ATIM FALL 2023 - EMERALD ARTYA AWARDS

YEAR 2023 - FALL ISSUE www.arttourinternational.com

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE ART WORLD:

TOP 60 MASTERS AWARDS

RETURNED FOR ITS 11TH YEAR

THE PULSE AND SPIRIT OF NEW YORK:

BATALÁ NEW YORK’S RESONANT IMPACT ON THE BIG APPLE

MEET OUR COVER ARTIST:

TOTI CUESTA

"Pulse of Life" by Holly Liu

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ON THE COVER “The Power of Water” by Toti Cuesta

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A Message From Our Editor-in-Chief

Dear reader, I’m reaching out to you with some exciting news and a splash of color—our Fall Issue is here! And this isn’t just any issue, it’s the one where we shine a spotlight on the incredible artists who snagged this year’s Emerald ArtYA Awards.

These awards are all about celebrating artists who do more than create— they inspire and provoke change. We’re talking about the kind of art that wakes you up to what’s happening with our environment, social issues, human rights, and the push for female empowerment.

A huge congrats to all our award winners! Your art is compelling, and your messages are reaching further than ever. Our Virtual Award Ceremony was a blast, and thanks to Vivid Arts Network Television and a ton of social media platforms, your voices echoed into the homes and hearts of over 10 million viewers.

As the person behind these awards and as your go-to editor, I’ve got to say it’s pretty awesome to see artists from around the world come together and make some noise for what they believe in. And, yeah, it was virtual, but the energy was as real as it gets—every speech, every piece of art, every shared moment.

So, what’s in this issue? It’s packed with the good stuff. Stories, interviews, and art that’ll make you stop and think (or stop and stare because, wow, some of these pieces are gorgeous). I invite you to dive in, explore, and connect with the art and the artists. Let their work and words take you on a journey.

And remember, art isn’t just about the serious stuff. It’s also there for the joy, the beauty, and the pure love of creation. So get comfortable, flip these pages, and let yourself be moved, challenged, and maybe even changed along the way.

Can’t wait for you to see what we’ve got in store.

Stay inspired, Viviana Puello CEO/Founder ArtTour International Publications Inc

INDEX

• ALTHEA

Page 10

• CAROLE SCHOETTEL

Page 8

• CARLA KLEEKAMP

Page 12

• CHRISTOPHE SZPAJDEL

Page 11

• CLATZ

Page 55

• GAYLE PRINTZ

Page 13

• HOLLY LIU

Page 14

• HOWARD HARRIS

Page 15

• JOEL SHAPSES

Page 16

• JOHN NIEMAN

Page 17

• JOSEF WEIDNER

Page 18

• LAURA MANCARELLA

Page 21

• PATRICIA KAREN GAGIC

Page 46

• PATRICK JOOSTEN

Page 20

• PETER VAN GIESEN

Page 38

• PHILLIP ALLISON

Page 39

• R. GEOFFREY BLACKBURN

Page 41

• SAFA PESHIMAM

Page 52

• SYDNÉI SMITHJORDAN

Page 51

• TOTI CUESTA

Page 42

• TRACEY CHAYKIN

Page 56

• VOLKER MAYR

Page 40

• WENDY COHEN

Page 54

• YANNICK LE BLOAS

Page 53

Page 22

• THE PULSE AND SPIRIT OF NEW YORK: BATALÁ NEW YORK’S RESONANT IMPACT ON THE BIG APPLE

Page 30

• ELEC SIMON: A CONDUIT OF INSPIRATION AND ENERGY

Page 34

• ELAINE TEJEDA, AKA GONE R0GUE, WEAVES SONIC ENCHANTMENT AT ATIM’S TOP 60 MASTERS AWARDS

Page 36

• THE BURN FACTOR: A GLIMPSE AT THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE-DRIVEN WILDFIRES

Page 60

FALL 2023

• CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE ART WORLD: TOP 60 MASTERS AWARDS RETURNED FOR ITS 11TH YEAR

CAROLE SCHOETTEL:

A MASTER OF LIGHT AND INTIMACY Carole Schoettel

T

carole.dugas@yahoo.fr

he world of contemporary art is an ever-expanding universe, with innumerable stars that light up the canvas of our times. Among these luminaries is Carole Schoettel, a master painter whose work exudes the charm of impressionism while boldly asserting its own modern identity. Her canvases are a portal to the nuanced dance of light and shadow, a tribute to the fleeting moments that make up the human experience. In the tradition of great critics dissecting the oeuvre of a true artist, let us delve into the world that Schoettel so delicately unfolds.

A Dance of Light and Lace The French painter’s keen eye for the delicate intricacies of fabric sets her apart. There is a certain magic in her portrayal of lace and transparent fabrics—a dance of light and texture that beckons the eye to linger. This attention to detail does not merely capture the visual delight of these materials but also acts as a metaphor for the complexities of her subjects’ inner lives—delicate, intricate, and beautiful.

Echoes of Impressionism Schoettel’s roots are evident in the impressionist influence

The Intimacy of Daily Life Schoettel’s art captures the quiet intimacy of her subjects’ daily lives with an authenticity that is often lost in the grand narratives of history. Her paintings are windows into private worlds, inviting viewers to pause and ponder. The scenes are set in the tranquility of domestic spaces or the solitude of personal reflection, each brushstroke a testament to the profound beauty in the ordinary. The imagery, mostly of women but occasionally of men, is rendered with a sensitivity that transcends the canvas, reflecting not just the physical likeness but the very essence and soul of the individuals.

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that pervades her work. However, she is no mere imitator.

She explores the interplay of color and light through a contemporary lens. Her brush strokes, while echoing the masters of old, bring a freshness and vibrancy that speak to a modern audience. Her paintings do not just reflect light—they seem to emit it, bathing her subjects in an almost tangible warmth.

The Vibrancy of Nature When Schoettel turns her gaze to the natural world, her paintings burst into a symphony of color. Her floral works celebrate life, each petal and leaf rendered with a vitality that is the hallmark of her art. The influence of her surroundings is palpable as she draws inspiration from the lush landscapes of France, translating the chaos of nature into harmonious compositions.

work is a testament to her technical skill. Her brush strokes, whether broad and sweeping or delicate and precise, are executed with a confidence that can only come from years of dedication to her craft.

In the often cacophonous world of contemporary art, Carole Schoettel’s work resonates with a rare kind of harmony. Her paintings invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the intimate, the personal, and the fleeting moments that, while often overlooked, are the threads that weave the tapestry of life. Through her masterful use of light, her delicate attention to detail, and her vibrant use of color, Schoettel not only captures the world around her but also enriches it, offering us a glimpse into the soul of her subjects and, indeed, the soul of her profound artistry.

Mastery of Color and Technique What truly sets Schoettel apart is her command of color and technique. Her palette is rich and diverse, allowing her to capture the full spectrum of human emotion. From the subtle play of skin tones to the bold contrasts of her floral pieces, her

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“Sans Titre3” Acrylique Mixed Media 11”X11”

ALTHEA

www.artmajeur.com/althea

“M

y father was an amateur painter and contributed to my decision, in turn, to take up brushes in the early 2000s, Originally from Lot et Garonne, I lived in Provence, in the Alpilles, for around ten years. Life brought me to Haute Garonne, where I am based near Toulouse.

“Sans Titre-1” Acrylique Mixed Media 19”X19”

“When I paint, I aim to show what I have found and not what I am looking for.” Picasso “The soul of the artist, if it truly lives, does not need to be supported by rational thoughts and theories. She finds something to say on her own.” - Kandinsky “Blue 3” Acrylique Mixed Media 19”X15”

I first started by painting figurative (oil, watercolor); then the abstract became an obvious choice.

Above all, my artistic approach is the love of the most accessible possible, the purest expression. In my eyes, abstraction allows us to forget everything we know and bring us to what is invisible. This artistic expression allowed me to write a colorful emotion on the canvas, to transmit my vision of the moment with a path of colors and shapes that create a whole. Each of my paintings is constructed with the same process, but I sometimes “break” this approach. This allows me to study other ways of creating, approach the canvas differently, and look for different shapes and compositions.

