—Garda creates works that both inspire and elevate the spaces they inhabit. Her creations, made with a focus on well-being, invite reflection and enhance the atmosphere of living and work environments alike. Working internationally with galleries and organizations, Garda brings a unique approach to commissioned pieces that connect with viewers on a personal level. Her art uses color and light to create…

In a world driven by productivity and rapid change, Ettore Albert champions the necessity of beauty as a transformative element—a fundamental part of human experience that holds the power to bring about change. His work embodies a vision where beauty isn’t a fleeting pleasure but a source of inspiration, revealing the potential of a world filled with freedom and joy. Albert finds resonance in Dostoevsky’s words, “beauty will save the world,” and this idea is woven into the fabric of his artistic vision. His approach questions modern values, prioritizing the transformative power of art over efficiency. For Albert, creativity is…