ATIM SUMMER 2016 by ArtTour International Magazine

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nature Photography is my opportunity to represent my view of the world: the awe inspiring beauty in nature as I perceive it. Although I sometimes simply show this beauty as I find it, I always try and push the representation of an image to its artistic limits, perhaps even ending with an abstract work..â&#x20AC;&#x153; Mark James Ford - page 20

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A message from the Editor Dear friends, I have great news for you with this publication. We are pleased to announce the launch of our newly redesigned ArtTour International Magazine website! In addition to a new, modern design, we have made extensive improvements to our navigation, information, and security systems for a more user-friendly experience! We hope you will find everything you are looking for in a few easy clicks, and welcome your feedback at admin@arttourinternational.com Our Summer 2016 Issue has some excellent material for you to get your teeth into. Let's take a closer look at some of the articles that are showcased on the updated site: The most recent ATIM Masters Award Ceremony. Gain some insider insights into this historic ceremony. The latest ATIM Masters Award Ceremony occurred back in May in the atmospheric surroundings of the Chateau St. Martin de la Garrigue. Fifteen brilliant master artists were selected from Art Tour International's pick of 60 masters of the international art world. Our article about the ceremony is the perfect place to discover some amazing new international artists. The latest art news. Recent snippets of art news include the discovery of a new pigment and an installation of floating piers in Italy. The new blue pigment is a very exciting discovery. Will it be as exciting in color terms as Da Vinci's decision to mix his pigments with egg yolks? It remains to be seen. But we can all rest assured that artists will be exploiting its possibilities to the full extent in the coming months and years. The exhibition of floating piers was created by Christo in conjunction with Jeanne-Claude. The piers were installed on Lake Iseo, and the installation required 100,000 meters squared of shimmery yellow fabric. The result is something truly spectacular that has to be seen to be believed. Head on over to our article on the subject to find out more! A fascinating travel section. Our latest travel section has been written by the fine art photographer, Aldo Basili. This section details Basili's travels to Namibia and features some amazing photography. Basili's photographs are often mistaken for impressionistic watercolors, as they have a very dreamlike, painterly quality. Now that he has been inspired by the landscape and culture of Namibia, we can be sure that we’ll see some wonderful new work from him. Read his article on his travels to find out more. Cover stories. Our cover stories currently present the four award-winning masters featured on the covers of the publication. The front cover lets us get up close and personal with LeRoi Johnson, while the back cover introduces us to Michael Lam. On the interior front cover, you will find Mark James Ford, and on the interior back cover, you will find Lisa Levasseur of Palette Art in Canada. All of the masters featured in our four cover stories are fascinating figures in the international art world in the present day. So take a look at our cover stories to find out more about some fantastic artists at work today. Feature artists. In addition to the artists that we have featured on our covers, we have also put together some brilliant sections on feature artists in our summer issue. Our collection of feature artists is composed of an array of master artists hailing from all four corners of the globe. Delve in to our feature artists collection to discover some new talents that you perhaps had not heard of before, as well as to learn more about some hot new artists that you may have heard gallery owners, artists, and fellow art lovers starting to talk about. Plenty of reasons to check out our Summer 2016 Issue and visit our new and revamped site. As you can see, from our cover stories to our beautiful featured artworks and artists, as well as from a gripping travel section that includes some mesmerizing photographs to a roundup of the latest art news, our new issue has so much to entice you. And let us not forget the roundup of our exclusive ATIM Masters Award Ceremony that occurred this May when some of the true masters of the contemporary art world were crowned in a historic old chateau in rural France.

ArtTour International Magazine is proud to introduce to the public a highly-anticipated and ground-breaking new publication – a testament to our dedication and involvement with some of the most talented and inspiring artists operating in the world today; the ATIM’S Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art 2016! Featuring 60 incredible artists, this publication brings to light the best of the best in the contemporary art world. Curated by internationally acclaimed art personality Viviana Puello, Editorin-Chief of ArtTour International Magazine, the publication spotlights top talent from a vast array of artistic forms. Published by Arttour International Publications Inc. 45 Rockefeller Plaza Suite 2000, New York, NY 10111 © Copyright 2015 ArtTour International Magazine. All copyrights are reserved by the authors. Reproduction of any published material without the written permission of the magazine's publisher is prohibited by law.

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Enjoy!

Viviana Puello Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.atimtop60masters.com

Shining Light In The Darkness Page 10

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FEATURED ARTISTS ANETTE TAN ANTONIO ALVES

Page 50 Page 54

DOROTHY SLIKKER EDGAR FRANCISKO

Page 36 Page 51

EDILSON BARBOSA

Page 68

ELA MIERZECKA ERIC SANTERRE

Page 28 Page 74

ERIC WILES HANNAH DEAN

Page 57 Page 70

IAN SMITH

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JANE GOTTLIEB JESSICA MASTELLONE JUN JAMOSMOS KARLY ET ANNE V

STAR TRAUTH SUSAN SPARKS

Page 72 Page 74

SVETLANA LEUCHUK TONY SVENSSON

Page 75 Page 64

ZACH CHRISTOPHER

Page 34

Page 32

74Page 35 Page 53

64Page 71

LAWRENCE ARMSTRONG Page 65

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LYDIA PANART MARGARET LA BOUNTY

Page 67 Page 56

SÃ&#x201C;NIA DOMINGUES

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Shining Light In The Darkness The Art Of Michael Lam by Viviana Puello

A Self-Taught Master Artist Lovers of abstract art and single-stroke painting are familiar with the creative genius of Michael Lam. Lam has been acclaimed as a master of this technique in which an entire painting is created with a single brush stroke. He has devoted many years of his life to the development of a good understanding of the properties of paper, ink, and brush, as well as the application of pressure and speed. As his works have evolved and become more complex, he continues to master this technique, inspiring viewers as he illuminates the emotional elements of his subjects. Lam showcases his work on a variety of media, which include ink on paper and oil on canvas. Viewers will inevitably swoon over the skilled artistry presented by this artist, whose culturally welcoming work has been showcased internationally as he shares his roots and reflective moments with those around him. As a small child, Lam was enchanted by ancient calligraphy characters he discovered in a Chinese herbal medicine book. His present works reflect that experience. Each painting is infused with both motion and emotion as he explores the nature of the individual and of life. Rather than a realistic representation of what he sees, his works are an emotional selfexpression in which the brush strokes correspond with the complexity of the physical world, allowing for the spontaneity of the ink with the nature of the universe.

Lam's work elevates the human spirit through simple yet powerful images and compositions that evoke feelings of peaceful harmony, spiritual simplicity, and freedom. With a keen eye for culture, relation, and texture and an overall mindful awareness of his artistry, Lam uses movement and contrast in his pieces in a sultry manner with strong strokes that flow openly. His brush contributes to his emotions playing along and creating everlasting waves of color, history, and form. The softly textured backgrounds, creamy pastels, and vibrant hues within each subject make up his masterful work. His calligraphy embraces royal, warm colors, reflecting the serene essence of his abstract paintings. Moreover, he is an artist with a wide range of interests and skills. Each painting is infused with both motion and emotion as he explores the nature of the individual and of life. Rather than being a realistic representation of what he sees, his works are an emotional selfexpression in which the brush strokes correspond with the complexity of the physical world, allowing the spontaneity of the ink to flow with the nature of the universe. A common theme in Lamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is the interplay of light and dark, through which he explores concepts of opposites, such as good and evil and balancing the yin and the yang. Though Lamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintings generally tend to be monochromatic, he creates texture with varying concentrations of ink. The result is a fluid image that guides viewers through his story. As a skilled, self-taught artist, Lam has been acclaimed as a master of single-stroke painting, a technique in which an entire

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"Genesis – Let There Be Light 07", Acrylic Ink on Paper, 45" x 45"

painting is created with a single brush stroke. As his works have evolved and become more complex, he continues to enhance this technique, inspiring viewers as he illuminates the emotional elements of his subjects.

spontaneous nature of the universe. Two important messages in his works are that everything in the world has a natural state and that one should strive to attain a state of complete spontaneity in order to become what nature intended.

Lam’s skill has evolved over time, with consistently impressive work and a raw, fresh burst of creativity. His impressive works are not without the accolades befitting of an icon; they have been nominated and awarded at many artistic events. Local and international collectors find his work to be of immense value. His work is permanently displayed at the New York Public Library and is included in collections at Columbia University, Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Art, Las Vegas, Tenement Museum, New York, and the Tenri Cultural Institute of New York. His work is also found in private collections in England, the United States, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Italy.

During his creative process, Lam’s masterful skills allow the ink to take on a natural life of its own, emphasizing the unity of the self and nature; implying a freedom from worldly complications; and providing inspiration, enlightenment, and the consciousness of spiritual liberation.

Lam’s art has often been referred to as representing a “New York line” due to his strong line technique; however, to appreciate Lam’s work, one must transcend beyond the superficial manifestation of his excellent technical skills to understand the spiritual freedom of his art, which focuses on the www.arttourinternational.com

Lam’s art unifies the spiritual and material both through the process of creating art and in the final imagery itself, thanks to the artist’s elevated consciousness and his sensibility of the human need for harmony. In Lam’s work, art and artist are part of the unity of nature. Lam uses the concepts of motion and fluidity in his works to explore the dichotomy of life. With just a few brush strokes, he can convey the individual’s deep sense of despair while providing reassurance that the viewer is not alone and that a natural force guides us. Lam’s artwork encourages us to connect both with ourselves and with our fellow humans.