If I had to answer the question: “What message do you want to convey through your paintings?” My answer would be: Not a message but sensations and emotions. An abstract painting is a space of freedom where everyone can wander, letting their inner self speak.

Therefore, I leave it to you to interpret my work, feel it, and let your imagination prevail while forgetting reality and formatted thoughts.

If one of my paintings takes you somewhere else, it will have accomplished the purpose of its creation.”

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CHRISTOPHE SZPAJDEL www.lordofthelogos.com

C

“Death Walker”

hristophe Szpajdel, a logo artist known as The Lord of the Logos.

Szpajdel was born in Belgium and developed a passion for Heavy Metal art, particularly logos, from a young age. He has traveled the world, working with numerous bands and developing a reputation as one of the leading heavy metal logo artists. Szpajdel has also exhibited his artwork and collaborated with various clients and industries. The text lists exhibitions, events, and projects that Szpajdel has been involved in from 2007 to 2019.

He will be participating in the Devon Open Studios event at Leadworks in Plymouth in September 2024. Visitors to the UK during this time of year are encouraged to save these dates.

“Self Love”

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“Elevation”

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CARLA KLEEKAMP

“The dance of the Green Revolution” Etching/ Drawing, 35”X7”

www.carlakleekamp.nl

“M

y work consists mainly of etchings, collages, water paintings, nijimi, and drawings.

The making of these is for me the possibility to express my deepest feelings. In my work, the pure line remains the most important medium.

A scholarship for a visit to Japan and lessons from a Chinese teacher has been beneficial in this aspect.

The question about the truth of images news is a continuous effort to express and image my own vision in themes that concern me. These values, of me and others, define our interpretation of reality. The human standard is based on interests and money, and I try to express these consequences in my work.

Most of my work's themes are focused on human beings' continuous suppression and exhaustion of nature. The effect of our overbearing economy- Thomas Rau- has daily consequences, which we can see and feel: climate change, plastic soup, fine dust, and the disappearance of biodiversity.”

“Western Man in His Habitat” Collage, 31”X12”

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GAYLE PRINTZ, A WORLD MASTER ARTIST www.GaylePrintz.com Gayle Printz has taken the art world by storm.

Her bold, abstract paintings are filled with movement, vibrant colors, and a passion that provokes the viewer’s imagination, and heart, to capture the personal and universal significance that lies beneath. Her uniquely recognizable style, and the unmatched ease with which she crosses artistic genres, has established Gayle Printz as a reference for the international contemporary art community.

Born in the United States, Gayle Printz began painting in May of 2020 to create beauty in a world plagued by the pandemic. Within three months, Gayle’s work had the attention of curators and collectors around the globe. Printz quickly rose to prominence and, today, Printz paintings are highly sought-after by some of the World’s most prominent art collectors and investors. Her work has earned over 1500 juried international awards and prizes, dons the cover of countless influential art publications, and is on permanent exhibit in museums and galleries worldwide.

JEWELRY 2023 Acrylic on Canvas Painting 60”x20”x1.8”

CASCADE 2023, Acrylic on Canvas Painting 48”x 24”x1-13/16” SWAN 2023, Acrylic on Canvas Painting 28”x 22”x 1.5””

The artistic journey of Gayle Printz is testament to her passion for unrestrained creativity and freedom of expression. Her paintings are thoughtfully composed, beautifully balanced, inventive, passionate, inspiring and eye-catching. Each painting has its own personality, with layers of colors and shapes that flow and intersect with one another. Witness the bold brushstrokes visible within textured layers of paint. Notice how the meaning of her work is different for everyone. It is also different for you; it changes depending upon the angle of your gaze. It is no wonder that every painting in the Modern Art Portfolio of Gayle Printz is an international award winner. Printz paintings may evoke emotions, thoughts, and ideas that differ, but everyone can find inspiration by listening to the whispers of their imagination.

Tap into the magic that makes Gayle’s work so important. Embrace the unknown. Take bold risks. For, if there is an unseen benefit of the pandemic, it belongs to those who used that time to grow by discovering what is inside of them.

By creating an intrigue and value unlike anything yet experienced by the art world, the artwork of Gayle Printz summons the viewer to celebrate the beauty in life.

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“Pulse of Life”Acrylic on Canvas, 14”x14”

“Time Flow”Acrylic on Canvas, 14”x14”

HOLLY LIU www.hollyliu.art

“I

n my opinion, painting serves as a bridge that connects the beauty of reality and imagination.

In my perspective, artistic creation transcends the mere depiction of visual stimuli; it encompasses the expression of one’s personal emotions evoked by what is observed.

Personally, I gravitate towards employing vibrant color combinations to generate a striking visual impact within my artwork. I firmly believe that the skillful utilization of colors can not only amplify the underlying theme but also evoke a profound sense of association and emotion.

Ultimately, my artistic intention is to imbue my works with uplifting emotions such as hope, radiance, and vitality..”

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“Maiden’s Prayer”Acrylic on Canvas, 20”x16” www.arttourinternational.com

“290 Vervet MaMa & Baby Monkey” Sublimation on Aluminum 36”x30”

HOWARD HARRIS www.hharrisphoto.com

“V

isual reality is an ever-shifting, highly individualized experience. In any given moment, what we see reflects our inner state and synthesis of outer qualities—light, color, movement, and space. My exploration as a Techspressionist in photographic art represents an attempt to recreate the perceptual experience, with its dynamic nature and hidden complexities.

All of my images are presented on an aluminum surface. In many of my photographic constructions, a single, often abstracted image is layered over itself with a subtle grid printed on a clear acrylic surface and superimposed over the base image. The resulting visual phenomenon infuses the image with a sense of dimensionality and fluidity affected by such changes as the angle of viewing and light. Yet perceptual mechanics are only part of the equation. Equally essential are universal principles of design that produce qualities we perceive as beauty. This is my aim: to skillfully combine technology and aesthetics in a way that expands the viewer’s experience of photographic art.”

“Notre Dame Paris Sublimation” Sublimation on Aluminum 30”x36”

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JOEL SHAPSES www.joelshapsesstudio.com

“I

create to delight, to interest, to provoke thought, to move and inspire”

“During my 55-year career there have been many changes and growth have come to me. I am now more excited about new techniques and materials to create then I have since I started.

I get my inspiration from many sources which include nature, spirituality and my emotions. Over the years I have expanded my mediums to include alabaster, granite, black chlorite, limestone, marble and onyx. This gives me more freedom to create. I have also expanded my mediums to include bronze, aluminum, fused glass, resins ,neon, led lights ,cement and acrylic With all of the materials at my disposal I now combine serval to create my sculptures.”

“Jubulation Painted Aluminum” 43’’X16’’x13’’

“Energy of Fire Honey Comb Calcite” 25’’x10’’x4’’

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“Spiral of Life Alabaster” 27”x17’’x3’’ www.arttourinternational.com

“New Leaf” Watercolor

JOHN NIEMAN

www.johnnieman.com

A

fter several decades as an international creative director for Ad Agencies, John Nieman decided to reinvent his life and devote it to art. His first forays were pastels and watercolor paintings. He was quickly invited to many shows in the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Canada, Paris, Italy, Ireland, and Thailand, including more than a dozen solo art shows.

Lately, he has progressed to more elaborate installations. He likes to create art that has an immediate impact and a residual mental tickle, either through words or subject matter.

“Making Whoopie” Watercolor, 32”x22”

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“Let’s Get Wet Pastel” Watercolor, 19”x29”

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“Coral Reef” Acryl Auf Karton, 37”X26” “Der Mit Dem Wolf Tanzt” Acryl Auf Leinwand, 19”x23”

JOSEF WEIDNER www.josef-weidner.de

“A

s an art-interested teenager, I saw impressive examples of modern and classical art in museums in Munich, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Washington, and New York, which had a lasting impact on my artistic work.”

‘Where great forces mature and express themselves in their highest violence, there are the times of art.’ This sentence by the art writer Wilhelm Heinse is valid for the artist in three ways: it is the forces of the ‘inner artistic urge’ to practice art; it is the forces that have to be invested for this purpose and finally, the forces that are released in the creative process. This artistic maxim of the “Sturm and Drang” applies to his self-expression.

