Celebrating the Visionaries of ICON Magazine Published by ArtTour International 2024 Edition
Dedication
To the artists who illuminate our world with their creativity, passion, and courage.
To the collectors, curators, and art lovers who cherish and champion their masterpieces. And to the readers who embrace the transformative power of art—this book is for you.
Prologue
The Transformational Power of Art
In the quiet moments of creation, a masterpiece is born—not merely through skill but through the alchemy of passion, vision, and a desire to connect. Art is not bound by time or space; it transforms, uplifts, and enlightens.
At ArtTour International, we believe in art’s ability to inspire change. Through ICON Magazine, we have journeyed with artists who challenge norms, spark conversations, and redefine beauty. This book is a celebration of their courage and their contributions to a world hungry for meaning and hope.
Let their stories inspire you. Let their work move you. And let this collector’s edition be a reminder of the extraordinary ways art enriches our lives.
Follow us @arttourinternationalMedia
CONTRIBUTORS
CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIVIANA PUELLO
www.vivianapuello.com
Email: viviana@arttourinternational.com
COO/GRAPHIC DIRECTOR
ALAN GRIMANDI
www.alangrimandi.com
Email: graphics@arttourinternational.com
WEB DESIGN: Humberto Jose Orozco
CUSTOMER SUPPORT:
Email: admin@arttourinternational.com
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PODCAST “The Winner’s Journey” www.vivianapuello.com/podcast
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In New York, Tune in to MNN-HD Ch. 1993 in Manhattan (TWC/ SPECTRUM). Outside of New York watch the live streaming of our show at MNN.ORG
FOUNDATIONS:
CREATE 4 PEACE www.create4peace.org
ARTISTS FOR A GREEN PLANET www.artistsforagreenplanet.org
GE T FEATURED!
If you’re an artist looking for a platform to expose your art, share your message and expand your network, contact info@arttourinternational.com for to find out how to get featured in our magazine.
At the heart of the global art scene, ArtTour International is a multimedia platform dedicated to celebrating contemporary art and the visionaries who create it. With a reach spanning 198 countries and a readership of over two million, we are committed to bridging the gap between artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
Since our inception, ArtTour International has evolved into more than a magazine—it is a movement. Through our award-winning publications, television channel (Vivid Arts TV), and live events, we provide artists with platforms to share their stories and build legacies.
ICON Magazine, one of our signature projects, showcases individual artists in exclusive editions, offering readers an intimate look at their creative journeys. This collector’s edition takes that mission even further, celebrating the best of the best from the ICON series in one extraordinary volume.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower artists, inspire collectors, and elevate art as a transformative force in the world.
Dare to Create. Stay Inspired. www.arttourinternational.com
ABOUT THE CURATORS
VIVIANA PUELLO
Viviana Puello is an unstoppable force in the global art world—a visionary leader, author, curator, speaker, and CEO of ArtTour International Magazine, the groundbreaking multimedia platform reaching over two million readers in 198 countries.
As the founder of ICON Magazine, Create4Peace.org, and the prestigious Top 60 Masters Awards, Viviana has redefined how contemporary art is celebrated and shared. Her passion for empowering artists has led to innovative projects that bridge the gap between creativity and exposure, helping artists build legacies that inspire future generations.
Viviana is also the driving force behind Vivid Arts TV, an award-winning television network that brings the stories of artists to life, connecting them with audiences worldwide. Her dynamic career spans not only curation but also media production, public speaking, and environmental activism. As a volunteer leader with The Climate Reality Project, founded by Al Gore, she uses her platform to champion sustainability through art.
A natural storyteller, Viviana’s inspiring life journey—from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential voices in the art world—has been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, The Washington Post, CBS, NBC, ABC, and CEO Weekly. Her mantra, “Stay Inspired,” is a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of art to transform lives.
ALAN GRIMANDI
Alan Grimandi is a creative powerhouse—an award-winning filmmaker, media producer, and co- founder of ArtTour International Magazine, where he serves as COO and creative director. His visionary leadership and artistic ingenuity have helped shape the magazine into a global platform that celebrates contemporary art at its finest.
As the founder and programming director of Vivid Arts TV, Alan has created a vibrant stage for artists, connecting them with collectors and audiences in over 198 countries. His productions, ranging from artist documentaries to the acclaimed Art Titans: Masters of the New Era series, have redefined how art is experienced and appreciated, bridging the gap between creativity and technology.
Alan’s talents extend beyond filmmaking and publishing. His creative direction for the Top 60 Masters Awards Book and the ICON Collector’s Edition has elevated these projects to works of art themselves, combining cutting-edge design with a deep understanding of what makes an artist’s story resonate.
With an eye for innovation and a passion for storytelling, Alan’s impact on the art world is profound. He continues to push boundaries, offering artists new ways to connect with audiences and leave lasting legacies.
Together, Viviana Puello and Alan Grimandi form an extraordinary duo whose commitment to the arts has transformed how we see, celebrate, and share creativity on a global scale.
About Vivid Arts TV
Vivid Arts TV is a groundbreaking multimedia platform celebrating the world of contemporary art, culture, and creativity. Founded by Viviana Puello and Alan Grimandi, Vivid Arts TV connects audiences to the stories, journeys, and masterpieces of global artists.
The network features:
• Original Documentaries: Dive into compelling series like Art Titans: Masters of the New Era, which explores the lives of artists shaping the future of creativity.
• Exclusive Artist Interviews: Meet the visionaries on The ArtTour International Show.
• Live Performances: Experience theater, dance, and music from world-class performers.
• Interactive Workshops: Engage with leading artists and their creative processes.
Where to Watch Vivid Arts TV
Vivid Arts TV is available across multiple platforms for your convenience:
1. Apple TV - Stream directly on Apple TV by downloading the Vivid Arts TV app from the App Store.
2. Amazon Fire TV - Install the app through the Amazon Appstore.
3. Roku - Add the Vivid Arts Network channel via the Roku Channel Store.
4. Mobile Devices:
◦ iOS: Download from the Apple App Store for iPhones and iPads.
◦ Android: Available on the Google Play Store.
5. Online Streaming - Watch anywhere in the world by visiting the official website: www.VividArts.tv. Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or artist seeking inspiration, Vivid Arts TV is your gateway to the transformative power of art. Explore. Connect. Stay Inspired.
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CHRISTOPHE SZPAJDEL Page 8
CONSUELO CHILD-VILLIERS
DAN MCCORMACK
FRANK HOEFFLER
DESPINA KYRIACOU
GUSTAVS FILIPSONS
HOWARD HARRIS
JOSEF WEIDNER Page 32
RIC CONN Page 44
TRACEY CHAYKIN Page 50
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WENDY MCNALLY
Page 72
SHU-YA-HSU
Page 38
MONIKA BENDNER
Page 26
JEAN JACQUES PORRET
My Artistic life has been something of a double-edged sword for as long as I can remember...but I cannot imagine life without creativity at its core.