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Recent Awards In a bid to recognize his work, Lam has received several awards and recognitions, with the most recent being the ATIM Masters Award for 2016. This award was presented to him during the most recent ATIM Masters Award Ceremony, which was celebrated by ArtTour International Magazine this past May in Montagnac, France. Shining Light in The Darkness with His Art Lam is known not only for the marvels he creates but also for his big heart and giving nature. His success is not without generosity and giving back to the community. Lam feels deeply connected to our youth and often works with child-related charities. He has used his work to support the AEIOU Foundation and UNICEF. Lam has also used his work to support environmental campaigns; in fact, his work was most recently presented in the Church Center for the United Nations. His most notable charity work is his campaign to support the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan. Over time, the potential threat of nuclear catastrophe has held the public imagination, and the destruction brought about by these occasions when nuclear disasters have occurred keep on haunting human consciousness. Although they’re devastating, nuclear accidents aren’t often discussed, even though their impact on the environment is being felt deeply to date—and may continue for years to come. Lam has brought light to the shadowy world of nuclear disaster. He has successfully captured the sorrow and great hopes that arise from the terrains of heartbreak. His paintings aim to remind viewers of the events that have occurred in the recent past and to create conscious awareness of the effects of nuclear power on humankind and the earth. Nuclear accidents can change the world and alter the track of human existence. These paintings give a nod to the power that nuclear technology holds over us and also to the resilience of both humans and the planet, as well as the ability to survive in the face of credible odds. Using Art to Connect to Deep Tragedy and Destruction Nuclear accidents can leave absolute destruction, completely devastating the landscape and causing poverty, illness, and death. Lam has painted notable images showing the aftermath of these events and highlighting the tragedy that has persisted over the years. Entering the Deep Forest The Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe that instantly killed 31 people is the worst nuclear disaster in history. The adjacent land around Chernobyl is "God Lady", Ink on Paper, 24" x 18"

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uninhabitable and is said to be unfit for human settlement for the next 20,000 years. Composition is central in Deep Forest, and Lam uses shadowy forms and dark colors to capture the eeriness of the deserted landscapes that aren’t habitable. Lam makes landscape a subject within his pieces of art, and you can feel hopelessness and sadness permeating the dying trees. A sharp line in the trees and more abstract forms portray a feeling of isolation and impenetrability. The juxtaposition of the wilderness of untouched forest and the toxicity of nuclear fallout is unsettling. You’re still invited to marvel at the nature’s persistence (the way the forest continues to grow), despite the inhospitable conditions. The Heartbreak and Promise of Hope Lam’s amazing painting Hope is simple in execution but significant in meaning. Lam uses black ink on watercolor paper to create an expressionistic figure, making a Fukushima accident victim stemming from the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan. Hope represents the fate of the victims, which he illustrates by focusing on a single girl. Hope portrays the girl as innocent, lovely yet suffering greatly. It has been said that art can transform the world. Lam’s goal in creating these simple yet powerful images is to elevate the human spirit to a higher plane of awareness, sensation, and actualization.

www.michaellamny.com

"Statue of Lady", Acrylic Ink on Paper, 45" x 60"

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THROUGH THE

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CULTURAL LENS

The breathtaking images of an award-winning photographer's Â journey through Namibia Award-winning Italian photographer, Aldo Basili has traveled the world capturing images of different cultures at their best, and now has compiled some of his most stunning photographs of his 1995 expedition to Namibia into this awe inspiring article.

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1995 South West Africa S.W.A. is the name of Namibia, once German colony, before independence in 1990. It’s a desert country, with a territory extension nearly three times that of Italy and which has as main economic sources the mining industry (diamonds, uranium, gold, lead, zinc, copper, silver and tin), the fishing industry and the cattle and sheep breeding, the wool industry and only recently tourism, in particular hunting tourism. Every activity is essentially under foreign control, mostly South Africans and white men of German origin (Afrikaans). With independence it was named Namibia after Namib its most important desert. Population is just under two millions, of which one sixth is represented by Afrikaans (white men of German origin) and the rest by several black tribes not all of them autochthonous. Best-known tribes are the Herero and the Damara, most peculiar are the Himba that lives in Kaokoland, and the Bushmen, even though this last tribe is nearly disappearing. Social tensions are still strongly present between the black tribes of the desert, the suburban dwellers and the white colonist descendants. Racism is present, even though racial discrimination has been banished. The Republic of South Africa has administrated S.W.A. on behalf of UNO from the end of the II World War for nearly fifty years and has left its considerable imprinting, so much that the Namibian Dollar and the South African currency have yet almost the same value. In Namibia every land is enclosed by fences in order to exclude others from it, everything is organized mostly by nature to overwhelm others in a sublime aesthetic context. I have tried to explain in a short summary what I have found, same sides of one polyhedron, in a social context in which environment strongly influences life and therefore death.

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About The Artist Fine Art Photographer Aldo Basili took his first steps as a photographer in 1958 when he was as young as 14 years old, practicing and printing in black & white on himself. He also attended a one-year professional photography class. Basili worked for eight years as a graphic designer in an advertising studio, in that time he focused his interest on the urban landscapes, dedicating on his hometown, Turin, of which he presented many unusual visions and perspectives. After a long lasting research and experimentation he started to create "Photo- paints" that make him receive critics and public approval: "Fantasie Torinesi - Turinese Fantasies" and "Follie Veneziane - Venetian Follies" were his first creations, still in an everlasting evolution. He is nowadays in an ongoing development of new series of photographs on this theme.

pictures of common people shot in their quotidian acts show themselves as funny or ironic. Also it happens that an urban landscape via the in-shooting elaboration reveals itself perfect as an impressionist paint.. The unitary feature of his works: the quest of what every image can become through the artistic act, the looking for the art that can be showed and revealed through the shoot and in the in-shooting elaboration or in the post- production processing, the search of the photographic interpretation of abstract concepts. His works are present, in Italy and abroad, in public and private collections and in national and international galleries and museum and has been published on national and international magazines, catalogs and websites.

The research and experimentation of the photographic pictures creation and the elaborating processes that always pointed out his artistic career are nowadays involving him in new projects, also on the publishing side.

www.aldobasili.it

Until today he covered all the different areas of photography, from the black & white to the color technique, from the coverage to the artistic photography, always searching in every image the artistic and creative potential that are in the picture itself. Therefore it happens that

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The Fine Art Photography Of

MARK JAMES FORD “Nature Photography is my opportunity to represent my view of the world: the awe inspiring beauty in nature as I perceive it. Although I sometimes simply show this beauty as I find it, I always try and push the representation of an image to its artistic limits, perhaps even ending with an abstract work. Cropping tightly, contexts like shorelines and horizon are often removed allowing a creative focus on the structures and sometimes vibrant colors that excite me. As with all my work, I strive for detail perfection at every level with the motif itself being ultimately the most important basis for this and here, neither the composition, nor the atmosphere, nor the resulting colors and their final representation are left to chance. Just as a diamond needs light, capturing the interplay of subject and the light that surrounds it, is often key to achieving the effect I am looking for. This interplay of light and the ensuing colors it produces is never more present than when looking at water in its many forms and this is therefore, not surprisingly, a preferred motif. Together with Ines Mondon, the woman and photographer at my side and a wonderfully constant source of the support and challenge, I explore passionately the whole year round the boundless reservoir of motifs that nature has to offer: What we see; what we think and feel about what we see; and how this, and these emotions, can be represented in a final image. I am a reference photographer for Sigma Germany with my work having gained international recognition.”

“Essence of Winter II”(Detail), (2015), True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

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“Hepatica Dream”, True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

Mark James Ford is an internationally recognized digital and film photographer born in Birmingham, England. Ford’s photography focuses on nature and narrates Earth's beauty, simplicity, and complexity. His main inspiration is rooted in the marvels of land and wildlife. At times, he will represent his pieces to the world in original form. During his playful shifts, he will enhance the images, pushing all boundaries of representation and creating an abstract masterpiece. Ford shoots landscapes, trees, rivers, the ocean, and nature in all its glory, capturing movement, light, and energy in all his subject matter. In his pictures, he removes context, such as coastlines and horizons, to allow focus on the outlines and colors of each piece. He has a strong determination to produce

“Blue flow”, True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

only the finest pieces; therefore, he is keen on picture composition, color, and atmosphere in the art he creates. He emphasizes the importance of light in his work, and the colorful effects that light produces is one of his major themes. He captures nature in its still form, panoramic landscapes that include mountains, rivers, oceans, and cityscapes. Each image portrays the dimensional complexity of ever-growing energy in nature. His deep understanding of nature, structure, form, and light creates both a grounding and floating experience for his viewers. He shoots the familiar and the unseen alike, from trees in the park to the scales of frozen mountains. Common flowers and rivers create an uncommon vista in your mind when Ford

“Ice flow”, (2015), True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

“Blue Ice”, (2015), True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

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photographs them. His pieces are characterized by extreme close-ups with saturated backgrounds. His exceptional masterpieces demonstrate an astonishing capacity to overstep the boundaries of convention with regard to style and technique. Each of Ford's nature photographs is truly exceptional in the details of vividness, clarity, and overall aesthetic effect. His capacity to capture both motion and stillness with surpassing profundity places him in the league of the patron saints of nature photography. In recognition of his ingenuous skills in landscape photography, Ford was recently awarded the prestigious ATIM Masters Award 2016 by ArtTour International Magazine. Remarkably, Ford has demonstrated the unique ability to train his camera on ordinary landscape subjects to produce extraordinary photographs that attest to the surpassing quality of his skill. The spellbinding visual effect that he achieves in his works is partly meant to project the immeasurable extent of his talent. Ford's willingness to experiment with untested techniques is undeniable. As a gifted photographer, Ford continues to affect the trends of modern nature photography through his unique skills, such as cropping features in distant horizons and foregrounds in order to direct the focus where his creative mind points. Subtle details that are often ignored by average nature photographers are captured in bold outlines that convey Ford's close attention to detail. Without a doubt, Ford's inspiring spirit of photographic adventure is the germ of the next-generation nature photography. By letting the lens of his camera travel through the vastness of landscapes, this gifted artist creates a rare sense of harmony that is eventually framed in the most spectacular photos that illustrate the limitless potential of a creative mind. In truth, Ford has transformed the way we look at horizons, vegetation, ocean waves, and the skies. Through his camera, he seems to inject a great aspect of life and vibrancy into living things and inanimate objects alike.

“Backflow”, (2015), True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

in landscape photography. His great recognition has earned him the special recognition of a reference photographer for Sigma Deutschland. When he is not scaling new heights of fine art photography, Ford is deeply absorbed in his main career as a research chemist at Bayer AG. Interestingly, his career as a research scientist was largely built on his lifetime passion for the science of photographic film development. In the true aspect of a master, Ford demonstrates an admirable capacity of rolling all of his knowledge and skills together with his knowledge to further his unyielding commitment for landscape photography. We love to think of landscape photography as a pastime to indulge our moments of fun, particularly in summertime. Mark James Ford shows us the need to look at Earth's glorious landscapes with a searching eye as he exposes the hidden visual treasures in the boldest details that a camera can capture. www.markjamesford.photography

Mark James Ford currently, he lives and works in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he continues to elevate his skills and experience

“Stranded”, (2015), True Photograph Mounted On Acrylic, 39” x 59”

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LISA LEVASSEUR

“ClownFish”, Palette Art Acrylic

Canadian-born artist Lisa Levasseur has been dedicated to her love for nature and animals. Her works are an expression of her journey in life, from pain and challenges to the joy of surrendering to and reconnecting with her passion for art. Levasseur enjoys playing with color, often choosing a range to work in – vibrant warm tones, earth tones, or monotone – allowing her palette to explode dynamically across the canvas with simultaneous contrasts. Her brushstrokes are

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varied, freeform, with areas of solid colors, textures, and intricate layers that create depth and three-dimensionality to the works, challeng ing the traditional dichotomy between painting and sculpture in a unified form of art she has developed and called PaletteArt™. Lisa started at an early age by drawing horses, demonstrating great talent. At the age of twelve, she left home and grounded herself in California to commit to training with horses. After returning home in 1989, Cont. next page

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“Take Another Piece”, Palette Art Acrylic