He reveals against the absolute rule of reason and emphasizes the emotional world.

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Josef Weidner’s paintings are characterized as surreal abstraction and, at the same time, abstract Surrealism, presenting the viewer with an uncommon variety of forms and structures placed on different painting surfaces. In doing so, the figurativeness of classical Surrealism is deliberately dispensed. The abstract compositional elements present in the artworks are characterized by formal references to

organics and geometry. They lend the artworks a surreal quality of their own. They give the paintings an Independent surreal Impression.

For him, four essential prerequisites define a work of art.

“Portrait” Acryl Auf Leinwand, 19”x23”

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“Woman Face” Acrylic on Canvas 37”x37” 2023

PATRICK JOOSTEN

“Beating Heart” Acrylic on Canvas 31”x31” 2023

www.patrick-joosten.com

“L’essence de la couleur et de l’imaginaire - The essence of color and imagination ” French ABSTRACT painter, born in Paris, France.

Patrick Joosten: A selftaught Virtuoso of Abstract Artistry.

The Creative Spirit: Tracing the Artistic Journey of Patrick Joosten.

Patrick Joosten is a distinguished abstract painter of French origin, renowned for his idiosyncratic artistic style and prodigious creativity.

Born in the cultural hub of Paris, Joosten has forged an independent path in the world of art, driven by his innate

curiosity and an unrelenting passion for creative expression.

Largely self-taught, Joosten enjoys the unbridled freedom that his autodidacticism affords him.

Without the constraints that come with a formal education in the arts, he is able to venture beyond the boundaries of established artistic conventions, experimenting with diverse styles and techniques.

His artworks are an amalgamation of personal exploration and unhindered creativity, which captivate audiences and elicit profound emotional responses.

Art in all its myriad forms has always held a special place in Joosten’s heart,

with painting, in particular, holding an unmatched allure for the artist. He harbors an ardent passion for creating visually arresting artworks that resonate deeply with viewers, evoking a spectrum of emotions and eliciting contemplation and reflection.

The sources of inspiration that fuel Joosten’s creative endeavors are manifold.

As an abstract painter, he draws from the sinuous contours and forms of the human body, finding beauty in the natural elegance of physicality.

Nature, too, serves as an inexhaustible wellspring of inspiration for Joosten, with its resplendent colors and everevolving patterns lending themselves to his artistic vision.

Moreover, the world of experimental abstract art informs his creative process, further widening the scope of his artistic explorations.

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“Myriad” Acrylic on Canvas 62”x39” 2022

Recent Awards: - ATIM’S Top 60 Masters - New York June 2023 - 5° International Prize Leonardo DA VINCI - 2023 April - EFFETO ARTE Foundation - Collectors Art Prize winner - 2023 April - Contemporary Art Curator - Donatello Prize - Florence - 2023 January 21st.

- London Prize - The Best Modern and Contemporary Artists - December 2022 - Faces of Peace - International Art Prize - October 2022 - ATIM’S Top 60 Masters - June 2022 www.arttourinternational.com

“Im-Perfette Armonie” 23”x31”

LAURA MANCARELLA

“Nórè - Eä” 19”x27”

www.lauramancarella.com

L

aura Mancarella, a contemporary abstract naturalist artist born in Milan in 1967, finds inspiration from imagery, nature, and different types of materials. She lives and works in the hinterland of Milan and Bergamo. A journalist, she studied art and photography at the Higher School of Applied Art of the Castello Sforzesco in Milan. She worked, for more than 20 years, as Art Director for the periodical Musica Jazz of the Rusconi Publishing House, Hachette, and then Hearst.

Her works, influenced by the Russian school, celebrate the beauty of nature and reflect on the human connection with it. She uses natural materials such as marble, plaster, and spices to create organic, living paintings. Her art is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete, reflecting the processes of nature and the beauty of the traces of lived life. The artist believes in empathy as a tool for progress and invites viewers to reflect on their connection with nature and other human beings. Her works are explosions of light that embody the primordial essence of nature.

In addition, Laura Mancarella is dedicated to conveying a message of connection and commitment to nature, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with their surroundings and to take concrete actions for its preservation. www.arttourinternational.com

“Silent Power” 15”x19”

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE ART WORLD: TOP 60 MASTERS AWARDS RETURNED FOR ITS 11TH YEAR

A

rtTour International Magazine, together with Create 4 Peace, proudly presented the highly anticipated ATIM Top 60 Masters Awards, also known as “The Oscars of the Visual Arts.” In its 11th Year, this prestigious event celebrating the world’s most talented visual artists took place at the Museum of Art and Design in the heart of New York City.

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Viviana Puello

Viviana Puello & Alan Grimanndi

Created by the visionary Viviana Puello, Founder and CEO of ArtTour International Magazine, the Top 60 Masters Awards is a global platform that recognizes and promotes artists worldwide. Each Year, 60 international masters in various visual art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital painting, and installation, are honored at this esteemed awards ceremony.

Unlike other awards, the Top 60 Masters Awards judges artists solely on the quality of their artwork, democratizing the art industry and providing equal opportunities for emerging talents and established professionals. Winning a Top 60 Masters Award is a career-defining achievement, providing a prestigious platform to showcase their work and gain recognition and visibility in the art world.

Elec Simon

The Top 60 Masters Awards Ceremony was a celebration of talent and creativity that left the public in awe! Hosted by the acclaimed motivational MC Elec Simons, this prestigious event was an unforgettable showcase of excellence. Attendees were thrilled by the electrifying performances of Batalá New York, an all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble, and an incredible singer/songwriter gone rogue. The ceremony Viviana Puello with Artist Patricia Gagic

Representative for Artist kanyeyachukwu tagbo-okeke www.arttourinternational.com

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Artist Patricia Gagic

Artist Frank Hoeffler

featured award presentations to outstanding artists by the one and only Viviana Puello.

Discover the complete list of the Top 60 Masters Awards recipients on the official website www.top60masters.com of this prestigious awards program. Among the Top 60 Masters, Patricia Karen Gagic was awarded the coveted title of Artist of the Year 2023. Her unique style, coupled with her excellence and creativity, has propelled her to the top of her field. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding abilities and the remarkable impact of her work.

The influence of the Top 60 Masters Awards extends far beyond a single evening of celebration. The accolade bestows credibility upon artists and serves as a seal of approval for the exceptional quality of their work. Award recipients experience enhanced opportunities for future exhibitions, sales, collaborations, visibility, and reputation within the art market.

ArtTour International Magazine, renowned for its dedication to showcasing global artistic talent, is the driving force behind the Top 60 Masters Awards. Winning artists receive extensive coverage through a multimedia feature in the Artist Sveta Long

Artist Jean Jacques Porret

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Artist Neela Pushparaj

Artist Aleksandra Ciążyńska

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Artist Meghan Poynor

Artist Sydni SmithJordan

Artist Dalia Gasser-Pugatsch

Artist Thomas Elias Lockhart III

Artist Gabor Richter

Artist Michelle Larsen

Artist Gunilla Klemendz

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Representative for Artist Kajal Mondal

Artist John Nieman

Artist Cleo Mitchel

Artist Irina Howard

Viviana Puello 2023 26 | FALL

Artist Holly Liu

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Artist Barbara Tyler Ahlfield

Artist Waldraut Hool Wolf

magazine, including a prominent placement in the best-selling annual publication, “Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art”.

Furthermore, artists are featured on the popular television show ArtTour International and receive extensive exposure across online platforms and social media.

The Top 60 Masters Awards ceremony has become an iconic event in the art industry, captivating art enthusiasts, collectors, and critics worldwide. Its significance has been underscored by the diverse range of awe-inspiring venues that have hosted the ceremony over the years, including the grandeur of the Auditorium Al Duomo in Florence, Italy, the historic elegance of the Castello Estense in Ferrara, and the enchanting ambiance of the Saint-Martin de la Garrigue Castle in Montagnac, France.