- Consuelo Child-Villiers
“Grain” from Yellow & Blue series for Ukraine, Oil on Canvas
CONSUELO CHILD-VILLIERS
“A Journey Through Ethereal Beauty”
by Viviana Puello
Consuelo Child-Villiers’ work is an exquisite exploration of the boundaries between reality and fantasy, plunging us into realms of surreal beauty that reflect the artist’s remarkable ability to see beyond the surface. Each piece she creates invites viewers into a world woven with profound emotion, where dreamlike figures, mythological creatures, and symbolic gestures are imbued with intense, heartfelt narratives. It is as though Child-Villiers has carved a bridge between our world and an alternate universe, welcoming us to wander in spaces that feel both hauntingly familiar and thrillingly new.
In “Ghost Writer,” we are introduced to a figure poised in quiet reflection, a portrait of grace caught in the act of creation. The muted teal and violet hues envelop the figure, amplifying the profound solitude and introspection radiating from the piece. The artist’s choice of colors and soft lines conveys a sense of delicate strength, a whisper of vulnerability that speaks to the artist’s sensitivity. This figure is not merely a character; it embodies creativity itself, a vessel of thoughts and emotions waiting to be translated into the world. Child-Villiers captures this moment of stillness with exquisite attention to detail,
“Winged Panther” Oil on Canvas
“Ghost Writer” Oil on Canvas
allowing us to witness the sacred process of creation, which resonates deeply within us as observers.
In her work “Grain,” Child-Villiers explores a different visual language—one of movement and freedom. Figures flow seamlessly within fields of gold and blue, their forms merging with the landscape in a dynamic, almost choreographed dance. There is a sense of liberation here,
a reminder of our interconnectedness with the natural world. The bold contrasts of yellow and blue do more than capture attention; they evoke the warmth of sunlit fields against the coolness of twilight, a visual metaphor for life’s dualities. Child-Villiers’ figures are not bound by physicality but are freed into an elemental existence, blending into the grain and embodying the spirit of the earth itself.
“Yellow Book” from Yellow & Blue series for Ukraine, Oil on Canvas
“Gabriel” Oil on Canvas
“Figure with Cat” Charcoal and Oil on Canvas
Consuelo’s approach to composition reveals her mastery of balancing intricate details and vast, open spaces. Her figures, be they ethereal beings or mythological presences, occupy a realm between motion and stillness, drawing viewers in with an invitation to pause and ponder. These elements do more than evoke beauty; they encourage us to linger, to immerse ourselves in scenes that seem at once anchored in ancient myth and yet vibrantly present. Each brushstroke adds to a story that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Through her captivating pieces, Consuelo Child-Villiers has given us more than art; she has gifted us access to a world where emotion, myth, and imagination collide. It is a space that feels like an open invitation—to dream, to feel, and, ultimately, to reconnect with the parts of ourselves we often overlook. To experience her work is to journey into the depths of
the human spirit, leaving us transformed and filled with a sense of wonder that lingers long after we have left her world.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
"Easier for me to quote a review. I am hopeless at describing my own style..!: " Consuelo is a long-established artist who freely falls into a world of her own, no net, independent. Figures, creatures, objects, and their secrets dwell in her vision, which is both playful and serious. Consuelo's medium of expression is color, color as a material fact, communication, and soul-song in paint.” Guislaine de Damas
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
"My Studio spans the top door of my London house. I create mostly oil on canvas, starting an idea in charcoal and graduating to oil, with many 'Pentimenti' along the way. These are extremely useful in that they donate immeasurably to the final result. I also create Collages on Gesso boards and occasionally ceramics. An integral part of my creative process is listening to audiobooks as I work, from classical to contemporary, as long as they are beautifully read. This transports me from 'overthinking' as I paint...since ideas are usually 80% intact before starting to paint."
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
"All my life I have wanted to be an Artist ...ever since I was a child...I have never really known any other way to express my feelings or emotions. I had a dream in early Adult life in which Picasso appeared and offered me a large box of colors. From that moment, the momentum shifted, and I knew that whatever the highs and lows that life as an Artist inevitably might present, I was committed."
“Tea” Oil on Canvas
“Harlequin” Mixed Media Collage on Gesso Board
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
"Whatever the audience chooses to see is the message...I wouldn't presume to dictate a message, but I am equally very encouraged and fulfilled if my work appeals or inspires my audience; this makes the whole process worthwhile."
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
"Life and all that I have experienced from childhood to today in the way of travel, literature, dreams, visual Arts and life experiences, both positive and otherwise, influence what I create in my Art."
“Veil” Oil on Canvas
“Crow” Oil on Canvas
Art is all around us; we eat, sleep, and live art our whole lives; we must open ourselves up and take time to see it, take it in, and appreciate it all our lives!
- Frank Hoeffler
“Don't Break your Mother's Back” Oil on Canvas, 20’’x24’’
FRANK HOEFFLER
“Embracing the Fragile Beauty of Life”
by Viviana Puello
Frank Hoeffler’s work dives into the raw, poignant beauty of life’s imperfections, capturing a universal vulnerability that resonates deeply with viewers. His pieces, “Don’t Break Your Mother’s Back” and “I Am Done Talking About It,” reveal a mastery of texture, form, and color that speaks to life’s delicate balance between chaos and order. Each canvas tells its own story, inviting us into a world where fragility is honored and resilience is celebrated.
In “Don’t Break Your Mother’s Back” (Oil on Canvas, 20x24), Hoeffler revisits the childhood game of avoiding cracks, transforming it into a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s uncertainties. Here, fractured white shapes rest atop a dynamic background of color—deep reds, muted purples, and splashes of warm ochre—that bursts forth with intense energy. The rough edges and uneven cracks are more than visual disruptions; they symbolize the unpredictability and beauty of life’s journey. These forms float, almost suspended, conveying a sense of fragility while underscoring the resilience needed to find stability amid chaos. Hoeffler’s bold color choices enhance this tension, bringing each fracture and connection to life in a vivid, tangible way.
With “I Am Done Talking About It “ (Oil on Canvas, 30x24), Hoeffler delves into the exhaustion and release that
“Don't Step on The Crack” Oil on Canvas, 24’’x30’’
“I am Done Talking About it” Oil on Canvas, 30’’x24’’
accompanies the end of a profoundly personal journey. The jagged, thick strokes of white cutting across the canvas embody a finality, a raw declaration that all has been said and felt. Surrounding these stark forms are splashes of vibrant color—reds, blues, yellows—that feel chaotic, as though they are the remnants of an intense emotional outpouring. Impasto gives this piece a tactile presence, drawing the viewer into the weight and texture of the artist’s journey. The composition has a sense of resolution, a profound silence that lingers, embodying both exhaustion and peace.