“NewYork Bash”, Palette Art Acrylic

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“Eye Of The Storm”, Palette Art Acrylic

she opened a horse training facility in Stony Plain, Alberta, in partnership with her dad. At age 23, due to serious health conditions, Levasseur ended her career as a horse trainer. Lisa Levasseur started painting in 2010 and found herself immersed in the world of abstract art, having found the technique very liberating. She soon developed a painting method of her own, PaletteArt™, where she uses recycled paint to form 3D sculpted paintings. Her newfound love for abstract art was invigorating; she was encouraged by friends, family, and art professionals to move forward. After a few months of creating her first series, the majority of the paintings were sold and Levasseur started attracting the attention of industry professionals worldwide. Some of her most admired pieces include “Clownfish”, “Eye Of The Storm”, “New York Bash”, and “Take Another Piece” among others. Levasseur works with acrylics, she is able to achieve a distinct contrast within dark, transparent washes through her ingenious use of the media.

the Rocky Mountains Ranch Resort near Jasper National Park. Levasseur is the interior designer for this establishment. She has gained great reputation through this, and is highly admired for her creative business approaches. At the moment, she has an art studio setup and an art retreat center at Terracana. Human behavior, global history, events, and nature all have a great impact on her work. Her inspiration is driven by all the forces flowing on the same parallel frequencies. She believes that all human beings are interconnected, joined to nature and universal influences. She uses her art to express her thoughts on life, nature, and social conditions. She aims to use her art to expose hidden realities. Her intention is to help people understand what they may be overlooking, ignoring, or sacrificing in life. She has a deep understanding and connection with nature, through observing the energy she has with horses. This positive message conveys itself in all of her pieces, demanding a satisfied and loyal following. Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

This award-winning artist doesn't fall short as a businesswoman, having followed her father's wise path. She runs

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Lisa created a new art form using recycled paint to form 3D sculpted paintings unlike anything seen before. She took a couple months off in 2010 and began painting. Frustrated, unable to put her vision on canvas, she decided to try abstract. She took all the paint she wasted trying to create a masterpiece and turned it into artwork. Then developed a range of different techniques for using recycled paint. After two months, her first collection of over 60 works was almost sold out and attracting the attention of industry professionals. Within a year, she was featured as one of the most original artists creating today in The Modern Masters Art Book. Pictured with 3 of her works, a middle self portrait Broken Boundaries, depicts her journey to quit fighting, let go pain and re- connect with passion in life. It was part of month long exhibition in Chelsea, New York Also called Broken Boundaries featuring artists in the book. She feels very thankful to have the opportunity to pursue an art career. Lisa found it near impossible to break into the art industry even with something as innovative as PaletteArtTM and other advantages. Her determination and business knowledge made all the difference. She can understand how hard many artists also struggle. Today Lisa lives fairly divorced from society in the rocky mountain wilderness not far from Jasper. Somewhat of a workaholic, she loves running Terracana Ranch Resort. However, surrounded by so many great adventures and managing health issues, she felt imprisoned. Even with very dedicated staff, years of hospitality experience and hard work, the resort had yet to fulfill her vision. With all of the resources she has to offer at Terracana, Lisa can help other artists create their own success stories. Collaborate with Lisa at http://www.facebook.com/ Artist.LJLevasseur

ljlevasseur.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oil In Waterâ&#x20AC;?, Palette Art Acrylic

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ELA MIERZECKA Expressions Of Life Energy

"Life's Energy", Oil On Canvas, (Private Collection)

"Lilies", Oil On Board

"Autumn Glory", Oil on Canvas (Private Collection)

Describe your childhood for us. Were you always artistic and interested in a career as an artist? “I was born in Poland in a suburb of Warsaw. Where we lived used to be pretty relaxed and free for a child. There was plenty of playing outside. Snow made the winter just as much fun as summer. We played in a forest nearby in the summer and went ice-skating in the winter. I was 7 years old before we had our first television. There was little worth watching it, the programs were very limited and so we did not spent much time sitting down. My quiet time was spent drawing. While doing this, I transported myself to my own world, which I could make very exciting just by drawing it. Most people probably get this magical transportation from reading books; I drew. I remember when I was about 9 years old, one of my uncles came to visit. He sat on a chair and waited for my parents. I was sitting there in the room, trying to do some homework but instead I drew him. I left the paper on the table and went to play. When my parents came back, my uncle had gone but they recognized him from my drawing and said: “Oh, cousin Peter was here!” I was very active in the Scouts. In Poland, the Scouts are for boys and girls. In my early teenage years, I became a scout leader. My direct superior was there from my start in the Scouts and she was very imaginative and loved to keep us busy and challenged. I used to go to summer and sometimes winter scout camps. They were always a fantastic adventure. They made my growing-up years special. However, growing up was not all fun. There were challenges and sad times but all these experiences made me who I am today. Since I was a child, I have always been drawn to art, though life has its way of distracting you from your true purpose. It was not until my husband, who is a past life counsellor, rehabilitated me as a painter that I saw it was a marvelous feeling to find myself being in touch with who I really am. Since then, I have regularly painted and cannot imagine life without the creative outlet it gives me, not to mention the connection with my soul that it offers.” Cont. next page

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"Sydney Opera And Bridge", Oil on Canvas (Private Collection)

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energy heavy metal is my favorite – to give me the drive in the creative process. My sons give me their music like Metallica, Rise Against, Disturbed and that kind of thing. I do like other music, like Budka Suflera from Poland, but it has to have real energy. So, first, I get the pleasure of creation, then somebody else gets to enjoy the product.” How would you describe your creative style? “Expressionism. I express what I feel about something. My paintings are not a representation of what we see. I take the energies, colors and textures I see in life, and then create something visually new.” What do you hope the viewer will take away from your paintings? “Most of all enjoyment and an uplifting feeling. I seek to communicate with the spirit, the person’s deep inner being, therefore I like to evoke good feelings, positive energy and joy.” How do you keep your creative spark? "Outback Australia”,Oil On Canvas (Private Collection)

What drives you to paint? “My purpose is to enhance “life” and art is my main medium for doing this. I get enormous satisfaction and pleasure when I sell or give away a painting and I see the joy on the person’s face. It is just the best feeling for me. I love the process of creating, though it can be draining, but the rewards are immeasurable! I use music ¬– high-

“This is not difficult for me as I get the enjoyment and all those feelings listed above, so I yearn to go to the studio and create after any break. Another aspect for me is to challenge myself and not to paint in one style or the same theme for too long. Variety and enjoyment are the two main ingredients. The last one but not the least is that I get a spike of new energy after every successful sale because I feel acknowledged in my effort to communicate with another soul.”

"Blue Dance", Acrylicl On Canvas

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"Nature's Synergy", Oil On Canvas

What are you working on right now? “I am preparing for exams, as I am studying in university. My family and I have been living in Australia for the last 15 years. I decided to get a degree after many years of not studying, as my confidence with the English language has grown. This keeps me extra busy, as I am not prepared to paint less. I paint just as much as before. Somehow, I find the time. When it comes to art, I do enjoy painting more abstract images, as these are so energetic to me. I feel sorry for all those artists (and myself in the past, as I do not believe that we live only once) who lived before abstraction was accepted, as they were very limited in their choice of themes and style. I love art’s freedom today. At the same time, an abstract artwork is not exactly easy to do, especially if there is a message in it. Still, it’s worth the creative effort. I also do some more traditional paintings, as I believe that an artist should perfect his or her skills all the time. “ What inspires you? “Positive energy, life energy and soul energy. The feelings and colors that life and living brings us. If you can feel them in my work, then I have succeeded.”

Ela Mierzecka can be contacted via email :ela@DownUnderArt.com.au Website is: www.DownUnderArt.com.au Or you may call artist on Skype if there is a need to discuss a commission.

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"Predator", Oil On Canvas, (Private Collection)

www.DownUnderArt.com.au

SUMMER 2016

JANE GOTTLIEB “I have been expressing my joy of art with paint, shapes and colors since I was very young. I started as a painter, evolved into a photographer, and eventually began hand-painting on my Cibachrome prints over 35 years ago. Before Photoshop I found a way to express a new magical reality with the vivid, saturated and unrealistic colors I painted into each photographic print. For the past 25 years I have been scanning my one-of-a-kind handpainted prints and my library of 35mm Kodachrome color transparencies taken over my lifetime. I love to paint, collage and enhance them with Photoshop, creating my own idyllic world!” - Jane Gottlieb

“Checkerboard Square”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

“Hotel Splendido”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

SUMMER 2016

“South of France”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

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“I.M. Pei Fountain, DC”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

“Jane Gottlieb is a colorist. The descriptive term is used sparingly since few artists have been blessed with the ability to utilize color as the principle component of a work. Gottlieb’s vibrant art challenges both the mind and the eye. Channeled through a remarkable imagination and disciplined eye, she delivers to us a visual universe of unparalleled wonders. These are classically beautiful works in theme and composition, but move well beyond tradition in interpretation and critical placement of exuberant color. These works are not about superficial razzle-dazzle. Instead, Jane Gottlieb’s works are about color’s understanding of natural form. “Paris Chairs”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

If the role of art is to cause us to better understand ourselves and the environment in which we reside, then Jane Gottlieb’s artworks are a resounding success”. Dr. Louis Zona, Director, Butler Institute of American Art

www.janegottlieb.com

“Bridge of Dreams”, Archival Dye Sublimation Print On Aluminum, 20”x 30”

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SUMMER 2016

ZACH CHRISTOPHER

“Narrative #27”

Zach Christopher is a large scale multi-media artist. His main influence is the consistent search for visual truth in its most vulnerable application. The philosophical imperatives within the work are sound and formidable with acute precision for the bodies form and content. “I am in a constant search for truth, at all costs, whenever I begin the concepts over a new body. I choose to engage my aesthetics with photographic film because I am a technical purist, especially since I prohibit the use of portable strobes and solely illuminate my subject matter through natural light.” - Zach Christopher Zach Christopher has a B.A. in Fine Art with a minor in Philosophy and resides in Florida. He has exhibited in New Mexico, Florida, Los Angeles, Japan, New York City, France, Washington D.C. and Italy.

www.zachchristopher.com

“Perception #8”

“Narrative #8” 34 www.arttourinternational.com

“Perception #33”

SUMMER 2016

JESSICA MASTELLONE

“0019_Riding Into The Sunset”, Acrylic, 28” x 40”

“My name is Jessica Mastellone. I grew up in Darmstadt Germany. Art and Photography have always been a big part of my life and who I am. I moved to America when I met my husband and I got to travel around the world with him, due to his business. My favorite place to be is out West. The wide-open space, the beautiful Landscape with nature’s amazing colors and shapes. This is what inspires me in my photography. I am also fascinated with the Western Life style; it is such a different world from what I grew up with. In 2014, I started up my own photography business to share my view of nature and western life.”

http://jam.crevado.com/about

“0179_Fighting Back”, Photo Print On Acrylic, 28” x 40”

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“0179_Fighting Back”, Photo Print On Acrylic, 28” x 40”

“0171_Cowgirl At Work”, Photo Print on Metal, 28” x 40”

SUMMER 2016

DOROTHY SLIKKER Nevada-based visual artist and teacher Dorothy Slikker has enriched the world of contemporar y art with the creation of a vividly evocative realm of beauty. Her work reverently celebrates life in all its forms. Her distinctly uplifting body of work encompasses mostly oil and acrylic paintings on canvas. She uses wood and tile to portray an array of subjects, including landscapes, wildlife, domestic animals, florals, still lifes, and people -- most especially, those close to her heart, who are a continuous source of inspiration for the artist. A Robert Warren-certified art instructor, Slikker masterfully employs Warren's signature painting method, which involves applying soft orange acrylic paint to the entire canvas using a sponge brush, then creating a study or pattern in black acrylic to map out the perception of depth and set the shadows. In the artist's words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doing the black work, and setting your lights and darks make it very easy to create a nice painting." As the artist adds the lights to her compositions, it lets the delicate orange reflect through, giving the colors a warm, distinctive glow that embosoms her canvases in a lyrical embrace. In her paintings, she mixes her own colors to create a distinctively soft chromatic palette that lends a homey warmth and spiritual lift to her works.

