Author: Ann Williams
Cookie Ashton’s life and art are shaped by a journey across cultures and continents. Born in McAllen, Texas, her creative story begins in Venezuela, where she moved at age 12. The shift to a new culture sparked her artistic awakening. Immersed in the colors and textures of Venezuelan landscapes and communities, Ashton picked up a brush for the first time. That moment set her on a path she would follow for the rest of her life. Her education in the arts spanned several countries, each influencing her work in subtle but lasting ways. She studied at the Instituto de San…
Judy Widener discovered her passion for painting at a young age, starting her creative journey with a brush in hand at just five. For her, the process of painting has always been more than producing visuals—it’s about giving life to what she creates. Over the years, her work has covered a wide array of themes and styles, never confined to a specific genre. Widener allows her creativity to flow naturally, capturing everything from animals to people, and from landscapes to more abstract expressions. Her equine portraits stand out as one of the areas where she excels. The way she portrays…
Oronde Kairi, an international visual artist, brings a unique perspective to the world of contemporary art, weaving together themes of sports, music, and the intricacies of everyday life in his stylized creations. His work captures the vibrancy of human existence, with each piece telling its own narrative that resonates on a deeper, universal level. Based in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Oronde has showcased his work in different galleries and online at www.orondekairi.com. His ability to connect his artistic vision with cultural touchstones has earned him a following that appreciates both the emotion and authenticity he brings to the canvas. In…
Karla Wave’s artistic journey is one deeply connected to nature, light, and the essence of the unknown. From her early days building sandcastles as a child with her father photographing her creations, Wave has been on a dedicated and uninterrupted path of creation. Her ongoing series, “Light Defines,” reflects this lifelong devotion, drawing inspiration from both childhood memories and the harbor landscapes that now live vividly in her imagination. For Wave, the natural world is a constant source of inspiration. The littoral zone—the area where the land meets the sea—holds a particular fascination for her. She describes her love for smoothed dunes…
VP Vasuhan is a Sri Lankan artist whose journey through life, from his early years in Jaffna to his artistic explorations in Paris, has shaped his unique style and perspective. Born in 1977 in the village of Alaveddy, Jaffna, Vasuhan was surrounded by traditional arts from a young age. His grandfather, an agriculturist, and the local culture deeply influenced him, exposing him to religious paintings, embroidery, pottery, and kolam designs. His education at Mahajana College, Thellippalai, further nurtured his artistic talents, and upon moving to Colombo in the 1990s due to the ethnic conflict, Vasuhan’s artistic horizons expanded. He explored…
Vincent van Gogh, one of the most celebrated figures in the art world, is often shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite the extensive documentation of his life and work, there remains an enigmatic aspect to his identity that continues to captivate art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Delving into the complexities of Van Gogh’s identity reveals layers of artistic genius, personal struggles, and the profound impact of his mental health on his work. Van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, to a family with a history of religious and artistic pursuits. His father was a pastor, and…
Marina Chisty’s art is a vivid exploration of time, energy, and the constant flow of life that surrounds her. As a Russian-American artist based in New York City, Marina brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing from both her Russian heritage and the vibrant, ever-changing environment of the city. Her journey into the world of art began early, nurtured by her time in children’s art school in Russia, where she developed a deep connection to abstraction and the symbolic use of color. Living in New York City has significantly influenced Marina’s artistic expression. The city, with its endless motion,…
Vincent van Gogh, one of the most celebrated figures in the art world, is often shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite the extensive documentation of his life and work, there remains an enigmatic aspect to his identity that continues to captivate art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Delving into the complexities of Van Gogh’s identity reveals layers of artistic genius, personal struggles, and the profound impact of his mental health on his work. Van Gogh was born on March 30, 1853, in the Netherlands, to a family with a history of religious and artistic pursuits. His father was a pastor, and…
Banksy has struck again, this time painting a large black cat that sprawls across a vacant billboard in northeast London. However, a contractor who said he feared it would be stolen on Saturday morning removed it within hours of seeing it. The contractor named him Marc PA Avghe said the ad was scheduled to go down on August 12th, so he was taking it down in case someone “tear it down and put it at risk.” “We will keep that pit [the artwork] in our yard, see if anyone collects it, but if not, it will enter in a jump.…
Maridee Hays is a California artist whose work is a vibrant fusion of literature, dance, Eastern studies, psychology, journaling, and studio arts. This eclectic background has culminated in a unique artistic style, deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and spiritual exploration. Maridee’s art is an ongoing journey into the realms of consciousness and perception, continually progressing as she broadens her vision and explores new ways of seeing. Maridee’s artistic journey began in California, where her passion for various disciplines laid the foundation for her distinctive approach to art. Her work reflects a profound engagement with Eastern philosophy, a deep love for…