Hoeffler’s work invites us to reflect on life’s cracks,
“Reclining Female Nude” Oil on Canvas, 20’’x16’’
its unpolished edges, and the beauty of embracing our vulnerabilities. Through his dynamic compositions and expert use of color, he captures the universal journey of struggle, resilience, and acceptance. These paintings are not just visual experiences but emotional landscapes
“Banquet Bouquet” Oil on Canvas 16’’x20’’
“The Last of the Apples” Oil on Canvas, 24’’x18’’
urging us to confront and find meaning in life’s beautiful imperfections. In each piece, Hoeffler invites us to see ourselves, acknowledge our fragile strength, and find peace within the fractures.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
“I would say my artistic style is realism, abstraction, expressionism, impressionism, nonrepresentational, and everything in between. I am an artist! I find inspiration from almost
everywhere—sitting on the patio, driving home from work, walking out of my doctor’s office, looking down, and getting inspired by the cracks in the cement.”
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“I have to decide what I will paint. It takes me about a week of nonstop wondering. Then, another week to decide how I will talk about the subject—whether abstractly, realistically, etc. Then a week to get inspired and set up to start painting. Then I paint, and paint, and paint. I usually do a series of 15 to 20 or more canvases until I’m done talking about the subject. I paint until I feel I have exhausted my emotions on the subject, and there’s nothing more for me to say. Then I’m done, and on to my next idea.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“In 7th grade, I took my first art class. It was only a half-semester, but I knew then I had found my passion. I could express my innermost feelings through my art. I paint from deep within my soul. I tell the world everything about myself through my art. I tell people that if they knew how to decipher my marks, they would see my soul. Sometimes it’s difficult for me to show my work because it is so telling.”
“Red Roof Barn” Oil on Canvas, 20’’x16’’
“Sea of Wheat” Oil on Canvas, 30’’x24’’
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“I hope: peace, love, tranquility, hope, beauty. The feeling that everything is right with the world, and they don’t have to worry about a thing. Maybe my work will evoke questions they never thought about before. I feel I have carried out my goal if my art causes a reaction from the viewer, either positively or negatively. When people just walk by with no expression, I feel let down, like I didn’t express my ideas correctly or completely.”
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“Well, at first, I would have said no, I don’t think so. However, looking back on my life, I think everything I’ve done has influenced my work. My entire childhood growing up in a household of 12. I saw great poverty while stationed in South Korea with the Air Force. It took me over three months to get over my culture shock. I have worn many different hats throughout my life so far, and I never stopped painting. In fact, that’s what kept me going, so I know I will never stop painting.”
Life gives you eyes; art enables you to see with your mind what can’t be seen with your eyes.
- Howard Harris
“Midcentury Modern” Sublimation on Aluminum
HOWARD HARRIS
“An Exquisite Dialogue of Dimension, Form, and Light”
by Viviana Puello
Howard Harris has redefined what it means to view and experience art, merging technology and perception into a captivating experience. His work is a journey beyond traditional boundaries, where he plays with layers, grids, and vibrant colors to pull the viewer into a multi-dimensional world. Known for his pioneering “Techspressionism,” Harris fuses abstract photography with modern digital techniques, using acrylic and aluminum to create pieces that vibrate with life.
Each artwork invites the viewer to engage actively with the image as if stepping into a new reality that shifts with every glance. His approach relies on visual perception, where the viewer’s eye and mind complete the art, creating a personalized interpretation of depth, motion, and form. Harris achieves this by masterfully using grids and color gradation, exploring how structure and spontaneity can coexist within a single frame. There is a brilliance in his manipulation
“Whooo” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Albers Unleashed” Sublimation on Aluminum
of light and shadow, where each viewing angle offers something novel—an optical dance that never settles, forever dynamic.
In “Play It Again” and “Midcentury Modern,” Harris uses grid-like structures and a vivid color palette to evoke a sensation of endless possibility. These pieces do not simply sit on the wall; they ripple, breathe, and engage with their surroundings. They call to mind both the vibrant pulse of urban life and the calm contemplation of nature, creating a sensory experience that’s both thrilling and meditative. His art encourages a mindfulness that transcends mere aesthetics, inviting viewers to consider how perception shapes reality.
What is most striking about Harris’ work is his ability to balance chaos and order with such precision. There’s an undeniable fluidity in his compositions, a rhythm that feels organic and intentional. The lines and shapes may appear random at first glance, but a closer examination reveals a meticulously structured interplay, where each element has its place and purpose. Harris’ skill lies in his capacity to transform a simple shape or color into a conversation, a narrative that unfolds differently for each observer.
The essence of Harris’ artistry lies in his innovative approach to form and his profound understanding of how light can alter perception. His work is imbued with a sense of movement and depth, as though the colors and shapes themselves are alive, shifting in response to our gaze. This interaction creates a personal connection, inviting the viewer to explore the nuances of light, shade, and reflection that Harris expertly manipulates.
What truly sets Howard Harris apart is his ability to make technology feel intimate, almost organic. He combines high-tech processes with a profoundly human touch, capturing images, experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Each work reflects Harris’s vision, but it is also an invitation—a gateway for viewers to step into their own perceptions, to feel the pulse of color and form
resonating with their personal stories. In a world where art often rushes by, Harris’s creations compel us to pause, engage, and see. Through his work, he reveals the beauty in perception, making us aware of the countless ways we experience and interpret the world around us.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
“My style is called Techspressionism. Techspressionism is an artistic approach utilizing technology to express an emotional experience. It is the use of technology that helps me set an image free from the constraints of the camera. Life gave me eyes, art gave me sight, and technology gave me the tools to set the images free”.
“Apples” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Vervet Mama & Baby Monkey” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Pay it Again” Sublimation on Aluminum
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“First, I use a camera to capture a moment in time, the image. Then sometimes, the image reveals itself to me quickly, meaning 1 to 2 weeks.
Other times it takes many months to coax the image to reveal the nuance that helps others feel the movement, light, and color. I then use technology to help release more than one moment in time, one view, and one experience. Finally, through my training in the arts and technologies, I add the intangible dimensions of personal expression, emotion, movement, and the opportunity for the image to interact with its ever-changing environment.
Using my patented process of photographic constructions, I use a single, often abstracted, image layered with a clear acrylic subtle grid. The resulting visual phenomenon infuses the image with a sense of dimensionality and fluidity affected by such changes as the viewing angle and light. The resulting image combines technology and aesthetics to expand the viewer’s experience of a Techspressionist world”.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“I was born to be an artist. I cannot think of a time when art was not part of my life. From as early as I can remember, the art of some type - painting, sculpture, photography, theater, etc. - has always been around me. It is only a foggy memory, but I took my first formal drawing class when I was 8 or 10. I still have two vivid memories of that class: One was that
the class was held in an “artist” style loft (very cool), and the other was the teacher laughing at me when I drew a fox with a tail that looked like it exploded out of the fox’s rear end. For some reason, that failure just inspired me to refine my aspirations and pursue artistic projects following my intuition and imagination. And since I really couldn’t draw well, I began using a camera to capture images. From an early age, the technology of the camera became a passion. Photography continually inspired my imagery, from black and white photos to the magic of color technology”.