"Bountiful Harvest", (2003), Oil On Canvas, 20" X 16"

SUMMER 2016

Dorothy Slikker adheres to a distinctively realistic aesthetic as she translates her vision into vivid pictorial idylls endowed with serenity, felicity, and joyfulness. Slikker's masterly ability to transmit the perception of distance and spatial depth through complex color shading and visual perspective bestows upon the viewer the irresistible feeling to step into her landscapes and walk around their sublime scenery.

"Roper On The Beach", Oil On Canvas, 18" X 20"

"A Mothers Love", (2009), Oil On Canvas, 20" X 16"

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"Lying In Wait", (2000), Oil On Canvas, 18" X 20"

"It's Cold Out Here", (2008), Oil On Canvas, 20" X 16"

In her arresting pet and wildlife paintings, the artist's ability comes to life in the eyes of the animals that capture the viewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention at first glance.

Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in addition to offering painting courses and workshops at her Pahrump studio, Slikker's Fine Art Studio.

Born in Bakersfield, California, Slikker stays true to her innate generosity of spirit and love for art. She extends her four decades experience and masterly knowledge of landscape and portrait painting techniques to help emerging artists reach their true creative potential, by inspiring them to develop their own artistic visions. Slikker currently teaches at the Creative Painting

Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.slikkersfineart.com

"On Guard" Oil On Canvas, 18" X 20"

w w w . s l i k k e r s f i n e a r t . c o mwww.arttourinternational.com /

SUMMER 2016

YInMn Blue Is The New Blue by Edgar Atino Oregon State University Scientists Stumble Upon a New Shade of Blue, YInMn Blue. A new vivid shade of blue discovered in a serendipitous 2009 lab accident may be commercially available by the end of the year. The new shade of blue, YInMn Blue, is a bright non-fading pigment licensed for commercial use by Oregon State University (OSU) in conjunction with Shepherd Color Company based in Ohio. A Happy Turn of Serendipity Mas Subramanian, a professor of materials science, and his team of chemists were performing electronic experiments to create new materials from manganese oxide. While performing the experiments, the team erroneously mixed various chemicals with manganese oxide and heated the mixture to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit (1093 degrees Celsius). When they got the samples, they found that one had a vivid impossibly blue pigment, which was totally contrary to their expectations. A happy accidental discovery,” said Subramanian. “It was serendipity actually.” Characteristics of the New Shade The elemental composition of the color is derived from manganese, indium, and yttrium, which make up the pigment’s name – YInMn. In further tests, the scientists established that the unusual crystal structure of the compound made it resistant to bleaching even when exposed to oil or water. The manganese ions in the atoms have a trigonal bipyramidal coordination, thus they are responsible for the durable non-fading color of YInMn. According to Subramanian, the lead chemist, the basic crystal structure of the pigment is not new, but nobody had ever thought it could find commercial use, even as a pigment.

address issues relating to the safety, durability, and toxicity of such pigments. The shades of blue currently in the market that are most similar, such as ultramarine, are made by grinding lapis lazuli. Cobalt and Prussian blue are also alternatives though highly toxic ones. What makes the OSU pigment discovery so significant is that it is made from materials with non-toxic properties. Subramanian asserts that it is "more durable, safe and relatively easy to produce." Possible Uses of the Pigment So what makes YInMn so unique, particularly commercially? In a bold claim, Subramanian says that the pigment may be useful in enhancing energy efficiency, particularly in homes. A roof that is painted using the new shade of blue, which has an infrared reflectivity index of about 40% (higher than most shades of blue), will reflect infrared light, thereby potentially keeping the building cooler. A researcher for the Shepherd Color Company, Geoffrey Peake, believes that the discovery of the new shade of blue, YInMn Blue, is an indication that there could be other pigments yet to be found in the family of artificial colors. In the meantime, some artists have been granted access to YInMn Blue. Madelaine Corbin, an intern working in the OSU lab with the team, is among the first artists to receive the new pigment. Art restorers are also showing significant interest in the new non-fading pigment. It seems that YInMn Blue could turn out to be a revolutionary product that may change forever everything we know about pigments.

Moreover, ever since the discovery of the first blue pigments by Egyptian industry, manufacturers have been struggling to www.arttourinternational.com

SUMMER 2016

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SUMMER 2016

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Artist Antoine Emmanuel, from France

Artist Stephen Tobin, from Canada

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SUMMER 2016

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SUMMER 2016

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SUMMER 2016

JERRY ANDERSON

“Pregnant Hills” 2015, Acrylic On Canvas, 22” x 30”

Jerry Anderson is an American artist exhibiting in New York City, Italy and California as well as being recognized in China, the Middle East and Europe. His paintings are a sensual mixture of abstract, landscape, and figurative images in bold, saturated color. Anderson’s inspiration comes from exploring what he calls “the vibrant connection through all of life by a dynamic play of feminine and masculine energies” as well as the harmony between nature and the divine.

www.jerryanderson-art.com

“Cappadocia 7 Animal Fantasy” 2016, Acrylic On Canvas, 24” x 18”

SUMMER 2016

“Icarus' Sister” 2015, Acrylic On Canvas, 48” x 36”

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V I V I D A RT S N E T W O R K P R E S E N T S

PATHWAY TO THE UNKOWN A S O L O E X H I B I T I O N B Y C A N A D I A N M A S T E R A RT I S T

Helene DeSerres

OPENING RECEPTION SEPTEMBER 24th 5:30 PM AUDITORIUM AL DUOMO S E P T 2 4 T H - O C T 2 n d - F L O R E N C E , I TA LY Curated by Viviana Puello FREE ADMISSION T E L + 3 9 3 4 5 1 6 7 - 7 7 0 4 Â I N F O @ V I V I D A RT S N E T W O R K . C O M W W W. V I V I D A RT S N E T W O R K . C O M

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SUMMER 2016

ANETTE TAN

“Evening Glow”, Acrylic On Canvas, 16” x 20”

Born in China, now living in California, Annette began to take an interest in painting in the mid-1990s. She had no formal training and is mostly self-taught: her inspiration comes from the work of Old Masters and from her travels. In recent years Annette has participated in many group exhibitions across the country and in Italy. Her work has also been featured in many international art publications.

www.annettetan.com

“Misty River”, Acrylic On Canvas, 11” x 14”

EDGAR FRANCISKO JIMENEZ by Viviana Puello

“Noche De Salsa”, Acrylic On Canvas, 39” x 39”

“My painting subjects vary according to my mood when working: When I am in a good mood, I hear Colombian live music and I choose to paint about my memories or about dance. The loud and rhythmic music, the dance experience that my early environment has provided me, has remained in my spirit ever since and resounds in all my being and flows with the joy of life and the joy of painting. When in a quiet mood, I hear classical music and paint without a preconceived idea, thus the result is often an abstract picture, which may have a meaning according to the inner experience of every observer.“ Edgar Francisko produces cutting-edge compositions of vibrant colors and juxtapositions of texture, line, and form. Francisco’s fragmentation of form is a compelling method that leaves his audience in awe. Through his paintings of trees, mountains, and humans, he portrays an ingenious artistry. One’s first impression of his work is that it is a reflection of pointillism. However, his style portrays abstract images, frozen in time, with an energetic radiance of color, essence, and being. Through this, movement, as well as immobility, can turn into a new pictorial invention. A subtle liveliness jumps from his pieces, keeping them alive. A predominant subject in Francisko’s works is the female figure, which he portraits with a perfect balance between aesthetic vision and advanced technical knowledge. His explosive eyecatching works evoke a sense of joyful movement and dynamism.

Based on the first volume of the Colombian Art History book “The resources of imagination, Visual Arts of the Colombian Caribbean Coast”, by Eduardo Marceles, it has been said that the paintings of Francisko have become Barranquilla's carnival vernacular figures. In his remarkable artworks the artist includes Marimondas, Toritos, Garabatos, Congos, and the very lively Zoo that invades the metropolis during the carnival season. Through his remarkable watercolor-like techniques, he portrays movement, dance, and culture, emphasizing the Caribbean light, together with its vibrant colors and warm characteristics. Francisko’s pieces are in the permanent collections of the Colombian Consulates in Miami and New York City, the Hong Kong Cultural Center, The Opera House, Cairo, Egypt, the Embassies of Venezuela, and Colombia in Beijing, China, the Bolivariano Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Martha, and the Fenalco art collection in Bogota. museoarteeroticoamericano.org/expo_edgarjimenez.html

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SUMMER 2016

IAN SMITH

“Fom Elders … knowing ways and reflection (ltd. edition of 50) Bronze Sculpture, 17” x 20” x 11.5”

“To The Music” . . . A pair of young Inuit swing to the beat of a borrowed tune, echoing from a much played "squeeze box", drawing young and old to dance "to the music”. (ltd. edition of 50), Bronze Sculpture 12” x 12” x 15”

“My goal is to unfold the essence of each of my works, creating original, distinctive pieces which will bring the viewer the pleasure and pride of feeling a part of a lifestyle within or outside of one’s own experience. By seeing and touching these sculptures, I wish one to be left with a sense that in each bronze image I have truly captured a special moment that can be cherished forever. Faces and hands are to me the indicators of the life we live; even when altered, presenting signs of who lives within. To bring alive the essence of another way of life through my art has been a deepseated flame waiting to pour out, be cast and shared. From almost two decades in the Canadian eastern arctic come the images of a tradition conscious, age old people, the Inuit, that have compelled me to begin my life as a sculptor. A need to share the experiences and activities of a way of life, that draw visitors from around the globe to the people of the north, ignited the latent senses and skills put aside many years ago while following other avenues. The arctic images that I create are my son’s Inuit heritage and legacy. They are created for him and then for the world. These representations of people from my years in the arctic were my initial step into the world of art, as a series of “Arctic Memories”. Beyond these images is the quest to share other extraordinary memories that many of us have in common and may wish to relive through the timeless realism of a bronze figure. My years of motorcycling have naturally flowed into the “Ride of Choice” motorcycle series; now living in oil country has inspired the ‘Oil Rig’ series; while other interests lead to future images. From memory images to bronzed reality.”