Artist Fred Osther

Looking ahead, ArtTour International Magazine has already begun its search for the next wave of extraordinary artists to be honored in the 2024 edition of the Top 60 Masters Awards.

The Top 60 Masters Awards have redefined the art industry, recognizing the significance of creativity and artistic vision and celebrating the exceptional talents that enrich our world and shape the future of contemporary art.

The Television Presentation of the Top 60 Masters Awards Ceremony 2023 is now Streaming on Vivid Arts Network TV at www.vividartsnetwork.tv Artist Howard Harris

Tom Ashbourne SSC SCA OSA

Artist Derwin Leiva

Calling all artists! Submissions for the Top 60 Masters Awards are now open. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your exceptional talent on a global scale and gain recognition for your work. To learn more about the FALL 2023 | 27 www.arttourinternational.com award program, please visit www.top60masters.com.

THE ART TOP 60

WORLD’S MASTERS

BEST: 2023 BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

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Introducing the highly-anticipated Top 60 Masters 2023 book! This 11th edition is a masterpiece featuring the works of 60 contemporary artists carefully selected from a pool of over 1200 submissions. ArtTour International Publications, the leading publication in the contemporary art world, has curated a publication that art enthusiasts and collectors alike will adore.

BOOK NOW AVAILABLE

F

eaturing diverse genres and mediums, the Top 60 Masters 2023 book showcases some of the most talented contemporary artists in the world. The judges underwent a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the best of the best were chosen, considering the artists’ unique styles, techniques, and talents.

The Top 60 Masters series is one of the most sought-after publications by ArtTour International, and this edition is no exception. The Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Viviana Puello, curated this edition with an artistic eye that promises to impress. Meanwhile, Alan Grimandi, co-founder of ArtTour International, ensured that the publication featured remarkable artwork and beautiful design.

Pat Gagic, the Artist of the Year 2023 and cover artist, is known for her stunning abstract paintings that showcase her mastery of color and texture. Susan N. McCullough, the interior cover Master Artist, is an American master oil painter who creates large studio paintings that reflect and intensify a sense of color and focus on design. Thomas Lockhart, the Back Cover Master Artist, is an accomplished painter whose thought-provoking images explore themes of identity, race, and history. The book’s graphic direction guarantees the artwork is presented in the best possible light.

The Top 60 Masters 2023 book is a must-have for any art lover, whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the art world.

With insightful profiles of each Artist, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the art world’s current state. ArtTour International Publications has once again created a stunning publication that captures the essence of contemporary art, and this edition is no exception. Don’t miss your chance to own a valuable addition to any collection!

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THE PULSE AND SPIRIT OF NEW YORK: BATALÁ NEW YORK’S RESONANT IMPACT ON THE BIG APPLE

By Viviana Puello

N

ew York City is no stranger to the vibrancy of world cultures, yet it takes a remarkable ensemble to captivate and resonate with the diverse tapestry of this metropolis. Batalá New York is not just a musical group; it is a phenomenon—a rhythmic powerhouse and an embodiment of cultural expression that transcends mere performance. At the recent ATIM’s Top 60 Masters Awards Ceremony, they did not just perform; they transformed the event into a spontaneous carnival of joy and solidarity.

The Beat of Resistance and Celebration Batalá New York’s all-women, Black-led troupe is not merely keeping time with their drums; they are the heartbeat of a movement. Their performances are more than shows; they are visceral experiences that hark back to the roots of Afro-Brazilian culture—a product of indomitable spirit and resistance. In a world that too often marginalizes voices, Batalá New York stands out loud, proud, and unapologetic.

They carry the legacy of Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian artists, echoing

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the resilience and vitality of a community that refuses to be silenced.

A Global Symphony of Social Consciousness As part of the larger Batalá family, the New York ensemble is a crucial node in a network that promotes not only artistry but also social fairness and collaboration. The fair trade principles that govern their relationships with the artisans of Salvador de Bahia speak to a deep-seated ethos of equality and respect that is as rhythmic as their music. This ethical approach creates a sustainable and ethical cultural exchange that enriches both the creators and the audience.

A Tapestry of Rhythms: The Musical Mélange Batalá New York’s specialty, Samba Reggae, is an eclectic mix, a cultural syncretism that mirrors the very essence of New York itself. Mestre Giba Gonçalves’ compositions, played on drums that are both visually and acoustically striking, are an invitation to explore the rich narratives of the African diaspora.

The ensemble’s rhythms are a call to the soul, urging onlookers to partake in a journey that transcends borders and eras.

Choreography and Costume: A Visual Symphony Every performance by Batalá New York is a kaleidoscope of color and movement. The dancers don the vibrancy of their costumes with a purpose that extends beyond aesthetics.

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The attire speaks a silent language as potent as their music, representing the joy and struggle inherent in Afro-Brazilian history. The choreography is not just dance—it’s a narrative woven into every step, turn, and drumbeat, inviting the audience to read each movement as a page in a story.

The Transformative Power of Joyful Rebellion In spaces as varied as concert halls and street corners, Batalá New York brings a unique kind of revolution— one that is powered by joy and communal celebration.

Their recent performance was a testament to this. As they played, it wasn’t just sound that filled the air but a transformative energy that encouraged bodies to move, hearts to open, and spirits to unite.

A Living Legacy Batalá New York is more than a performing arts group.

They are custodians of a living legacy, champions of a resonant heritage that thrives in the pulse of their

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drums. In their music, we find the echoes of past generations and the whispers of future ones. In the streets of New York, amidst the noise of city life, their drums beat a reminder: culture is resistance, music is power, and joy is revolutionary. As they continue to perform, they do not just entertain; they inspire, they educate, and most importantly, they transform. Batalá New York is the city’s rhythmic muse, charting a course through the soundscape of our lives with each beat of their proud, resounding drums.

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ELEC SIMON:

A CONDUIT OF INSPIRATION AND ENERGY

By Nathalie Kelley

n the world of events, the role of a Master of Ceremony transcends mere introductions; it’s about creating an atmosphere charged with enthusiasm and leaving an indelible mark on the audience. Elec Simon, an embodiment of electric charisma and infectious joy, has mastered this art with remarkable finesse. At the recent ATIM’s TOP 60 Masters Awards, not only did he serve as the official Master of Ceremony for the second time, but his unparalleled ability to uplift spirits was also recognized monumentally. The award program’s founder, Viviana Puello, and the board of ArtTour International Magazine, in a rare gesture, presented him with the first award ever given by the organization to a performing artist. This was a nod to his excellence, dedication, and his uniquely captivating way of presentation.

I

speak; he performs, ensuring that the message of any event is not just heard but experienced.

Simon’s artistry in hosting is an out-of-the-box symphony of words, rhythm, and movement. He has a gift, one that goes beyond mere talent — it’s a palpable, almost tangible, energy that elevates the room with a wave of positivity that’s highly appreciated by everyone present. As an MC, he doesn’t just

His offerings aren’t limited to his dynamic oration. Depending on the event’s needs, Simon brings an additional layer of entertainment through a DJ set or a powerful percussion ensemble to engage audiences between segments and maintain the event’s momentum.

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As a high-energy emcee and hype man, Elec Simon is an invaluable asset to business conferences, entertainment venues, and corporate and educational stages of all sizes. His role as an electric storyteller is not just to set the tone but to transform it, to take what is and turn it into what could be — an event that remains etched in attendees’ memories. Elec and his team have proven adaptable to any need, whether hosting entrepreneurial events for Super Connector Media, co-emceeing the Summit of Greatness with Lewis Howes, or energizing charity events for Operation Underground Railroad.

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The Orlando-based entertainer has over two decades of experience across various performance spectrums — from off-Broadway productions like “Stomp” to global music tours, NBA performances, and much more. This vast repertoire allows him to cater to an array of audiences, captivating up to 25,000 individuals with his transformational energy and joy.

Whether an event calls for a kick-start morning show, a vibrant post-lunch gathering, or an engaging multi-day conference, Elec’s enthusiasm catalyzes motivation and positive vibes.

He’s not just an emcee; he’s an experience, one that attendees carry with them long after the event concludes.