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“I want to help each viewer realize that they have their own unique emotion/ experience when viewing my images. Each image has a story that isn’t frozen in time and space. I don’t intend to evoke a fixed set of emotions. I only act as a conduit for the viewer to experience the image in a three-dimensional, spherical sense of light, feeling, time, and space.
However, the surprise is my work’s most prevalent emotional response. Words like, “I have never seen anything like this before” seems to be the reaction that is heard time and time again. Since the viewer expects to see a static image that looks pretty much the same in any environment, the image is successful when the viewer is amazed by my content, constructions, and use of technology to create movement”.
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“My artwork progressed through several stages throughout my adventure as an artist.
The first stages of my work were mainly technology-based, using the camera with what one would consider a “good eye.”
My second work stage began in the early 70s at the Kansas City Art Institute. I understood that mastering technology was part of the “art” equation.
The third stage also happened at the Kansas City Art Institute, where I used my artistic talents to pursue design.
“Brisbane Storm” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Volcan de Agua” Sublimation on Aluminum
The fourth stage of my art happened when I went to Pratt Institute to study Industrial Design under Rowena Kostellow. Her mentoring and teachings moved me from my technological approach to art to a spiritual and emotional one. Her teachings brought the importance of line, volume, plane, and color into my art understanding. Studying industrial design at the Art Institute and Pratt gave me the tools to go beyond my imagination. It has given me the methodologies to combine art, business, and engineering to create a pleasing product. The Pratt experience gave me the courage to pursue art as a profession.
The fifth stage lasted from the early ’70s through 2011. I became part of a 5-person company that grew to over 160 people based on merging technology with design.
The sixth stage of my development is my quest to create fine art; my seventh development stage is a quest to internalize what Josef Albers said: “Abstraction is real, probably more real than nature”.
https://www.arttourinternational.com/
“Festival City” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Blanca Storm ” Sublimation on Aluminum
“Promiscuous”
Achieving a sense of “rightness”, even in the most uncertain circumstances, is the motivating concept behind my sculpture. The work is figurative but is not about the figure. I am an expressionist, as I am more interested in communicating an abstract feeling or idea than an actual image. I use recognizable forms to evoke emotions and stimulate sensations.
- Jean Jacques Porret
“Vagabonde”
JEAN JACQUES PORRET
“Sculpting the Eternal Flow of Emotion”
by Viviana Puello
In Jean Jacques Porret’s work, bronze breathes, moves, and tells stories. His sculptures are more than static forms; they are dynamic expressions of life’s essence— capturing emotions in fluid lines that defy the constraints of their medium. Each piece is an invitation to a visceral experience, where abstract forms reveal human nature’s universal yet deeply personal facets.
Porret’s artistry lies in his mastery of movement. His pieces shift with every angle, transforming before the viewer’s eyes as light dances across their curves. These sculptures are not mere depictions of figures; they transcend representational art, symbolizing the emotions and ideas that unite us. Each curve and contour reflects the ebb and flow of joy, love, resilience, and introspection. Porret’s work reminds us of the organic beauty inherent in our shared humanity in a world increasingly dominated by
technology and the superficial.
One of the most captivating aspects of Porret’s sculptures is their sense of balance. Despite the heavy bronze medium, his creations seem to float, defying gravity and conveying an almost ethereal lightness. This balance is physical and emotional; the sculptures exude a quiet strength, a steady presence that invites viewers to pause and reflect. They call to mind the impermanence of life, where every moment is in flux, yet every experience leaves a lasting impact.
Porret’s pieces are meticulously crafted, each detail purposeful. His process is as deliberate as it is passionate. From initial sketches to the final bronze casting, every stage reflects his commitment to transforming raw materials into soulful expressions. The artist’s use of
“Fantaisie”
“Rendez Vous Galant”
patina and finishing touches further enhances the sculptures’ depth, adding a dimension of warmth and age that mirrors the complexity of human emotions.
Porret’s works are accessible yet profound, appealing to seasoned art enthusiasts and casual observers. They invite viewers to engage and find a piece of their story within the flowing lines and shapes. Porret captures a fragment of the human experience in each sculpture, making his art timeless and universally relatable.
Jean Jacques Porret’s sculptures are silent yet powerful narrators of our shared existence. Through his art, he bridges the gap between the seen and the felt, the tangible and the emotional, reminding us that beauty lies not just in form but in the stories those forms can tell.
“Rencontre Nocturne”
“Songe Matinale”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
“To categorize my work as figurative or abstract is moot. Though figurative in practice, the work is never about the figure, but the emotions and ideas shared by the human race, expressed in the tension of the fluid curves and precarious balance. Though abstract, the recognizable form and innate humanity within each piece are impossible to ignore. Over time my work has become more dramatic in its simplicity.”
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“Starting from a series of sketches, each out of my imagination creates an attractive, sensual, and pleasing image to the eyes. I create my own style, my own path out of my imagination. I then create the sculpture in clay, ensuring the three dimensions remain as visualized in the sketches. A new piece is never actually finished, as other items such as patina, color, base material, and size will need to be considered, which is typically taking place after the molding, wax, and casting are completed.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“I started to carve and work with wood at a very young age. In the early days, my primary source of knowledge was sculptors interested enough to answer my questions. I visited the studios of some of the most famous sculptors, such as Pomodoro, Chilida, Ramseyer, Etrog, Henry Moore, and others. I was drawn to and learned the technique of bronze and lost wax casting “because it is the most demanding material which is responsive and sweet to the touch.” Lost wax is a slow multi-step process that has endured only because of the results.
One can not learn to be an Artist or a creator. That’s something one is born with. Many people are trying to be an artist, but they lack that crazy item called being creative, which is related to “IMAGINATION.”
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“Everything in life is inspiration, the sun rising over the horizon, a storm over the lake, etc. What is different, in comparison, is the new wave of electronics, smartphones, and all these, which people are getting hooked to today.
People no longer look at the beauty of things, and primary inspiration is getting lost. As an artist, I am creating sensual, attractive, and pleasing 3-D sculptures, which people don’t need to wonder what it is, what it looks like, or what it is supposed to be, but just enjoy and be inspired.”
“Voltige”
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“Everything in life is inspiration, the sun rising over the horizon, a storm over the lake, etc. What is different, in comparison, is the new wave of electronics, smartphones, and all these, which people are getting hooked to today.
People no longer look at the beauty of things, and primary inspiration is getting lost. As an artist, I am creating sensual, attractive, and pleasing 3-D sculptures, which people don’t need to wonder what it is, what it looks like, or what it is supposed to be, but just enjoy and be inspired.
There are so many artworks that are sensual and pleasing to the eye, even to the touch, artworks that one wants to be able to live with, such as H Moore, F Leger, Giacometti, Etrog, Ramseyer, Miro, Pomodoro, and even today’s sculptors as T Crag, F Benton, Chiilida, Botero, etc.”