“On The Edge” (ltd. edition of 50), Bronze Sculpture 26” x 24” x 16”

About The Artist Although essentially a self-taught artist, latent interest and talent were stirred by fine arts media courses. Years later this deep rooted desire to depict ways of life through sculpture was truly recognized. After 16 years in the eastern arctic, as an educator, arctic life had shaped Ian Smith’s thoughts and creativity. The responsibility of ensuring that his son understood and lived as much of his Inuit culture as possible, generated an even greater focus on arctic life around him. Ian Smith’s images of adventures in life have been mentally filed to be expressed and shared with the world. New and old are portrayed in Smith’s pieces.

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SUMMER 2016

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JUN JAMOSMOS “The eye is a wonderful creation, unraveling the mystery of BEAUTY surrounding each human being. Every picture that the eye sees always has a story to tell, which sparks up a photographer like me with the rich world of imagination. Imagination, in turn, gives birth to creation in the canvas. Being a visual artist as well as a photographer, I see everything in color, including black and white (even if others don't consider those as colors). The camera is an extension of my eye, just as the paintbrush is the extension of my camera. I incessantly have the desire to go beyond what my eye sees through the lens. I need to create. I need to express myself. I strive for something greater than what meets the eye. Through the images I capture with my brush and canvas, I intend to share the BEAUTY of what I see with my eyes and hopefully inspire and motivate other people to discover, to create, to experiment and to appreciate the beauty of creation that has been given to us. This is not just a passing fancy or desire; it is my lifelong journey to encourage other artists to challenge themselves to go the extra mile of creation. I am not afraid to make the mistake that will take me to greater heights of inspiration and renewed vigor to create even more. I hope to achieve all that I aspire as a professional artist with my lens, my paintbrush and my canvas.” - Jun Jamosmos "The White Hat", (2015), Oil, 24" X 30" – Notes: The inspiration of The White Hat came from a friend who grew up at a ranch and now has his own horses to take care of including a family of his own. He always wear his favorite WHITE hat.

Bella Luna", (2012), Oil, 24" X 30". This is an oil painting rendition of a lady who loves to dress up in a black Victorian garb for parties and other events. She is a stage performer and artist who loves to dress up. This outfit I was told included a black parasol and an overnight suitcase shaped like a coffin. "The Ultimate Price", (2015), Acrylic, 16" X 20" . Note:This is an acrylic rendition of the Christ on the cross (a crucifixion scene).

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www.junjamosmos.com/ SUMMER 2016

ANTONIO ALVES confidence and was reluctant to engage in creative endeavors of his own.

Antonio Alves was born in Estoril, Portugal, in 1971. Eleven years later, he left his homeland with his parents and settled in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. There, he completed his schooling while he found himself attracted by everything artistic. At that time, however, he lacked

In 2007, he moved to the Cap d'Agde, France, to regain his roots in the Mediterranean by the sea. It was here that he discovered that he loved giving birth to his artistic talents. Having rubbed shoulders with many artists in the area, his first artistic creation led to resurgent desires, and he dared to engage in painting and photography. Alves paints for fun and the love of creative expression. Alves’s artwork, in the eyes of viewers, is an expression of

"Vaguemine", Mix Media On Canvas, 19.5” x

SUMMER 2016

"Mineral", Mix Media On Canvas, 39” x 8”

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his soul. His artwork allows his audience to both engage in fantasy and experience freedom. The compositions Alves produces are mostly abstract, as well as very colorful. In addition, they are visually pleasing to the eye, as the paintings induce lighter and happier moods among viewers. Alves’s more abstract works provide for more opportunities for interpretation to viewers on an individual level. His gestural paintings take us into dreamy worlds of lightness delivered by large color movements, as well as the fluidity of air in a subtle manner. His influence is broad, and his style is unique, which has helped the artist to define his own unmistakable brand. Art fans would know an Antonio Alves painting as soon as they lay their eyes on it, as his remarkable skill and talent jump out from the canvas, and the themes and colors are immediately embraced by the viewer. While Alves’s works possess a sense of originality, the influence of modern-era abstract artists is also manifested in and melded together with his own creative expression and vision. Even still, he is able to maintain an air of unique originality that upholds the mastery and traditions of artists who have come before, as well as those who have produced— and still are producing—abstract and colorful artwork in the international modern art world. Painting is Antonio Alves’s passion, and it shows. However, he is also actively involved in the art community as a member of the association of painters, Agathois, and also as a communications manager, which allows him to stay on the threshold and at the forefront of the finest artistic output. Simultaneously, he continues to push the medium with his active involvement in the art community. Alves, in this capacity,

"Parentheses", Mix Media On Canvas, 36” x 25.5”

continues to participate in various international art exhibitions and events. His active involvement brings his work to the art community, while his unique style reaches many as Alves continues to grow and branch out artistically. As Alves is extremely passionate about the arts. He also does fine art photography expressing his passion for travel and his sensitivity for other cultures. His photographic compositions are often romantic, nostalgic but also sometimes tormented. Alves has made a habit of bringing his camera with him at all times, this allows him to capture spontaneous images of that nature and the world he sees. Including marine and coastal landscapes. He has participated in numerous group and individual exhibitions in France and abroad.

www.artmajeur.com/antonio-alves-3

"Sintra", Mix Media On Canvas, 19.5” x 16.5”

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SUMMER 2016

MARGARET LA BOUNTY

"New Mexico Sunset", Acrylic On Canvas, 20" x 20"

“Art has to be created from the deepest part of your soul. Over time my work has become a study in color and texture then bringing in the emotion of the first time one sees a spectacular view in nature. Gorgeous color, strong and confident brush strokes ! Abstract Impressionistic” Landscapes inspired by Monet and my world around me. Nature is the one who wears many blankets, larger than life skies and the subtle changes of light and color palette of endless variety.”

www.labounty.com

"On Fire", Acrylic On Canvas, 40" x 30"

SUMMER 2016

"Winter Solitude", Acrylic On Canvas, 40" x 30"

"Series Res 2", Acrylic On Canvas, 40" x 30"

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ERIC WILES

“Surf”, Photography

Northern Ca. artist Eric Wiles whose unique focus on Fine Art and Landscape photography incorporates images of natural beauty and man-made objects. His contemporary photographic creativity continues to evolve and has propelled his work to various worldwide exhibitions. Selected as one of ATIM Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Artists 3yrs in a row, he is truly as an artist to watch.

www.ew-photo.com

“Wailua River”, Photography, 22” x 28”

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“Kauia Hi Anini Beach”, Photography, 22” x 28”

SUMMER 2016

ELECTRIC PRIMITIVE

The 58

Art Of Leroi C. Johnson

SUMMER 2016

by Viviana Puello

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Born in Buffalo, New York, into a family of eight siblings, the successful attorney and award-winning artist Leroi Johnson creates abstract expressionistic paintings that combine impressionism, symbolism, and fauvism. Johnson works with intense colors and a striking variety of textures. A self-trained artist, Leroi Johnson began painting at a very young age. He received his only formal art training at his high school art classes and later continued painting during his law school years, documenting his life during that period. His works have been shown in numerous international exhibitions in the United States, Africa, South America, and Europe for over a decade. Working with acrylics and oils, Johnson has pioneered a new art form, which he has labelled electric primitive. Strong African influences can be seen in the African tribal icons and symbolism in his paintings. His use of space and density creates welcoming pieces, portraying culture through nature. His upbringing, education, career (both in law and art), and his travels to Europe and South America have all been a great influence on his art.

"Colored People VI", Oil & Acrylic, 49" x 37"

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Initially his work was mostly autobiographical and his personal life experiences were intricately woven into his work, as he successfully fused African themes and geometric abstracts. Drawing from his cultural roots, he utilized vibrant fluorescent colors, while blending cubist and modernist influences into his “primitive” themes. LeRoi’s use of the term “primitive” is in accord with the way he relates to and identifies with the poor and underprivileged members of society. His use of color is vividly bold, forming energetic animation, enhancing the overall effect of the piece, which is further bolstered by his lively compositions and bold brush strokes. The results are images that appear to dance into your imagination. As his individual growth continues, his art is evolving masterfully. His style has become less geometric and more representative of his experiences as an African American. His work has become more anecdotal and less personal and he has incorporated more universal symbols into his work, bringing hope and passion into his pieces. Cont. Next page

"Colored People IV", Oil & Acrylic, 52" x 35,5"

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colorful. It is different because I don't use any other artist as a reference—only as inspiration. Some of my imagery I only use because it’s from my own essence, not someone else's. I have created icons from my own playful world—for example, the bullis or male/ female bull or the trilogy towers representing the holy trilogy . Sometimes, I don't even know what my own style is because my brush and soul seem to flow outside of my body without my control when I work.” How do you think your art has changed and evolved since you began? “I think my work has become more conceptual and definitive as a result of experience. I look for more expressions related to my life experiences. I understand better how to use color to express emotion and movement. I pay more attention to details that express things, as opposed to simply using details. I think my earlier work is much better, much purer in energy than my current work, so I often study my earlier works.” Can you give us an idea of the direction your painting is headed currently if it's any different than what you're doing now? “It is difficult to say what direction my work is moving in. Sometimes, I want to revert to the old, and other times, I'm looking for new inspiration. I never know what I'm going to do next. This excites me most about my work. Once I start a piece, I become an artist and forget everything else. I let my experience and imagination do the rest.” "Colored People II", Oil & Acrylic, 52" x 38"

While his art has evolved, Afro-centric themes are still prevalent in his works. By seamlessly blending abstract forms with “primitive” surrealist imagery, Johnson manages to create colorful and bright images that give insight into his inner world, showing a more representative collection of everyday human experiences. It is probable that LeRoi wants people to explore life from a unique plane – rendering everyday experiences into extraordinary moments. At first glance, his art may appear individualistic and idiosyncratic in nature, but when one factors the overall universal themes of human experience, i.e. heritage, socio-economic injustice, and the consequent struggles to rise above all odds, it all becomes a clear message from a master artist who has a compelling and transcendent approach. Do you remember your first interaction with art? When did you decide you wanted to become an artist? “I never thought about becoming an artist. I've been painting and drawing so long without interruption that I always knew I was an artist. My first interaction in the arts that I remember was when I was about nine years old and was in the hospital for a number of months because I had been in an accident. One of the patients, an older man, saw me sketching the hospital room on some scrap paper. The next day, he bought me a book and set of coloring pencils. Within a day, I had my first complete book of drawings. From that hospital bed, I developed unique views of perspective and of geometric figures, many of which I still use today.” You describe your art as Electric-Primitive style. Can you tell us what are some key differences between Electric-Primitive art and other styles? “I coined the term “electric primitive” because my style is very raw, primitive, and unschooled. It is electric because it is bright and "Colored People VII", Oil & Acrylic, 45.5" x 32"