Elec Simon’s dynamic presence can be followed across social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @Elecsimon, where he continues to share snippets of his energy and passion that so brightly color every stage he graces.

In a world that often demands rigor and seriousness, Elec Simon reminds us that the heart of every booming gathering beats to the rhythm of joy and authentic connection.

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ELAINE TEJEDA, AKA GONE R0GUE, WEAVES SONIC ENCHANTMENT AT

ATIM’S TOP 60 MASTERS AWARDS

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By Viviana Puello

O

n rare occasions, an artist captures an audience’s attention and holds it gently in their grasp, enchanting them with every note. This was the case at the 2023 ATIM’s Top 60 Masters Awards Ceremony, where gone r0gue, also known as Elaine Tejeda, graced the stage and left an indelible mark on the collective soul of the attendees.

A singer-songwriter who has made her mark enhancing records in the Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B realms, gone r0gue’s performances are known for forging a connection with each member of her audience through her art. She doesn’t just perform; she converses with every gesture, every look, and every vibrato, engaging in a silent dialogue with her listeners.

Hailing from the cultural mosaic of the Bronx, gone r0gue embodies the unyielding spirit and vibrant creativity of her neighborhood. Her music is a tapestry woven with threads of lived experiences, raw emotion, and an innate ability to connect with her audience.

gone r0gue’s versatility and willingness to traverse the boundaries of musical categorization have been featured and credited in various works. Her voice adapts, chameleon-like, yet never loses the signature warmth and depth that have become her hallmark.

gone r0gue’s performance at the ceremony was electric, leaving the audience in awe of her angelic yet fiery voice. Her delivery of “Escape,” her timeless masterpiece, carried echoes of the city’s symphony - the gritty clatter of the subway, the whispers through the Botanical gardens, and the rhythms of generations that have walked its streets.

As gone r0gue takes her next steps on her artistic journey, the world watches with bated breath. If “Unrecited” is any indication, we stand on the precipice of a new era in music, where the lines between genres are not blurred but altogether transcended. In gone r0gue’s universe, the soul of Pop, the introspection of R&B, and the vitality of hip-hop are not just passing influences but intrinsic elements that, when combined, create a soundscape that is uniquely hers.

Her presentation of an unreleased original, “Unrecited,” resonated in the theater of the Museum of Art and Design in New York like a sacred utterance. This song, drenched in the heartache of unrealized love, bridged the gap between Soul and Pop with a seamlessness that belies the complexity of such a fusion.

Beyond her mesmerizing voice and confessional story-telling, gone r0gue’s authenticity casts the longest shadow. Her repertoire is laden with narratives of love, coming of age, and betrayal. She doesn’t just skim the surface of these experiences but plunges deep, extracting their essence and delivering it with poignant honesty.

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She’s taken on new endeavors in her industry, supporting a collective, The Uptown Melody, founded and spearheaded by fellow artist, Ayanna Williams. The collective highlights Uptown artists through live music events and artist development.

Her music is available on different platforms online like Spotify and Apple Music, an opportunity for those who have already experienced the sheer magnetism of gone r0gue live to relive the magic and for the uninitiated to be transported.

To learn more about Elaine Tejeda’s journey as gone r0gue, or for further inquiries, please reach out via email at elainetejeda03@gmail.com.

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“Arrival Awakening” Acrylic on Canvas 24”x36”

PETER VAN GIESEN www.peternvangiesen.com

“D

oing art, for me, is a mystical process, a spiritual work, and an exercise of creativity. Immersed in the embrace of the underlying energy of the universe, I create images depicting the interplay between darkness and light, the interconnected aura of the natural world.”

“Misty Morning” Acrylic on Canvas 20”x24”

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“Glorious Spring” Acrylic on Canvas 24”x36”

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PHILLIP ALLISON www.phillipmaynardallison.com

“I

’ve drawn since I was a little kid. I would draw compulsively before and after school. Drawings about the Fred people and their conflicts with the Herbert people. The Freds tended to be kind of eco idealists and the Herberts a bit tech, they went around in flying carrots. Now I make paintings amongst other things. My subjects haven’t changed much. I guess a recurrent theme could be the same conflict between nature and culture. I always wanted to be a scientist, in fact I worked for a bit as a lab technician in the National Health Service but my cousin played me a record by John Coltrane and that experience altered my mind, I began to desire a return to my drawing past. In fact the music of “Robbed” Oil, Plaster, Tablecloth on Board,47”x47”

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“Rue Condorcet” Oil, Tablecloth on Board, 47”x42”

that great man and other Afro-American artists has always been my main influence, not so much other painters. The notion of using a tradition, something accessible and free from a dependance on technology but ripping up the rule book and accepted ideas of taste has motivated what I do. So I like to do things I’m not trained to do, like play music, or sound depending on your orientation, make films ( a bit techy, that ) and write stuff. Narrative is important, surreal, dada ideas and quotidien junk also in the work I make. My attitude is that making ‘art’ is a process through which you can describe what it is to be alive.”

“Impulse” Oil, Plaster, Tablecloth on Board, 47”x47”

“Small Change” Oil, Plaster, Tablecloth, on Board, 41”x40”

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VOLKER MAYR www.volker-mayr.de

“Celebration Of Colors” Digital 31”x31”x0.2”

“W

hat composers do with music, poets with words, I wish with my paintings: inspire people and create emotions. I want to trigger impulses that make the soul of the viewer vibrate. “ Volker pictures arise from all the senses and emotions: they “Fiesta” Digital 31”x31”

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are sensual, un-premeditated, and with a playful love for enigmatic details.

Volker’s latest works are digitally created by manipulating close-up details of his oil paintings.

“Grace Under Pressure”Digital 31”x31”

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R. GEOFFREY BLACKBURN www.rgeoffreyblackburn.com

“Twilight On The Colorado” Oil on Panel, 14”x24”

“I

want you to step through the surface of the painting and into the scene - have you explore its spaces, and feel like you are actually there. I want you to smell the desert flora and feel the crunch of the sand under your boots - everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover.

The tight detail in my work makes this possible. I paint “thin”– using very little paint, layering thin transparent colors on top of each other so you can “look into” the rock. With looser more “painterly” work, the viewer is stopped at the surface of the painting.

I paint the various desert creatures as you would actually discover them in nature – not as the main focus, but rather as a part of the

“Indian Summer” Oil on Linen, 28”x36”

“Two Hawks” Oil on Panel, 18”x24”

greater whole. Having spent nearly a decade living and exploring the desert canyons with geologists, my work is geologically accurate and often collected by mining companies.

I paint a scene the way you might remember it versus the way it actually is.”

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TOTI CUESTA www.toticuesta.com

“M

y passion for art connects me with my inner self, the universe, and other planes of reality. Through my paintings, I seek to share the sense of oneness and happiness that art brings me as a powerful tool for creating meaningful connections, increasing understanding between different cultures, and promoting acceptance and peace.

My figurative paintings reflect feminine energy and the need to develop empathy, resilience, patience, love, joy, and gratitude. Using symbols, I hope to share my message of how art and color can radiate the light within every human being and convey powerful messages about the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

My creative process is based on my experience and relationship with nature. I draw my inspiration from the beauty of the human being, the appreciation for life, the diversity surrounding us, and all the little details that make life memorable. My passion is to capture all those feelings in my portraits.

My work speaks about my commitment to our environment and empathy for all living beings. My paintings remind us of our responsibility to be more conscious and aware of our impact on the planet.”

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“Breath of Life” Watercolor on 640 gr Paper 22”x26”

“I am Mountain” Watercolor, 22”x29”

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“The Power of Water” Watercolor on 640 gr Paper, FALL 202329”x22” | 45

“Serenity” Acrylic on Canvas, 36”X48”

PATRICIA KAREN

GAGIC patriciakarengagic.com

M

otivated by the delicate balancing of elements of the past, choices made in the present and a powerful intention to change the future, each thought and intuition becomes master to the emergence of form and method in my art making. Complexity is a key frame. The infinity of possible iterations of a form is a fascination intellectually and in terms of my method. It drives how I engage with materials in the search for what is luminous to the eye and transcendent in meaning to the heart. My art is intended to point to what is greater than the conventional and logic-based pointof-view.