Discover more about JEAN JACQUES PORRET in this exclusive ICON Magazine edition visit: https://www.arttourinternational.com/ publications/jean-jacques-porret/
“Fille de Joie”
“Illusion Intime”
My inspiration develops from my imagination, the perceived world of poetry, nature, or simply my surroundings.
- Josef Weidner
“The Siren” 58.2’’x37.4’’
JOSEF WEIDNER
“The Dance of Form and Feeling”
by Viviana Puello
Step into Josef Weidner’s world, where abstraction and surrealism merge in a lyrical flow of form, color, and mystery. His art invites us to observe, journey, question, and connect deeply with the emotions etched within each stroke and hue. Each painting becomes a window into the unseen, an invitation to witness landscapes and figures that defy logic, embracing the dreamlike and the fantastical.
Weidner’s work is steeped in a captivating dialogue between structure and freedom. His mastery lies in the careful balance between control and spontaneity, creating compositions that feel as if they are alive, shifting with the viewer’s gaze. His paintings take on a dimensional quality through rich textures and nuanced layering, drawing the eye from one intricate detail to another. Bold brushstrokes, layered colors, and unexpected contrasts transform his canvases into living entities, vibrating with an energy that refuses to be confined by traditional interpretations.
Nature, poetry, and the subconscious converge in these pieces, allowing forms to emerge organically and
“Landschaft 2” Acrylic and Ink on Canvas, 19.6’’x23.6’’
“Landschaft 1” Acrylic on Canvas, 19.6’’x19.6’’
evolve, sometimes becoming nearly unrecognizable. This unrestrained approach brings a unique vitality to his work, a sense that each piece is a fragment of a larger story unfolding across time and space. It’s not simply art on a wall—it’s an immersive experience, a journey through Josef’s imagination and a glimpse into his soul.
One must recognize the compelling social undertones embedded in his compositions. Weidner subtly addresses themes of resilience and transformation, mirroring the complexities of contemporary life. Through his art, he becomes a storyteller, a witness to the world’s beauty and deepest sorrows. His brush captures the essence of our times, urging viewers to confront reality with empathy and awareness.
Josef Weidner’s work speaks beyond words—a language that resonates in the heart stirs the soul and sparks the imagination. To experience his art is to enter a world where color and form express the ineffable, inviting you to ponder, reflect, and, above all, feel. This is not merely art but a powerful expression of life itself. In Josef’s universe, every brushstroke is a pulse, every shade a breath, making his art a profound journey into the vast realms of human experience.
“Landschaft 4” Acrylic on Canvas, 19.6’’x27.5’’
“Kopfstand” AAcrylic on Painting Board, 15.7’’x23.6”
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
“My inspiration develops from my imagination, the perceived world of poetry, nature, or simply my surroundings. My works are predominantly abstract and surreal, depicting visionary worlds, bizarre or unfathomable figures, and landscapes that emerge from the subconscious, allowing for various interpretations. Sometimes, they also feature geometric or organic shapes, lines, and colors. Over time, I have developed a very personal style. My abstract works are partially painted in oil or acrylic. The motifs are primarily impressions from the environment and nature, which later intuitively transform into fantasy creations.”
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
“The exhibited artworks are stimulating, painterly impressions with a particular dynamic and an open development process inherent to them. For me, artistic inspiration, expression, and free creation are essential. Often, multiple materials flow into a total work of art. The overall composition is paramount. They invite the viewer on a journey through their imagination, offering entirely new interpretive possibilities for the images.”
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“My abstract works are partially painted in oil or acrylic. The motifs are mostly impressions from the environment and nature, which later intuitively transform into fantasy creations. The artwork itself develops from a painting process. First, the mental framework and construction, the division of the canvas, are roughly established. During the intimate painting process, the total work of art emerges and is gradually refined.”
“Streben nach Freiheit” Acrylic on Canvas, 19.6’’x23.6’’
“Auf Wanderschaft”Acrylic on Painting Board, 15,7’’x23.6’’
“Der Steinmetz”
“Landschaft 3” Acrylic on Canvas, 27.5’’x23.6’’
I see the world with different eyes. Due to my imagination and creativity, I transform concrete objects into abstract objects, which is how my sometimes unusual pictures come about. In order to arrive at an appropriate image statement, I work in cycles.
- Monika Bendner
@MONIKA.BENDNER.3
MONIKA BENDNER “The Alchemy of Visual Rebirth”
by Viviana Puello
Monika Bendner’s artistry is a compelling dance of abstraction and form, where each piece invites us to surrender to a world reimagined through her transformative vision. From her roots in Berlin to her studies across Germany, Monika’s journey has been defined by an insatiable desire to push the boundaries of visual expression. Her work stands as a testament to the alchemical process of creation—taking the raw elements of life and reshaping them into forms that stir the soul and provoke introspection.
In her works, bold reds, powerful lines, and layered textures do more than fill a canvas; they breathe life into it. Monika’s “Rosen Abstrakt,” with its fiery hues and intense contrasts, embodies a rose as if emerging from delicate and fierce flames. Like much of her art, this piece
“Schneeweisschen und Rosenrot Mischtechnik”
engages the viewer on an emotional plane, capturing the fleeting beauty of nature and imbuing it with a depth that transcends its form. Her art does not merely depict; it evokes the intimate emotions tied to memory and imagination.
Monika’s style, rooted in technical skill and unbridled creativity, is a harmonious fusion of abstract and figurative elements. Her explorations in photography and graphic forms reveal her dedication to breaking visual conventions and bringing new perspectives to familiar subjects. Each image is a layered composition, where minimalist lines coexist with intricate details, reflecting Monika’s commitment to portraying the complexity of human experience within the simplicity of abstract forms.
In her mirrored profiles, for example, the use of grayscale paired with reflective glasses challenges viewers to confront dualities—of self and shadow, clarity and ambiguity. Monika’s art, rich with symbolic resonance, asks us not just to look but to ponder and engage with the emotional undercurrents of each piece.
A seasoned exhibitor, Monika Bendner has captivated audiences across national and international stages. Her work isn’t just visually arresting; it’s an experience,
an invitation to embrace the unknown and revel in the beauty of transformation. To explore Monika’s art is to journey alongside her into realms where the known
Zwillinge in Gedanken Mischtechnik
“Rosen abstrakt Mischtechnik”
Potterie Mischtechnik
world dissolves, and we are left with something far more evocative—a fresh perspective, a new feeling, a moment of pure, unadulterated wonder.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
“My technique consists of abstract, creative photography combined with painting, paper cutting, foils, and light sources and themes from everyday life. I approach my design process with an open mind and let myself be driven by my imagination and inexhaustible wealth of ideas.”
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“I approach my design process with an open mind and let myself be driven by my imagination and inexhaustible wealth of ideas. To do this, I also go into my inner world and LET IT HAPPEN, which makes me very happy when I see the result afterward when I am back in the real world.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“I discovered this in my childhood. My imagination has permanently changed real objects.”