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What kinds of relationships do your paintings propose to viewers? What do you hope the viewer will take away from your works? “My work has hidden meanings. I leave the meaning of the work to the viewer. I have never heard anyone express my meaning as I actually intended, although I have heard some very interesting interpretations. Paintings are to stimulate and challenge the mind. It's not about what my intent was—it’s about what you feel from the work.” Do you build paintings out of the world of imagination or from what you see out in the universe? “I'd like to think that all of my paintings are part of my imagination. Things I see and don't see but think I see are what I paint. Many ideas come from dreams; others are reinterpretations of dreams because I was unable to capture the essence of the dream. Others still are an expression of Afrocentrism and its royalty.” Can you tell us what your process is like when you start a new painting? Do you start with a concept, a blank canvas or a general goal of what you'd like to accomplish? “Usually, my painting is complete in my mind before I start. I know the size of the canvas, the layers of color, the color concept, and the physical layout of the work before I begin. I make adjustments as I paint but usually not many. There is a story in every painting. Sometimes, the story seems obvious; however, there is always a twist. Many, but not all, of my paintings are from Cont. Next page

"Colored People VIII", Oil & Acrylic, 62" x 36"

"Colored People III", Oil & Acrylic, 52" x 38"

"Colored People V", Oil & Acrylic, 52" x 38.5"

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SUMMER 2016

chapters of my life. Others, however, are just visuals from my dreams and imagination. And then there are times when I just let my brush and my imagination run wild, and I don't have any idea of the end product.” What’s a typical day in your studio like? “A typical day in the studio is preparing the canvas for painting. This includes determining the size of the canvas, prepping it by pre-painting it, and deciding on the base colors. This is then followed by organizing my paints and brushes for the project. This, to me, is the hardest part because all else flows from here. I save for another day the layout and application because I can easily work through this.” What other artists influence you, both contemporary and historical? “The artists who influence me most are Picasso, Basquiate, Chagall, and Abdias do Nascimento. Each offered a different form of freedom in art.” What would you say is your greatest achievement so far?

What are some of your favorite art world hangout spots? Do you go to a lot of openings, museums, galleries, and other artists’ studios? “My favorite art world hangouts are in New York City, in general. New York is a city of movement and the flow of ideas. There are galleries, museums, and shows everywhere. Art is everywhere—in the streets, in the subway, and in the air. I visit museums, exhibits, and shows in every city I visit. I like to see new art from undiscovered artists whose views of art are not influenced by the establishment. This can mean at least a dozen trips on three continents every year. I try to have two to three shows a year; any more would be too exhausting.” As an award winning artist, having been widely published and well recognized, what advice would you have for an aspiring local artist? “First and foremost, work at your craft. Work to love and appreciate your work, and don't be afraid to show your work. Never debunk your art, and don't let anyone else debunk your work. Work on short three-year plans. Reevaluate your works and your goals. Work with others in the arts to expand your vision.”

“My greatest achievement is understanding and appreciating my own work. I feel that this is a form of self-love that can't be taken away. Now, the question is, how did I get here? The answer is through exhibiting and meeting artists.”

"The Myth Of Golden Hair", Oil & Acrylic, 40" x 52"

SUMMER 2016

www.electricprimitive.com

"Colored People I", Oil & Acrylic, 52" x 38"

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SUMMER 2016

Tony Svensson photographs the natural world, focusing on plant life in its natural environment. The photographs are a study in fine detail, urging the viewer to notice what often goes unnoticed. Svensson is a passionate advocate for nature, and hopes that his work will encourage people to slow down, appreciate the beauty that surrounds them, and be inspired to preserve it. Svensson's photographs feature gems such as a water droplet perched precariously on the tip of a leaf, the swirl of pattern in the petal of a flower, and the vivid palette of color and texture that nature bestows upon us. Calling nature the world's largest art gallery, the photographer aims to bring people closer to the beauty that is all around them but is often neglected. Svensson's work captures the natural world in all its glory, sparking the beholder's imagination and

“Starburst”, Digital Art

highlight areas of shadow and light allow us to visualize what the human eye cannot perceive. Nature's most intimate details are laid bare through the lens of Svensson's camera, and his body of images are a profound influence on our understanding of the form and surface of nature and the anatomy of the plant world. The artist's vision is a reflection of human interaction with the natural environment. Thanks to a new collaboration with a large manufacturing company in New York, Tony Svensson’s full portfolio of work is now available in print in a variety of materials and sizes. International shipping is also available. Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine “Nyx”, Fine Art Photography

giving them a deeper appreciation of the magnificence of our world. The artist's aim is not simply to photograph an object, but to create something that is striking, captivating, fascinating, and revealing. Svensson's images of leaves, flowers, and insects are bathed in diffused warm colors. Photographs taken following rain capture the play of color, light, and pearls of moisture in stunning detail.

www.artura.se

Svensson's art is a magical journey through the microscopic world of vibrant colors, exquisite patterns, and extraordinary detail that is simply breathtaking. The smallest subject is photographed in a manner that makes it appear enormous. These macro photographs make an object larger than life, highlighting its delicacy and individual characteristics. The artist's magnification beyond normal perception is a peek into the world that remains otherwise undiscovered. The challenge is always to showcase the detailed aspects of nature that reveal its very simplicity. Svensson's close-up photos are a rare glimpse into the wonders of the natural world, and his unprecedented detail transports the viewer into another world. Svensson's captivation with nature and his passion for illustrating its beauty are evident in every photograph. His ability to record the finest detail and Tony Svensson – Swedish Photographer

SUMMER 2016

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LAWRENCE ARMSTRONG Lawrence has a unique, diverse design background, and embodies a renaissance approach to life. He is not only a talented artist, but an accomplished architect, designer and CEO of a dynamic, international architecture firm, Ware Malcomb. He received his Bachelor of Architecture Degree (1980) and Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1979) from Kent State University, where he also spent a semester studying abroad in Italy. He is a licensed architect in over 40 states. Lawrence is well known for his strategic, visionary approach to design and business. His focus on creativity and innovation influence all of his artistic endeavors. When Lawrence is not running his architectural practice, he is working in his art studio or traveling with his camera and sketchbooks. His international travels have influenced his art as well. He has traveled extensively throughout the world including North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Middle East.

Armstrong has received numerous individual awards for personal art and design, including: Shaker Square Circle within a Square Design Competition, Cleveland Award, Terminal Tower Design Competition Award, OC Design Community Art Exhibition, Artavita 9th, 10th and 11th Contest, ATIM Masters Award, ATIM Choice Award and AIA Honor Award. “My work, both in art and architecture, represents an ongoing exploration of the concept of layers: both how they interact and intersect with one another, and also the meanings contained within. Layers are to be found everywhere: in space and time, in intellect, in emotion, and in the synthesis and interpretation of form. Whether two- or three-dimensional in scope, the artwork that results is almost multi-sensory in nature, eliciting from the viewer a multifaceted experience of the wondrous complexity that ultimately composes our world. A piece of artwork is often precipitated by flashes of light and inspiration derived from anything from written text to music to a particular event. Regardless of its origins, through my art I explore the natural tension inherent in opposing forces, whether it’s the natural world versus built environments, or other paradigms such as chaos/order, free form/precision, random/planned action, and solid/void.”

www.lraart.com

Lawrence has completed a number of international art exhibitions in Florence, Bologna, Milan and Vienna. His recent showings include: Iocandina Synchronies in Madrid from October 2-15, Art Tour International in Toronto from September 11-27, and Art Tour International in Miami from September 5 – 12. Armstrong’s paintings and sculptures are currently being displayed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and in Irvine, Calif.

"Flourish" Acrylic On Canvas 61” x 97”Lbs "Gestalt", Layered Metal, Acrylic And Metal, 47" x 50" x 6"Lbs

SUMMER 2016

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SÓNIA DOMINGUES Sonia Domingues, also known as Sonny, is a Portuguese multimedia artist, designer and glass artist who has developed a whimsical and eclectic style since beginning her artistic journey at the age of fourteen. Domingues has a keen sensibility for color and creates mosaic-like compositions that summon euphoric rhythms. With bold use of color, simultaneous contrast, and unusual juxtapositions of texture, line, and form, Domingues produces compelling paintings that depict a dynamic, ever-evolving universe where the human figure takes center stage. She focuses on the figurative aspects of the painting, working in a realistic style that focuses on the natural beauty of humans and animals alike. Throughout her artistic training and career, Domingues has experimented with a variety of techniques and media in order to develop a style that uniquely reflects her personality and the message she wishes to convey to the viewer. Her art is displayed throughout several countries across the globe, and has earned her countless awards and great recognition. Domingues took the time to expose herself to training in different techniques, using a variety of media. A highly skilled artist, she produces works that range from classical to contemporary, from figurative to abstract, from surrealism to art nouveau. She creates vibrant, color-filled compositions on a diversity of surfaces. Her works with oil and acrylics, are produced on screens, canvases, stained glass and plastic. The

“Vanessa Paradis – I Have a Butterfly inside me”, Mixed Media On Canvas, 39” x 39”

artist enjoys experimenting with artistic styles. Some of her pieces are classified as contemporary, while many of her other works are within the realm of surrealism, geometric abstraction, or classicism. Domingues has trained extensively in how to create and recognize different styles, without focusing too much on which category her own art fits into. The artist’s main concern is producing high quality work of great durability that is pleasing to her own eye and to the eye of her viewers. Domingues strives to beautify the life and home of those who eventually come to own the works she creates. Her expertise in a broad variety of art styles and media allows her to accomplish that lofty goal for a wide range of individuals, with varying tastes and visions. One of the most unique elements of Sonia Domingues' art is its versatility. She produces magnificent stunning works onto furniture, skylights, windows, mirrors, doors, stairways, wall panels, pools, and more. Her art can appear beautiful in any setting. She works with a variety of subjects, and takes on countless forms from stained-glass masterpieces to classic canvas works. Her work is easily recognizable as hers -- she pours her essence into each creation.

Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.soniadomingues.pt

“The Girl That Cry – Between The Torment And Hopefulness”, Mixed Media On Canvas, 39” x 39”

SUMMER 2016

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LYDIA PANART Toronto-based visual artist, muralist, architect, and educator Lydia Panart brings us her latest collection of acrylic paintings on canvas, entitled “Huellas” (Spanish for "footprints or traces.") A deeply reflective body of work brimming with representational imagery, “Huellas” is themed around movement, and particularly the traces left behind in the mystical journey of discovering one's true self, as well as finding one's meaning and purpose in life. These traces are depicted with nuanced detail through successive, densely textured, and chromatically rich layers, encapsulating the depth and subtlety of life experiences. Panart's flowing, instinctive brushwork and close attention to color and line renders the iconography of the “Huellas” collection. Deeply emotional and powerfully engaging, it invites audiences to immerse in meditation on life's magic and nostalgically recall personal memories that have left a mark on their hearts. Reminiscent of the painterly lyrical abstraction, her canvases are poetic waltzes, evocatively capturing the passage of time, motion, change, and the myriad emotions throughout one's life journey, from melancholy, to hope, to sheer happiness. Of particular resonance in this collection is the striking painting that pays tribute to famous Argentine painter Raul Soldi, best known for portraying theatrical figures with a distinctive melancholic appearance. In the space-themed collection of paintings called “Eclipse”, Panart vibrantly captures recollections and impressions of different spaces that have struck a chord with her during her travels. As an architect, space has always carried special

“New Light”, Acrylic On Canvas, 48” x 36”

connotations for Panart, but the iconographic appeal of this collection lies in the artist's emotional response to the spaces depicted. Panart's body of work also encompasses the colorful, fiery “Layers” collection, portraying the intricacies of human nature, as well as the Dubai-inspired “Synergy” collection, centered on compositional elements in opposition. Holding a degree in architecture from the National University of Buenos Aires and a diploma in interior design from MOBI Institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Panart has participated in countless international art symposia, as well as art exhibits across Canada, South America, and Europe. She was presented with the 2005 Mississauga Visual Arts Award. Mentored by the late master artist Kenneth Kemble, one of the most prominent figures of the Art Informel or Tachisme art movement in Argentina, the award-winning artist serves as an educator and mentor to aspiring artists in the Southern Ontario community, proactively offering creative support through art studio workshops and courses. This Canadian artist is commissioned to create murals and other community art projects for public institutions and private corporations. She offers full-color architectural renderings in various media. Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.lydiapanart.com “Cambalache”, Acrylic On Canvas, 30” x 30”

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SUMMER 2016

EDILSON BARBOSA

Edilson Elio Barbosa is a globally recognized and well known artist for his ability to create scenes, still lives and landscapes with exceptional accuracy, harmony and lighting, following a personal passion for the orientalism, representing scenes of old street markets and carpet sellers, his work does not limit itself to this subject. He is recipient of several distinctions, as the Great Cross of the Order of the Fine Arts Merit and Degree of Commentator (Brazil); First Prize at the International Exhibition in Barcelona (Spain); Grand Gold Medal in the XXXIII Official Salon of Val d'Or (France, 2005); Gold and Silver Medals and twice winner of the Gold TROPHY MEDUSA (2006, 2009, 2012 and 2013), the most important award of the Italian Academy of Modern Art in Rome, with the participation of Artists from 17 countries. His work was presented as front cover of several international art books and magazines. In 2001 was classified as one of the 8 best portraits of Artist’s Magazine USA. In 2014 Edilson received in Miami (USA) the award "Top Five International Master Artists” and “ATIM’s top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art” featuring as front cover on ArtTour International Magazine. Edilson has exhibited in several important places, amongst others, in Paris (2005), Louvre Paris (2011 and 2013), Vienna (2006), Rome (2006, 2009, 2012), London (2007, 2015), New York, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, Damascus and Riyadh (2010) and Dubai (2014, 2015,2016). Edilson is also President and Effective member of the National Academy of Fine Arts (ANAP) and Honoris Causa member of the Brazilian Academy of Fine Arts ABBA, in Brazil, as well as honor member of the Art Academies AIAM (Rome); FIAPE (Barcelona) and AIAP/ UNESCO (Paris). 68

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Describe your childhood for us. Were you always interested in a career as an artist? “Since the age of 5, I was always with a pen or a pencil and paper in hands, drawing and dreaming about being an astronaut. I remember that I used to spend long time admiring two specific paintings on the wall at the living room of my gran father’s house. Certainly that determined my interest to get some water colors and start learning. Later, when I was 12, a friend of mine introduced me to an art teacher, whose I took the first oil painting lessons and never stopped since then.” How did you discover your passion for the works you are presenting? What drives you in creating your works? “In the beginning I enjoyed to paint landscapes from “plain air” , but I also liked to be challenged by works with human figures and large canvas sizes. The words of appreciation of my parents, the frequent sales and new clients, made me very decided for a career as a professional artist. When 23 years old, after starting academic graduation, I lived a few months in USA, where I did some art researches in museums. Back to Brazil, an important art dealer in São Paulo commissioned over 200 paintings with orientalist subjects. After that, while introduced to that exotic and colorful world, I became strongly attracted by the richness of those pictorial and poetic arguments, present in the orientalist scenes. So, being known in the art market and reaching the recognition of the critique and public, it became a trade mark of my work attached to my name.” How would you describe your creative style? “Classified as orientalist, I understand that it’s implicit in my work and at the same time I’m not limited to that, since as an artist, I’m free to represent whatever I like. I see my work as a Classic painting with the view and back ground of a 21st Century artists.”

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painting. Then I begin to prepare the first layer as the base and sketch of the shades and lights. The last part consists on giving volume texture and detail of the represented elements, until the level where the work considered finished.” Besides these works you have shared to us do you have other forms of arts ? “After my paintings, when I have the opportunity, I like to be challenged on large bronze sculptures, working on commissioned projects for collectors and Art Galleries. It’s a hard, but very pleasant work.” What do you hope the viewer will take away from your works? “The greatest enemy of an artist is the pride, because it can destroy him. So, recognizing my place, I seek to do my best, conscious that I’m only an instrument of God’s gifts to reveal Him and to stimulate pleasant experiences in the viewer.” How do you keep your creative spark? “The diversity and beauty of God’s creation inspires me all the time, but professionally, the research and observation of masters like Anders Zorn, Sorolla and Sargent, always get me motivated to create and do good works.” What are you working on right now? Could you tell us about the tactile nature of your works, what is the inspiration behind it? “In despite of a classical approach of my painting, I always work on thicker linen, showing brush strokes with paint texture to obtain a more emotional result. My inspiration comes by overcoming the challenges of researching original and relevant matters, employing ability and technique to express my feelings through an art that will touch the viewers.” What is your creative process like?

“I’m preparing to start a 3m hight painting to be hung in my house and I am on a series of sky scenes with air planes for an international air company.” What is inspiration for you? “Basically we get motivated by observing a great master, a beautiful landscape or a scene. But in fact inspiration is more than just dreaming and wishing to create a “master piece”. We learn in the everyday work that inspiration comes through transpiration, discipline, study and hard work, creating and producing art.”

“Only after long reflection and research on the desired subject to be conceived, I take my references from picture or live, and I start the drawing, considered the most important part, as the structure of a

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www.eebarbosa.com.br

SUMMER 2016

HANNAH DEAN

‘Vision Test”, Acrylic And Gouache On Canvas, 48” x 36”

Hannah Celeste Dean lives in Lubbock, Texas, where she is a studio artist. Currently, she works as an adjunct instructor in Studio Art at Lubbock Christian University, and is the founder of The Bowerbird, an online arts publication for Lubbock and its surrounding areas. She has been featured in New American Paintings (Issue 111), Saatchi Art Online's "Invest in Art", and was a recent finalist in the 2014 and 2015 Hunting Art Prize. “My recent work stems from the realization that information does not always equal knowledge. The sea of information available at the click of a button often pushes us further from truth and clarity, as quantity drowns our capacity to reason and consider the quality of the information. #ifitsontheinternetitmustbetrue. Google Search sets the stage for my current work by allowing me to access images of almost any painting, anywhere, anytime from my home base in Lubbock, Texas. The seemingly arbitrary nature of how images are paired in internet searches inspires my work. For instance, the search “Cezanne” brings forth many of his paintings, but also others’ tributary paintings, like someone else’s still-life of avocados. As I rerender the images I find on the screen, my mind envisions the parameters of an algorithm weighing dozens of variables, in comparison to the intense, singular focus of representational painting.”

www.hannahdean.co

“Search Series: page two,, Cezanne” Acrylic And Graphite On Wood Panel 12” x 16”

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KARLY ET ANNE V What happens when a love for quantum physics is depicted artistically? It may sound like a clash of worlds, but the art of Karly and Anne V is a clear demonstration of the oneness and interconnectedness of creation. When Karly, a cognitive psychology expert, and Anne V, a knowledgeable art historian and trained cabinetmaker, came together to collaborate on art pieces, the results were ethereal. Their artwork strongly emphasizes their approach, which is based on three main ideas: cube games, vortex walls, and raised chassis. The cube game is an art piece consisting of various canvas-covered frames of different depths. These are usually depicted as wormholes, or black holes, an indication of their passion for quantum physics and the cosmological form. Vortex walls represent their ideas on politics, showing traces of history, social demands, and urban attributes such as buildings. As for the raised chassis, it is a representation of the restoration of the human habitat. Karly applies her strong interest in color salience, the subject of her doctorate thesis. Anne V applies her admirable skills in cabinetry by incorporating her knowledge in embossed frame construction. Upon closer review, you will see the strong textures and crevices, the otherworldly shapes and geometric forms, and the love for physics and the cosmos. Their pieces will take viewers away from reality. It makes people stare, dream, and imagine. In every section of their pieces, you will find an interesting mix of colors, shapes, textures, and forms. It may seem like you never run out of something to look at. It is with this great collaboration of science and art, hat Karly, and Anne V are able to capture, and retain, the attention of art enthusiasts. "Traveling", Canvas On Wood Frame Spray Paint, 94.5” x 33.5” x 33.5”

Yadira M. Roman - Managing Editor ArtTour International Magazine

karly-annev.artisteo.com "Androgyne Totem", Canvas On Wood Frame Spray Paint

"Androgyne Word", Canvas On Wood Frame Spray Paint And Acrylic

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"Apotheosis", Canvas On Wood Frame Spray Paint,79”x 39” x 34.5”

SUMMER 2016

STAR TRAUTH Star Trauth is a veritable storyteller through her unique fiber art, which fills all sense to the brim all senses, weaving evocative handmade pieces of architecture that deeply reflect her lifelong passion for the immanent tactile nature of fiber as well as the myriad textures and colors of textiles. Trauth’s one-of-a-kind artworks, which she fondly calls "totems," play out vibrantly inspirational narratives. Nostalgic elements, eidetic imag er y, powerful chromatics, and tactile sensations are inextricably intertwined, and more importantly, actively engage the audience, expressly creating a meaningful, intimate conversation. The ever-changing, sensory world of contemporary fiber art is often preoccupied with technique and materiality; but it is imperative to emphasize that the greatest works in fiber, like any other medium, have visionary concepts and themes at their core, shaping and infusing the artworks' story, chromatic palette, as well as ideological and cultural import. Putting a contemporary spin on traditional materials and techniques used in fiber art, award-winning fiber artist Trauth creates her striking vibrant totems using traditional materials and techniques, with a modern twist uniquely her own. They are brilliantly interwoven with unconventional materials such as bark, paper, insect parts, metals, and more. Starting with her signature cylindrical canvas, Trauth painstakingly crafts a dazzling tapestry incorporating fiber and other materials she finds fascinating, all relevant to the story conveyed and delighting our senses with a visually, tactilely, and emotionally rich world. She combines a balanced approach to composition with a sophisticated sensitivity to the abundance of textures and the dynamics of color.