The under-painting is central to how this orientation shows up in the final works. In search for the luminous and transcendental, the underpainting is an investigative yet carefully orchestrated evolution of intentional layering in which I am immersed in a process of moving with a rich flow of contemplative and clairvoyant thought. In this movement, I press-in on the mark-making with brush and paint, then stand apart from it, then press-in again and so on until the idea which wants to be

“Cosmic Moment” Acrylic on Canvas, 48”X60”

noticed shows itself in relationship with my intention for an image. This process is deeply personal. It is intended to bridge to others in a way inviting them to participate in the images I make, such that well-being is magnified by an encounter with something opening them to intuition of a greater Whole.

One of the influences on my artistic life and practice is the Transcendental Realist artist, Adi Da Samraj. He speaks about the function of art in a way perfectly giving voice to my intention. He writes, “True Art heals, True Art restores equanimity. Art must regenerate the sense of well-being.

That is its true purpose.” This regeneration of well-being is an overarching purpose in my method and is the context of an intellectual consideration around image-making. It is my experience well-being resides as an already-present condition in the domain of the esoteric rather than exoteric world of things and strategies designed to make us feel better, or safe, or at ease. I try to stand on the magical horizon where the rules of nature and the mystical unknown find their way together from mind to hand to canvas in order to create conditions for well-being to be re-animated in experience of the viewer.

Additionally, the “Small Worlds” of Wassily Kandinsky (1922) further inspired my attraction to complexity/simplicity paradox as the mathematics in his work harmonized aspects of my feeling of understanding and brought a joyful knowing or sensing of something beyond the images themselves.

Additional influences include my long-time mentor and dear friend, Master Artist, Dragan Dragic who I was blessed to

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“Duality” Acrylic on Canvas, FALL 202330”X40” | 47

meet in France in 1999. His capacity as a technical genius understanding the Matisse palette with flawless precision only scratches the surface of his wisdom. Dragan triggered in me an appreciation of and engagement with the paradox of complexity coupled with a confidence in simplicity as its ultimate expression. In the ensuing years of our artful learnings

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together, he helped me to see the beauty of abstraction lies in the various underlying hypostases combining or being in dynamic relationship in such a way as to become conscious to the viewer as a living process. As a group, those by whom I am influenced are practitioners of what I call “Complex Simplicity”. They further include Franz Kline; a brilliant man who eventually

“Silent Eighties” Acrylic on Canvas, 30”X40”

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became a dynamic interpreter of boldness with monochromatic staging where black was equally as powerful as white and required careful fluid strength. The work of Adi Da Samraj informs my understanding of the need to perpetually embody the aesthetic experience as Reality Itself.

There is a delicious struggle I engage in daily as I am drawn into what is “inbetween” the phenomena, moments, ideas which arise and yet practicing in the actual doings of the world in order to make visible what is found in those spaces. It is my adventure to capture more truth as an artist and be less of an ego and I sense the Ultimate Reality might be touched in the in- between spaces as both Truth and Egoless. I look to other artists for clues on how to enter- into these spaces more and more consistently as artist. In the work of Paul Emile Bourduas, I found rhythm and seduction at the root of his process and all the in-between spaces functioning as necessary places of risk to effervescently touch those rhythms, to animate the seductions. The moments of this realization create a rich ocean of plankton, food for the work to be done.

What I continue to learn is how incredibly liberating it is

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“The Arrival” Mixed Media, 30”X40”

“Twilight Zone” Acrylic on Canvas, 48”X60”

to affirm and elevate emotion as the intent of a painting or photograph and to be fearless in approaching the image as a sovereign manifestation requiring my stand as one “getting to know” life, bringing forth clues for others, and trusting the process is the under-painting of the journey I have been given to fulfill.

“The Deserter”FALL Mixed Media, 202330”X40” | 49

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“The Path” 4500x6000 www.arttourinternational.com

SYDNÉI

SMITHJORDAN www.smithjordanarts.com

S

ydnéi SmithJordan strives to reveal the beauty in pain and the serenity that comes from sorrow as she produces her artwork. She refers to her paintings as autobiographical dialogues that capture dreamscape and reality in a style she calls Pop Fusion, a blend of graphics, abstraction, collage, and traditional media. Her process included researching her subjects before painting their images on canvas. Her figures are painted in a limited palette of grays with a subtle contrast of light and color, a pirate with a dynamic presence. Sydnéi explores themes of heritage and history, which include a series of Harriet Tubman, Women in Black History, and The Negro Leagues, among others. Public artwork consists of The Harriet Tubman Museum Of Cape May, Newark Public Library, Major League Cornhole, multiple South Jersey Conservancies, and several local and national businesses.

As a child, SmithJordan sought refuge from the pain of a tumultuous environment by doodling designs in pen, pencil, and markers. Her love of art led her to a career in desktop publishing and medical illustration. When her mentor, Ronn Davis, urged her to paint larger with oils, she discovered a passion for painting. Later, she introduced collages with metals and fabric in her art practice after nerve pain from a mastectomy made it challenging to paint. She stopped painting for a while when she was called upon to raise her granddaughter.

When she could finally resume her work, she was pleased to feel that art still had the power to bring her to a place of serenity and joy. The artist has worked for commercial and private venues nationally and internationally and counts such notables as Whoopi Goldberg, Denzel Washington, Forrest Whitaker, and Patti La Belle among her collectors. She studied fine art at the College of Design, Art, and Architecture in Santa Monica, California, and studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Ms. SmithJordan is currently establishing a vigorous practice in South Jersey. Ms. SmithJordan received the ATIM Top 60 Masters award in June 2023 and June 2024, also known as the Oscar Of Visual Arts.

“MQ” Oil On Canvas, 20”X16”

“Barbara” Oil On Canvas, 20”X16” “Sliding Into Homebase” Oil On Canvas, 20”X16”

“PhaseQuest” Mixed Media 35”x23”

SAFA PESHIMAM

“Emerging” Mixed Media 47”x37”

www.kalopsia-wiz.com “Breath” Mixed Media 31”x31”

S

afa Peshimam (Kalopsia Wiz) is an Indian artist residing in Dubai.

Safa has a Master’s degree in International Business Management with Marketing and is skilled in various artistic disciplines such as painting, photography, and writing. She has won awards for her artwork and poetry and has been recognized by prestigious organizations.

Safa’s artwork focuses on expressing emotions and uses various mediums to create their pieces. She also published a poetry book called Elegy that combines love, grief, and sorrow themes.

Safa believes art is an escape and a way to express what cannot be spoken. She finds inspiration from her surroundings and creates different styles of art. Her work is available on various platforms, including Amazon.

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YANNICK LE BLOAS ocrebleuet@hotmail.com

“Kokeshies” 2”x7”

Y

annick Le Bloas is a visual artist. Passionate about colors and materials, his creations explore different horizons.

More than 20 years of an atypical professional career have allowed this artist to develop a creative universe imbued with dreaminess, poetry, and harmony. His research work will enable him to renew his art constantly. The different materials he enjoys mixing together allow him to enrich and diversify his creations.

The favorite themes nourishing it are Humanity in its components and functioning, its complexities, and its environment.

“Small World” 6”x7”

Protecting the seabed and exclusion are among the subjects currently being addressed.

A world of very personal creations, colorful shapes, and design: giant spheres and mini-worlds, kokeshis and sumos, aquarium vases and seabeds, People’s hotel and ecological habitats. Original and unique creations to discover.

Since 2005, its workshop boutique, YLB Créations, has been in the historic center of Pézenas (Hérault).

Yannick Le Bloas is also represented by the “Les Souliers Rouges” gallery and the “Arts en Seine” gallery.

“Punk Fish” 9”

WENDY COHEN www.wendycohen.net.au

“Language of Levels” Acrylic and Oil on Canvas , 26”X33” “Sunbeam Irradiation” Acrylic, Paper, and Ink on Canvas 18”X24”

W

endy Cohen is a Sydney-based artist who has attained a BFA and MFA Degrees. Her art practice focuses on the relationship of color, shape, line, and form with realistic components communicated in a painterly language.