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“My message: I would manage to make the audience understand my artistic expression.”
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“Since I had always turned everything into art, later, when I no longer had so many family responsibilities to fulfill, I took many different art courses to learn and to give my imagination a foothold.”
Viele Augen sehen mehr Mischtechnik
I believe in equality, and I want my work to reflect that. My work is different—it is not conventional, academic, or even the new modernism. I am creating a new avant-garde. I am an internationally known award-winning expressionist artist, inspired mainly by Toulouse-Lautrec, Edvard Munch, Picasso, Matisse, and the German Expressionists..
- Ric Conn
“Same Old Song And Dance” Oil on Canvas
RIC CONN
“Defying Boundaries Through Bold Expression”
Ric Conn’s work does not simply hang on walls— it challenges, confronts, and dares the viewer to engage with uncomfortable truths. In the paintings “Her Body, Her Choice” and “What If She Were Your Daughter?” Ric wields his brush as a weapon for change, pushing against societal norms that restrict, judge, and devalue the autonomy of women. His expressive style, deeply rooted in the bold, emotive aesthetics of German Expressionism, becomes a visceral commentary on women’s struggles, resilience, and dignity in the face of adversity.
In “Her Body, Her Choice,” the back of a faceless woman stands before two doors, one bearing a cross, symbolizing the polarizing choices women face. The powerful abstraction of her form, painted in warm, raw strokes of pink and orange, speaks to her vulnerability yet immense strength. Ric’s choice to obscure her face allows her to embody all women—a universal figure fighting for her right to choose, to live, to breathe freely. This painting is a
testament to the resilience of women faced with the most personal, difficult decisions, urging the viewer to feel her silent strength.
Meanwhile, in “What If She Were Your Daughter?”, Conn heightens the emotional impact. A pregnant figure, her face void of features yet filled with sorrow and weight, stands outside a shuttered abortion clinic. The ominous gray sky looms above her, embodying a sense of hopelessness and abandonment. Her yellow hands cradle her belly in a gesture that is both tender and tragic, reflecting the burden of her situation. The painting confronts the audience directly, asking them to consider empathy over judgment, to see her as someone’s daughter, sister, or friend. Conn’s use of intense colors and bold strokes speaks to his mastery in capturing raw emotions without superfluous details, keeping the focus on the core message.
Ric Conn’s work is fearless and unapologetic. He channels his own passion for equality into every brushstroke, creating pieces that resonate as much with anger as they
“Her body - Her choice” Oil on Canvas
“What if she Were your Daughter” Oil on Canvas
do with hope. His art is not for passive viewers; it requires introspection, demands awareness, and ultimately, inspires change. Ric’s paintings are a call to action, urging us to question the systems and norms that infringe upon women’s rights. They are a profound reminder that art can
Busines but
be a tool for empathy and justice, a force that not only reflects society but also challenges it. Conn’s artistry is a tribute to the women who fight daily battles for autonomy and respect—timeless figures whose silent struggles now have a powerful voice on canvas.
“Nobody’s
her Own” Acrylic on Canvas
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
“My style is based on 20th-century German Expressionism. My work is concerned with psychology, not reality.”
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“Sometimes I start with a concept, but most of the time, I don’t, I start drawing on the canvas in charcoal or occasionally right in with paint, and I build the concept as I go. itis more freeing doing this way.”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“When I was five years old when I started freehand drawing.”
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“My message is Gender Equality/Women’s Empowerment. Every painting concern situation woman must unfortunately navigate.”
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“All of it.”
“Unwanted Embrace” Oil on Canvas
“Please Not Again” Oil on Canvas
“Not all Injuries are Visible” Oil on Canvas
“Some Nightmares Won’t Go Away” Oil on Canvas
“Together Forever” Oil on Canvas
“The Zealot” Oil on Canvas
Our Planet is the perfect example of Creativity! The colors, varied environments, and life living on this planet inspire my desire to create moments to share the awe and beauty around us!.
- Tracey Chaikin
“On The Prowl” Colored Pencil
TRACEY CHAYKIN
“Capturing Nature’s Resonance in Colored Pencil”
by Viviana Puello
Tracey Chaykin’s work invites viewers into a realm where art and nature merge, crafting a deeply resonant experience. Chaykin’s technical prowess reveals itself in every piece through exquisite attention to detail. Her meticulous strokes capture the essence of the natural world, each line a tribute to the living textures she so carefully observes—whether the subtle shimmer of a feather or the rough patterns of an animal’s fur. Her colored pencil technique is unrivaled, layering hues with such precision that each piece pulses with life.
In ‘Dillon,’ we meet the gaze of a wild creature portrayed in such lifelike detail that we are drawn into a contemplative silence, feeling a mutual recognition of existence. Chaykin’s artistry goes beyond the physical likeness of the animal; she captures its spirit, embedding a sense of resilience and grace. The tonal depth and fine lines in the animal’s fur exhibit not only her technical mastery but also her profound empathy for her subjects.
Equally compelling, ‘Winter Break’ showcases her versatility in mixed media. Here, she melds various materials to create an intimate and expansive composition. The delicate layers speak to the fragility
“Sanctuary” Colored Pencil
“Dillon” Colored Pencil
of ecosystems often overlooked. Her use of color balances intensity with subtlety, inviting viewers to see and feel the cold, crisp air that envelops her subjects. The composition’s structure mirrors the interconnectedness of nature itself—a reminder that each element relies on another to create harmony.
What makes Chaykin’s work transformative is her ability to weave a narrative within each piece. She doesn’t merely depict nature; she presents a narrative on conservation, respect, and our responsibility toward the environment. Her compositions are calls to action, imploring us to consider the impacts of our choices. Through her art, we are reminded of the irreplaceable beauty of our planet and are invited to become stewards of its preservation.
Tracey Chaykin’s art is a profound invitation to reflect and engage. She masterfully uses her talent to depict and advocate, drawing viewers into a silent dialogue on the necessity of preserving the world’s natural beauty. In her hands, art becomes a bridge—a connection between human experience and the raw, untouched world that surrounds us.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
“My work is realistic based. I strive to focus on minute details, so colored pencils are my go-to medium.
I’m still in the experimental stage playing with other mediums to incorporate in fun ways with colored pencils.
Sometimes this is applied to the backgrounds with pencils used on the core subject matter to maintain realism. Other times, I will use different mediums as underpaintings with my
pencils over the top to reinforce the details and add depth.”
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
“My subjects are often not decided based on any project I’m looking into. This could be for the Artists, Biologists Unite for Nature, Birdwhisperer Project, Duck Stamp competitions, and sometimes my ideas.
Once a subject is chosen, the hunt begins to find that reference that speaks to my heart.
“American Lady” Colored Pencil
“Winter Break” Mixed Media
Once a reference is found, I study it and think about all the materials at my disposal to decide on the best, maybe fun, way to produce the result.