challenge; I'm naturally left-handed and would be punished for drawing with my left hand. I spent my childhood and teens running around with musicians, intellectuals, artists, and nonconformists. I still draw on inspiration from this colorful time. I left home at fifteen and worked to survive. I didn't think of a career until my mid-twenties, when I decided to attend art school to expand my mind and hone my talents.” You work with different media than the traditional work, how did you discover your passion for the works you are presenting here? What drives you in creating fiber? “I'm tactile by nature, not just in art. I love texture in nature, in cooking, and in art. I came to this artistic medium in a very traditional way. My mother shared her appreciation of art and antiques. I learned to sew, macramé, weave, and crochet at a very early age from my father and grandmothers. With my totems I incorporated all of those skills and more to put my own spin on the fiber discipline. I arrived there not to be different but because it feeds my creative appetite more than anything else I've tried. The fiber medium varies and it’s in hand as I create. This is what I need, to have hands on the fiber.” How would you describe your creative style? “I've been called different as long as I can remember. I think it's because my parents never put any expectations on me so I've simply strived to be me. In my art as in life, I enjoy something that I do not often see. For this reason, I create what I enjoy and hope others enjoy it as well. It is at times minimal, at other times tribal. Whatever I’m feeling at the moment.”

Trauth's handmade totems are constantly inspired by her culturally eclectic and creatively effervescent hometown of Miami, Florida. They also draw their chromatic narrative details from her early experiences with the countercultures of London and New York, the directness of street art, and the tribal aspects of Native American, Mexican, African, and Eskimo cultures, coupled with the influences of Scandinavian and Japanese craft culture later in her career. For the artist herself, her own fiber works nostalgically recall her childhood. From dramatic, intense color combinations providing intrigue and excitement, to more subtle color schemes inviting serenity, Trauth's original, distinctively sensorial fiber artworks are showstoppers that elicit in the viewer an irresistible tactile response. Enjoy this exclusive interview with master artist Star Trauth! How was your childhood. Was art something you always wanted to pursue? “My parents were hippies, travelers, migrant farmers. We moved around the country. It was chaotic. However, I experienced many cultures which informs my creative roots. Because my parents were travelers, I didn't have much to create with but I was often observing and imagining. I was always creative. The only place I remember having proper art supplies was at my grandparents. Creating there was a 72

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Could you tell us about the tactile nature of fiber, what is the inspiration behind it?

of hemp or silk, and to maybe touch the fluffy wool tufts or impossibly smooth silk.”

“What sets my fiber art apart from other forms is the invitation to touch. If you go to any art museum, one of the first things you see is the "Do Not Touch" sign. While we certainly don't want anyone poking at the Mona Lisa, the reality is the art world has created a lot of beautiful things that are untouchable. Fiber begs to be touched, it weaves into our daily lives; we'll hunt high and low for that article of clothing that not only looks great, but feels great, too. Nature gives us cotton, wool, and silk, which reminds me of my roots. As I work I am ever mindful that entire countries were built upon textile industries, immense trade systems of humans moving fiber from one place to another.”

How do you keep your creative spark? “By being deliberate with all my senses; moving through life at a slower pace than the norm, perhaps to catch a glimpse of something we normally pass by. I am often teased about my pace. I can get hung up on how a seed pod hangs, the brush stroke on a painting, the windblown pattern in the sand. I like to thoroughly take things in. I'm not afraid to fail. I’ve learned much from my failures and they have led me toward adventure and success. Many people feel the need to project the idea that they know it all and have everything figured out, but I am willing to listen, open to changing my mind, and always looking to learn.”

What is your creative process like? What are you working on right now? “In some cases it is taking the things I visually experience, such as Chicago's skyline or the seaside ecosystem of Virginia Key, and recreating that in fiber form. Perhaps introducing color and texture that harkens me back to the visual or experience. I take notes on the things that inspire and how I feel about it, so I don't lose the feeling. I sketch. I do trials with materials, as I often don't know what it will do or how it will play with the other fabric until it’s in my hands.” Besides this fibers to you have other forms of arts? “I've designed clothing and interiors, created textiles and rugs, taken thousands of photos, painted abstracts, and drawn my own Fantastical Flowers that are part Scandinavian folk art, part my imagination.” What do you hope the viewer will take away from your works?

“I have been inspired by the peacocks that live in our village. The reality that exotic, wild peacocks live in my village delights me; I find their color and pattern striking. I am experimenting with Japanese elytra wings and silks to try to achieve this series.” What is inspiration for you? “I am blessed to be surrounded by creative people. My city of Miami is teeming with multi-cultural inspiration, the lush enclaves of my village, Coconut Grove, and the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. My husband and daughter are big personalities, they constantly inspire me. For me anything can inspire, the pattern of bark on a tree, art glass panes, the love between two people, the way a jacket is cut, the line of a skater's body has he spins.”

“To experience something multi-sensory. To see the beautiful color and texture, to hear the story of each piece, to smell the faint aroma

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www.wethree.net

SUMMER 2016

SUSAN SPARKS Susan Sparks is a Canadian multimedia artist and jewelry designer whose work celebrates life, love, energy, and spirituality. Sparks' impressionist, dreamlike paintings have a soft and out-of-focus quality with a keen eye for color and composition. She explores the textures of the natural world to interpret environments of new realms beyond the material world. Heavy brushstrokes and layers of rich tones, shades, and tints create imagery of new realities that inspire the viewer to higher levels of consciousness. She draws inspiration from the ever-flowing energy that surrounds us and the divine connection that permeates all living beings. Viviana Puello - Editor-in-Chief ArtTour International Magazine

www.sasart.ca

SANTERRE Santerre is a Montreal-based artist of international renown whose colorful works consist of superimposed images and ideas infused with allegories, satire and depth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; works that can be simultaneously dark and light-hearted. A clever, intuitive blend of surrealism, spirituality and social insight is carefully blended into every figurative expression.Â

www.ericsanterre.com

"Psychad' Elvis", Acrylic On Canvas, 60" x 72"

SUMMER 2016

"Initiales BB", Acrylic On Canvas, 30" x 36"

"Turtelle", Acrylic On Canvas, 30" x 36"

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Artist On The Spotlight

SVETLANA LEUCHUK

"My World", (2015), Watercolor, Coffee, Paper, 39” x 27.5”

“I'm working with a variety of products and services, such as brand identity, visual style, advertising and illustration. My artistic services also include a depiction of ideas and conversations out by hand, with images and words, in real-time at conferences or any meetings. In my work I use my artistic skills, digital techniques and traditional drawing media such as watercolor, acrylic, ink, permanent markers and more. My paintings reflect life - a walk in the old town, a trip to France or anywhere, sailing, wonderful cakes baked by a friend... Each painting tells its own story – real or imaginary but always sincere - and full of enjoyment of life, special feelings and with the wish to give a positive energy to people. All this is a reflection of my soul but paintings gives art lovers the opportunity to find yourself, to become the narrator of the own story.”

www.lanagraphic.com

"Femininity", (2010–2015), Watercolor, Ink, 15.5” x 23.5”

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"Tango", (2016), Acrylic On Canvas, 15.5” x 15.5”

"Vin de Paris", (2016), Acrylic, Red Wine On Canvas, 19.5” x 27.5”

SUMMER 2016

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SUMMER 2016

Christo’s Floating Piers

The Floating Piers consisted of 100,000 square meters of shimmering yellow fabric, carried by a modular dock system of 220,000 highdensity polyethylene cubes floating on the surface of the water. by Duke Young Conceptual artist Christo’s “The Floating Piers” project has raised a few eyebrows and attracted many visitors. “The Floating Piers” are a walkway that stretches approximately three kilometers and connects two small islands to one another and the mainland on Lake Iseo in the Lombardy region of Italy. The 15 million dollar project is backed by funding from the sale of his original collages and drawings. The floating piers give visiting patrons an experience similar to being on a boat that is gently rocking. The walkway, which took the engineers and construction companies two years to build, gently undulates while remaining securely affixed to the lake’s bed. “The Floating Piers” walkway is made from 220,000 highdensity polyethylene cubes and stretches for nearly two miles in Pilzone, Italy. It is sixteen meters wide and is covered with a stain-resistant and waterproof fabric. The piers were open to the public without charge for a two-week period from July 3 for 78 78

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every hour of every day. The piers were monitored by lifeguards, information officers and boat hands, who prevented unintentional lake dips. As many as 40,000 people were expected daily but the turnout was as much, if not more than expected as thousands and thousands came to see and experience Christo’s latest project. For a time, labor unions sporadically protested against the project while a national environmental organization expressed concern about how the lake might be impacted. However, the project was successfully completed rather smoothly as local administrators and officials came on board and were involved during the building stages. The project’s designer, Christo, insisted that it exhibited the incredible chemistry of humans from many different walks of life and was a spectacle showing how people are able to focus their energy on something that does not yet exist and where nothing of its kind has existed before that thing was created. Cont. next page

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Christo in his studio working on a preparatory drawing forThe Floating Piers, New York, November 2015 Photo: Wolfgang Volz ÂŠ 2016 Christo

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Christo never considered nor discussed using a safety fence on the pier edges so that visitors could walk along the edges of the water while having the feeling of walking on water. Some people thought that the small lake community might be unable to deal and accommodate the estimated 40,000 daily visitors, but enthusiasm for the project muted such concerns. During “The Floating Piers”, all the hotels and lodges in the town and nearby towns along Lake Iseo were just about fully booked, making it hard for some visitors to have the chance to experience the piers. As a result, the town’s streets became clogged up. Many have said that Lake Iseo has been changed forever, including Monte Isola mayor Fiorello Turla. The global spotlight will remain on the area when the piers have been taken apart. The town and the surrounding area has been visited by many more tourists than usual and this moment in history is sure to last as at the end of the 16-day run of the project, the walkway will be dismantled while its parts will be resold and recycled, leaving Lake Iseo just as it was.

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From the evening of June 15 to the evening of June 17, teams unfurl 100,000 square meters of shimmering dahlia-yellow fabric on the piers and pedestrian streets in Sulzano and Peschiera Maraglio Photo: Wolfgang Volz © 2016 Christo

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Innovative Artist Lisa Levasseur

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