By integrating shapes into a cohesive body of colors and forms in conjunction with collage elements, flowing ideas are arbitrarily manifested that bring attention to the brushstrokes, markmaking, and materiality on the surface of each painting.

However, the primary focus of her practice is to transform the static space of each painting with synchronized contrasting colors, highlighting its chemistry and resonance.

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CLATZ:

AN ODE TO ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM AND THE LUSTROUS HEART OF STONE

By Viviana Puello

A

midst the lush and vibrant landscape of contemporary art, a new artist has emerged from France. Clatz, an abstract expressionist, is renowned for his unique painting style.

His art is not just created with his brushes but also with the fibers of his soul. Clatz’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. He began painting as a way to heal after the loss of his life’s love. His paintings are not just fabric and pigment, but they’re a testament to his intense personal journey. His vibrant canvases depict a tapestry of emotions woven with the threads of his life’s experiences. The richness of Clatz’s palette challenges the notion of heartache and transforms it into something beautiful. His colors are like rays of light through stained glass that illuminate the shadows of loss, creating a sanctuary for the eyes and spirit.

What sets Clatz apart is his unique amalgamation of line and geometric shapes, which interlace with his choice of colors to create a symphony of visual stimuli. His compositions, though abstract, are grounded in the profound reality of his experiences, offering a universal language of empathy and understanding. Clatz channels the chaos of emotion into every stroke, giving purpose to the seemingly random and order to the whirlwind of his inner turmoil.

The most entrancing of his collections are those inspired by the stoic beauty of stones. In these, Clatz becomes an alchemist, transforming the rugged majesty of precious and semiprecious stones into lustrous feasts for the eyes.

His multimedia elements introduce a tactile dimension that transcends traditional boundaries of visual art. The stones’ brilliance is captured not only in sight but in the tangible textures that beckon to be touched. Each piece is a

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constellation of glittery elements that mimic the inner fire of gemstones, a fire reminiscent of Clatz’s indomitable spirit.

In his works, Clatz invites us to peer through the crystalline façades of rocks into the kaleidoscope of his soul. His use of gemstone dust and fragments, lacquered over vibrant underpaintings, allows each piece to capture and play with light, much like the multifaceted surfaces of cut gems. These pieces are not static; they are dynamic, changing with the viewer’s perspective and the shifting light of day, mirroring the complexity and changeability of human emotions.

Clatz’s journey from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of artistic creation is a testament to the transformative power of art. His paintings are the phoenix that has risen from the ashes of his loss—a vibrant, shimmering testament to the enduring human spirit. In his abstract expressionist works, we find a universal narrative, a shared odyssey of pain, beauty, and, ultimately, redemption.

@clatz.2023

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TRACEY CHAYKIN www.traceychaykin.com

“Dillion” Colored Pencil on Pastelmat, 8” x 10”

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“Mysterie” Colored Pencil on Tinted Paper, 14” x 11”

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“E

ach piece of Colored Pencil art is an opportunity to make an impact in the world with a mission to bring awareness to the conservation of our planet and all that exists on it. I create realistic and detailed drawings to inspire others to take action and help save the planet. I strive to make a difference, to evoke emotion and inspire the smallest of changes, through art, articles and actions so that everyone can participate in helping our planet, and all that exist on it, flourish and thrive.”

“Connected” Colored Pencil on Plastic Film, 11” x 14” “The Chase” Colored Pencil on Pastelmat, 7” x 5”

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“Gadwall Haven” Colored Pencil on Pastelmat, 10” x 7”

“In our day and age with the increasing effects of Climate Change on environments around the world, I am committed to using my art to promote conservation and have the honor of working with many organizations and initiatives to spread the message. Organizations such as ArtTour International Magazine, an online magazine that showcases contemporary visual artists and their artwork, the IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group to create awareness of otter conservation through her art, ABUN - Artists and Biologists Unite for Nature, a group of scientists and artists who are devoted to

“Hopeful” Mixed Media on Paper, 5” x 7”

“Hawaiian Love” Mixed Media on Black Paper, 7” x 5”

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“Colorful Eats” Colored Pencil on Pastelmat, 14” x 11”

creating positive change for nature conservation, and Artist for a Green Planet, a platform that connects and celebrates artists who are working to create a more sustainable future. All of these collaborations have helped my work reach a wider audience and spread my message of conservation even further.

planet and all that exists on it. With my continued commitment to the environment and with the help of others, we can positively impact the environment and create a healthier world for future generations!”

By sharing these works with your friends and family, you can also help spread awareness of the important cause that this work supports. Every bit helps when it comes to protecting our “Sanctuary” Colored Pencil on Pastelmat, 12” x 9”

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“Winter Break” Mixed Media on Pastelmat, 8.5” x 6”

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THE BURN FACTOR:

A GLIMPSE AT THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE-DRIVEN WILDFIRES

By Tracey Chaykin

T

he impact of climate change-induced wildfires is a reality society needs to acknowledge. While human activities are responsible for starting 90% of wildfires, climate change has heightened their intensity and scale. As weather patterns change, rising temperatures and drying forests have made wildfires a disastrous outcome of climate change. The destruction caused by the 2020 wildfires that ravaged over four million acres in California alone, spreading to Oregon, Washington, and other western states, is still fresh in the memory of many residents, including myself.

The cause of most of these fires was dry lightning, which occurs when the heat evaporates all moisture before it reaches the ground; another result of our warming climate. These fires have far-reaching impacts, affecting not only the animals living in the forests but also the quality of the air we breathe and our health and safety. This article explores the devastating impact of these

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wildfires, taking a closer look at the “burn factor.”

The impact of wildfires on our water supply is multifaceted and far-reaching. The devastating effects of these infernos extend beyond the loss of land and property to pose significant risks to our water systems. As fires rage and temperatures soar, water pollution becomes an imminent threat to our delicate aquatic ecosystems. The ash and debris from destroying vegetation and trees can contaminate our freshwater sources, causing longterm damage to human and wildlife populations. The toxic chemicals and heavy metals that infiltrate our water supply pose a significant risk to our health. They can accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms, disrupting their physiological functions.

Additionally, the excess nutrients brought into the water by ash can lead to an overgrowth of algae and eventual depletion of oxygen,

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harming marine life. Furthermore, sediment runoff from burnt areas can destroy crucial breeding grounds and spawning habitats, affecting the balance of our ecosystems.

and the displacement of wildlife; it is a complex environmental issue that severely affects our air quality and poses significant health risks for humans and animals. As fires rage and burn, they release harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere, contributing to the deterioration of our air. The ash on my car and the overall red sky in the photos are poignant examples of the devastating impact of wildfires on air quality, as evidenced during the lightning complex fires in California in 2020.

Moreover, the water scarcity crisis that results from wildfires exacerbates the situation. The loss of vegetation and trees that absorb and retain water poses significant risks to water infiltration and groundwater recharge. As a result, water availability decreases for human consumption, irrigation, and other vital activities. This dwindling One of the main contributors to water supply can lead to a surge in air pollution from wildfires is the droughts, further threatening our emission of greenhouse gases, agriculture, local communities, and including carbon dioxide and Fire map of 2017 fires surrounding Napa Valley global food supply. methane. These gases trap heat in The numbers paint a grim picture as well. Of the planet’s the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change and leading to 71% surface water, only 3.5% is freshwater, with most of it more intense and frequent wildfires. As this cycle continues, locked in glaciers. This 3.5% is the primary water source for more emissions are released, perpetuating the harmful effects consumption and irrigation, and the ongoing wildfire crisis is on our air quality. causing its steady depletion.

Besides greenhouse gases, wildfires release toxic chemicals Furthermore, the destruction of trees due to wildfires and particulate matter, including smoke, ash, and soot. The creates additional water-related issues. Trees are essential in wind can carry these particles over long distances, causing preventing erosion and stabilizing soil while regulating water harm to those who inhale them. Smoke comprises a complex flow. Without them, heavy rainfall can cause flash floods, mixture of chemicals and pollutants, including carbon washing away topsoil and causing sedimentation in rivers and monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and small particles streams. This sedimentation further harms aquatic habitats known as PM2.5. These tiny particles can penetrate our lungs and increases the costs of filtration and purification. and enter our bloodstream, leading to respiratory issues, exacerbating asthma, and increasing the risk of heart attacks Wildfire activity is more than just the destruction of forests and other cardiovascular diseases.