This is the stage where I’ll decide if colored pencils alone or mixed media will suit the subject best.
Then, depending on my time constraints, I will transfer the image to my surface or draw it freehand. Then the fun begins!”
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
“I’ve always had a passion for Art and drawing for as long as I can remember. But, even back then, I was always attracted to and intrigued by nature. I’ve rediscovered this passion now that my children are grown.
About seven years ago, in researching Art materials, I found organizations and individuals with the same passion and ideals as myself, focusing on nature and promoting its preservation for the future, and I was off and running! It was exactly what I needed to fuel my energy and talent toward this worthy cause now and into the future.”
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
“In today’s society, climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction, now more than ever, our Artwork is crucial whether it’s making a statement, providing an opportunity to raise funding for a cause, or just bringing awareness and knowledge.
“The Chase” Colored Pencil
“The Gathering” Colored Pencil
“Hopeful” Mixed Media
This is where my Art fits in, and I couldn’t be prouder of being a part of these opportunities to spread the word regarding the need for conservation and preservation of our way of life for now and into the future!”
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
“My influence has always been my love for nature! Research
into the subject matter has led me to learn more about those that need our help for many reasons, so I focus mainly on Conservation. Conservation not only of those living creatures that don’t have a voice; but also of those ecosystems that we rely on. We are all Connected and part of one big Ecosystem that deserves our attention to preserve for future generations!”
CHRISTOPHE SZPAJDEL “A Visual Symphony of Darkness and Elegance”
by Viviana Puello
Christophe Szpajdel’s art is a striking blend of heavy metal’s raw intensity and refined elegance. He creates logos that are more than symbols— they’re visual experiences that convey darkness with grace. With a foundation in forestry engineering, Szpajdel’s designs carry an organic quality, almost as if they’ve sprung from the earth. His background informs a naturalistic style that, combined with gothic undertones, brings depth to each piece, inviting viewers to witness the interplay of creation and decay.
In works like ‘Don’t Cry’ and ‘Hump Day,’ Szpajdel’s mastery of contrast is vividly on display. ‘Don’t Cry’ is a visceral piece where dripping lines and splatters evoke strength and vulnerability. The letters seem alive, emerging from deep shadows, each stroke intentional yet wild. The piece’s sharp, almost primal texture gives it a haunting beauty, balanced by the curves and flow of Szpajdel’s linework. His ability to control chaos, imbuing it with a sense of calm and grace, is evident here, capturing a feeling of resilience within fragility.
In “Happy Thanksgiving,” Szpajdel’s artistry captures the festive spirit through his signature blend of gothic elegance and organic flow. The typography takes on a
“Freedom Wings”
“Thanksgiving Day”
dynamic life of its own, with sharp, intricate lines forming a composition that echoes the natural symmetry of feathers. The design merges the celebratory theme with an underlying raw intensity, creating a balance between gratitude and strength. Szpajdel’s intricate linework swirls and sharpens, evoking both tradition and modernity in a piece that transforms a simple greeting into a statement of bold, visual sophistication.
Szpajdel’s work appeals to a broad audience, drawing in fans of both heavy metal and art enthusiasts alike. His ability to turn dark themes into something sophisticated and universal has led him to collaborations that transcend music, appealing to clients worldwide. Szpajdel’s designs invite embracing the beauty in darkness, finding elegance in the untamed, and witnessing art as bold as poetic.
Christophe Szpajdel captures the essence of human experience, exploring chaos and calm with an intensely raw yet controlled style. His art challenges us to see beyond the surface, uncover the narratives within the shadows, and celebrate work that dares to be authentic, powerful, and profoundly moving.
Fifty years of capturing the nude, I aim to craft images that are sensual, not sexual, offering a glimpse into the model, my life, or the world, reflecting the era I live in.
- Dan McCormack
“Leonir” Photography by Dan McCormack
“Large White Audio” Photography
“Large Blond Haired Doll” Photography
DAN MCCORMACK “Fragments of Humanity in Evocative Artistry”
by Viviana Puello
Dan McCormack’s work embodies an artistic reverence that transcends the ordinary, weaving deep-rooted emotion into every captured moment. His photography doesn’t just echo the visual; it resonates within the spirit, inviting us into a world where art, intimacy, and storytelling are inseparably entwined. In an age where digital imagery often sacrifices depth for speed, McCormack stands as a powerful reminder of the profound beauty in slowing down and seeing beyond the surface.
With an illustrious journey that began at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, McCormack’s commitment to photography has evolved into a dance between artist and subject. Here, there is no detachment— only a shared language that breathes life into every portrait. This unique connection fuels the rich depth of his work, transforming the act of photographing the human form into a symphony of collaboration,
respect, and vulnerability.
McCormack’s art is defined by an adventurous spirit that has embraced techniques both traditional and pioneering. His choice to integrate cell phone photography into his practice might appear deceptively simple, but in his hands, it becomes a tool of transformative power. Through meticulously crafted composite grids, McCormack challenges the linear notion of perspective. He asks us to step closer, urging us to feel the harmony in dissonance, the unity in the fragmented, and to rediscover the human form in its most honest and multifaceted state.
Each portrait whispers stories of resilience, longing, and quiet celebration. McCormack’s work captures the fleeting beauty of light and shadow dancing across skin, bringing the sensual into the realm of artful reverie. There is no loud spectacle, no push for shock. Instead, we find an invitation—a chance to witness the essence of his subjects laid bare in a way that feels timeless and intimate. It is this delicate balance that sets McCormack apart, highlighting his gift for creating images that are sensual, not sexual; evocative, not explicit.
Influenced by the rebellious ingenuity of visionaries like Diane Arbus and Aaron Siskind, McCormack redefines boundaries, weaving together the
“GRID Fragmentation Lenoir”
“Lenoir” Pinhole Camera Photography
influence of the past with his forwardthinking approach. His photography is a celebration of the imperfect, the raw, the real—a reminder that every image holds a pulse, a heartbeat, and an echo of our collective humanity.
Dan McCormack’s art isn’t just something you view; it’s something you feel in the marrow of your bones. It stirs, disrupts, and ultimately, connects us to ourselves and to each other. With every photograph, he offers not only a visual delight but a profound reminder of the stories that live within us, waiting to be seen.
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“Toy doll With White Face And Pink Body” Photography
“GRID Fragmentation Lenoir”
Print on Archival Paper
I like the relationship between colour form and elements of humanity, the link between us and nature.
- Despina Kyriacou
“Two Tone Colour Palate of Light” Large Format Photographic Print
DESPINA KYRIACOU
“Crafting
Echoes of Light and Shadow in Art”
by Viviana Puello
In the ever-evolving world of contemporary photography, where moments are often fleeting and perspectives predictable, Despina Kyriacou’s work stands as a revelation. Her art is an exploration—an intimate journey that harmonizes the whispers of the natural world with the raw, compelling stories of urban landscapes. Through her lens, Kyriacou offers a unique vantage point where abstraction isn’t just a technique but a soulful experience that draws us deeper into the essence of life itself.