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The impact of wildfires on agriculture can also be significant, destroying trees and pollutants settling on crops and contaminating soil, affecting food quality, safety, and the environment.

Wildfires can have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences on the Earth’s surface, particularly decimating tree populations.

This destruction of trees has significant implications for our environment and society, such as the loss of habitat for diverse wildlife and the increase of soil erosion.

The absence of trees on the Earth’s surface can increase soil erosion, particularly during heavy rainfall. Tree roots help anchor the soil, preventing it from being washed away by rain and wind. When wildfires destroy these trees, the ground becomes more vulnerable to erosion, resulting in the loss of topsoil, which is essential for agriculture and plant growth.

The destruction of trees due to wildfires can also release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. However, when trees get destroyed, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and further exacerbating the conditions that fuel wildfires.

The decimation of tree populations caused by wildfires has multifaceted effects on the Earth’s surface, from habitat loss and increased soil erosion to the economic implications of resource shortages. The consequences of these effects are significant and can have long-lasting impacts on our environment and society.

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This leads us to wildfires, which wreak havoc on wildlife and their habitats, causing disruptions in delicate ecosystems and endangering biodiversity. These catastrophic events can result in the loss of numerous species and upset crucial food chains, leading to imbalances in natural environments.

The impact of wildfires on wildlife is immediately apparent through the destruction of habitats. These infernos engulf vast tracts of land, leaving scorched and lifeless terrain behind.

The loss of vegetation and trees deprives countless animals of essential resources such as shelter, nesting sites, and food sources. Animals that rely on specific habitats, such as treenesting birds or mammals that depend on undergrowth cover, are especially vulnerable to losing these vital resources.

Wildfires can also have a direct and catastrophic effect on animal populations. The intense heat and flames can cause immediate fatalities, trapping and suffocating animals or causing severe burns. Those who survive may struggle to find sufficient food and water. The disruption of food sources can also trigger a domino effect throughout the food chain, influencing predator-prey dynamics and causing imbalances in the ecosystem.

The far-reaching consequences of wildfires on wildlife and their habitats pose significant threats to the health and resilience of ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity impacts the natural world and has crucial implications for human survival.

The stability of critical ecosystem services such as pollination, water filtration, and pest control rely on the diversity and vitality of ecosystems.

Wildfires harm the natural environment, pose risks to human health, and significantly affect industries that rely

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on natural resources. In particular, the paper, lumber, and pencil industry experiences severe consequences due to the destruction caused by wildfires. As trees, the primary source of raw materials for these industries, are decimated by flames, a shortage in the timber supply becomes inevitable, significantly affecting the production of paper, lumber, and pencils. The resulting scarcity of these essential products can have a broader impact on our daily lives, from the availability of packaging materials to the production of books and newspapers.

The paper shortage caused by wildfires can affect various aspects of our lives. As trees burn, the supply of tree fibers, a crucial component of paper production, decreases, leading to higher costs for paper products and reduced availability.

Lumber, another vital resource, is used in construction and rebuilding efforts in fire-affected areas. As wildfires destroy forests, the timber supply is negatively affected, leading to delays in rebuilding homes, infrastructure delays, and increased construction project costs.

Producing pencils is also profoundly impacted by wildfires, particularly species like cedar, which are essential for pencil manufacturing. The loss of tree populations due to wildfires can disrupt the supply chain of pencil production, leading to a shortage of pencils. This scarcity affects students, artists, and industries reliant on pencils for their day-to-day operations.

Every year, 82,000 trees turn into 14 billion traditional wooden pencils, making pencils’ increased costs and limited availability a significant concern for educational and creative endeavors.

The increasing threat of wildfires, intensified by climate change, has become a significant global concern that devastates our environment, wildlife, and society. The impact

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of these wildfires is far-reaching, affecting not only immediate destruction but also the quality of our water and air, the population of trees, and industries that depend on them.

This “burn factor” highlights the interconnectedness of our ecosystem and the urgency to address underlying causes and take proactive measures to mitigate the devastating impacts of wildfires.

As we explore the “burn factor,” it is clear that wildfires significantly threaten our water supply, air quality, wildlife, and habitats. Moreover, the decimation of tree populations affects the availability of vital resources such as paper, lumber, and pencils, which, in turn, affects our daily lives and industries.

The far-reaching implications of wildfires for the stability of ecosystems and the overall health of our planet demand attention and action from the global community.

The risks associated with wildfires go beyond environmental damage, as inhalation of smoke and the instability of land after fires can have severe consequences for human well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. Therefore, effective prevention, mitigation, and emergency response strategies are essential.

As a global community, we cannot ignore the underlying causes of the “burn factor” of wildfires, such as climate change.

Implementing strategies like sustainable forest management, actively reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and researching more renewable alternatives like bamboo can help protect our environment, safeguard human health and safety, and ensure the availability of vital resources for future generations.

Proactive measures can restore and cover the delicate balance of nature, and it is up to us to work together to impact the world positively.

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ARTISTS WANTED: BE A PART OF NEW YORK’S LARGEST PEACE CRUSADE – PAINT YOUR LEGACY AT THE GRIMANDI GALLERY! The Palette of Harmony: Envision Your Art in the Heart of New York

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magine the scene: the storied streets of New York City, wrapped in the gentle embrace of winter. Amidst this picturesque backdrop, the Grimandi Art Gallery opens its doors on December 14 to an exhibition that is more than a mere showcase—it’s a resonant call for unity in times of division. Here lies an invitation to be a part of “Artists United For Peace,” a project with a vision as grand and bold as the city itself.

The Peace Tree: A Symbol of Collective Aspiration Step outside the gallery and bear witness to a symbol that stands as a testament to the unity we strive for: the Peace Tree.

Here, you’ll have the chance to leave your indelible mark not just on canvas but in the hearts of the community. Hang your messages of peace and love, and watch them become a part of the city’s daily fabric, a whisper of hope to every passerby.

Dear Creators of Change, Your craft is a force, a whisper into the soul of society, urging it toward harmony. The “Artists United For Peace” project is a project where your art will not just be displayed but will breathe life into the ethos of peace, love, and communal togetherness.

Why You, Why Now? The moment has come to elevate your voice, to stand out in the congregation of artists as a beacon of change. This is about more than exhibiting your work; it’s about broadcasting your unique vision of peace to a world that is listening, yearning for that spark of joy and unity.

A Global Exhibition Like No Other Your work has the opportunity to shine within the prestigious walls of the Grimandi Art Gallery amidst a season of reflection and new beginnings from December 14 to January 20. But the journey doesn’t end within those walls. The digital realm beckons, offering continuous broadcast of your art on Vivid Arts Network TV, the Create4Peace.org website, and the Grimandi Art Gallery’s online portal. Imagine your piece pulsing through the veins of the internet, reaching a vast and varied audience, and connecting hearts worldwide.

You are the dreamers, the weavers, the painters of a new dawn. This is your stage, your moment. It’s an opportunity to contribute to and lead the conversation of unity through the universal language of art.

Will you step forward? Will your work be the emblem of serenity in the heart of the city that never sleeps? This is your canvas, your chance to blend your voice with a global symphony that sings for peace.

Seize this moment. Join “Artists United For Peace.” Let us hang your message of harmony on the Peace Tree, and together, let’s transform the gallery—and the world—into an oasis of unity.

A Dialogue Beyond Canvases Beyond the visual spectacle, “Artists United For Peace” curates a narrative with your voice.

Through interviews and personal messages, you’ll share the ethos behind your creations, weaving your personal story into the larger tapestry of global dialogue.

Visit our website or scan the QR code. Submit your art. Be the change.

For peace. For art. For the heartbeat of humanity.

"Woman Face" by Patrick Joosten

"Let's Get Wet" by John Nieman