Kyriacou’s approach to photography is bold yet tender. Inspired by the boundless imagination of Georgia O’Keeffe and the meticulous elegance of Paul Klee, she weaves these influences into her own artistic narrative. Her works are alive with movement, where textures and hues form a delicate balance that tells more than a visual story—it evokes an emotion, a memory, a connection. Each photograph becomes a portal, urging the viewer to see with the heart as much as with the eyes.
What captivates me most about Kyriacou’s work is its raw authenticity. Whether capturing the swirling interplay of sand and water or the timeworn details of an urban facade, she approaches each subject with reverence. There is a silent power in her compositions, a voice that speaks of time, transience, and the stories imprinted in every
“Duality-Light and Dark”
“Tangled Pattern” Large Format Photographic Print
“Curved Striation Band” Large Format Photographic Print
Photographic Print 5
surface. Her art brings forward the overlooked, the unnoticed, inviting us to engage with our surroundings not as passive observers but as active participants in this living mosaic.
Her semi-abstract approach bridges the real and the ethereal, sparking a contemplation that lingers. With each piece, Kyriacou prompts us to question our relationship with the spaces we inhabit: Are we guardians of these environments or silent witnesses to their quiet transformations? Her work challenges us to see not just the scenes but the stories they tell, to recognize the threads that bind humanity to nature in all its raw, beautiful forms.
Despina Kyriacou’s photography is a masterclass in subtlety and depth. It is art that does more than decorate walls; it speaks to the soul, urging us to find our place within the interplay of light and shadow, nature and structure. Her vision beckons us to pause, to reconnect, and to appreciate the profound beauty found in life’s intricate balance. Through Kyriacou’s lens, we are reminded that art is not just an echo of reality but a call to rediscover the wonder that surrounds us every day.
“Diagonal Yellow and Grey on Illuminated Surface” Photographic Print 9 “Reflected Light Blue Orange Hues (meandering)” Photographic Print 6
As an artist I believe, one’s true self can be experienced through an artwork. One’s true emotions and feelings can appear “on surface”.As we appear a part of something much bigger than we are, that part also gets “evolved” during the creative process. Being “a whole” is a state of mind, that results in this. This is the experience that evolves both-the artist and the spectator.
- Gustavs Filipsons
‘’Sighting’’ 2023, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas 47”X59”
www.gustavsfilipsons.berta.me
GUSTAVS FILIPSONS
“The Alchemy of Form and Shadow”
by Viviana Puello
In Gustavs Filipsons’ intricate universe, each canvas becomes a profound exploration—a gateway between the tangible and the spiritual. Filipsons’ art is not content with mere representation; it plunges into the depths of the subconscious, bringing forth images that challenge, provoke, and ultimately reveal. His works compel the viewer to pause, decipher, and let themselves be absorbed into the story woven by his dynamic interplay of forms, textures, and hues.
Filipsons is a master of creating tension within his work. His brushwork is both violent and deliberate, striking a balance between chaos and control. Layers upon layers of color collide and coalesce, forming shapes that hint at structures, memories, or even the intangible moods of a dreamscape. For example, his piece “Gardener” envelops us in a dark, brooding palette, where slashes of ochre and deep reds emerge from the blackened ground like flashes of insight, urging the viewer to confront the forces hidden within. This is not simply a painting but an invitation to
“Portrait” 2011, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas 74”X55”
“Face’’ 2020, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas 39”X39”
probe the unknown—what lies beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed.
His recent work, “Two Towers”, continues this journey into abstraction with a striking play of geometry and shadow. The eye is drawn to the vertical forms, imposing yet fragmented, as though remnants of an ancient monument. Subtle blues emerge from within the darkness, like fleeting moments of clarity amidst obscurity. Filipsons’ technique reveals a raw intimacy
with his materials; every brushstroke feels like a gesture of reverence, as if he is carving his visions from the canvas itself. This process of revelation mirrors the artist’s own journey, an intense engagement with the canvas until it “speaks” back to him.
For Filipsons, painting is more than art—it is an act of transcendence, a way to bridge the seen and the unseen. His works do not simply hang; they pulsate with energy, pulling viewers into their orbit and changing them. Each piece invites you to shed your
preconceptions and enter a realm where form and meaning converge, where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur. Through his fearless exploration, Filipsons offers us a glimpse into the boundless depths of the human spirit. His art is a reminder that within darkness lies light, and within chaos, a profound, undeniable truth.
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‘’Comet And The Sun” 2018, Oil, Acrylic, Spray Paint on Canvas 70”X55”
“Landscape” 2020, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas,55”X62”
‘’Two towers’’ 2023, Oil, Acrylic on Canvas 47”X57”
Keep on painting & you can make it.
- Shu-Ya-Hsu
“The Journey of Kinmen” Oil painting
“The King of Lion” Oil painting
“The Cow with Face Mask” Pastel
SHU-YA-HSU “The Poetic Painter of Everyday Wonders”
by Viviana Puello
In Shu-ya Hsu’s mesmerizing world, everyday objects transform into extraordinary symbols that capture the viewer’s soul. Her art, born from resilience and refined by an intimate understanding of beauty, vibrates with emotion, warmth, and a sense of wonder long after seeing it. With a foundation built on the discipline of sketching and a heart steeped in personal trials and triumphs, Shuya Hsu’s work invites you into a realm where reality and imagination coexist in stunning harmony.
Take, for instance, her work ‘The Sky Pot,’ a surreal yet calming depiction of a teapot suspended mid-air, pouring water into a fountain with an elegance that defies gravity. The gentle pastel strokes imbue the scene with a dreamlike quality, whispering tranquility amid life’s mundane bustle. Shu-ya Hsu conveys a deep sense of release and grace through this single image, capturing a moment that feels like a meditation on time and existence. Here, the viewer feels drawn to pause, breathe, and see life with fresh eyes.
Her ‘Window Display,’ in stark contrast, pulses with an urban vibrancy, reflecting her keen observation of contemporary life. Bold colors and dynamic compositions invite us to reflect on consumerism, identity, and self-
expression in the modern age. The scene, divided into contrasting halves, juxtaposes familiar luxury symbols with whimsical touches—dogs in pensive poses and playful mannequins—creating a vibrant dialogue between high fashion and humanity. It is a piece that asks the viewer to look beyond the glass, to ponder what lies within and beyond the surface of everyday life.
Shu-ya Hsu’s work, deeply rooted in personal experience and spirituality, is a beacon of hope and resilience. Having initially turned to art as an escape during her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, her journey from caregiver to artist is one of transformative beauty. Her art speaks to the human experience fully, capturing joy, sorrow, reflection, and faith. Every stroke seems imbued with a purpose, a silent prayer, a hymn to beauty and the divine.
Shu-ya Hsu’s unique blend of realism and imagination makes her art a sanctuary—a space where viewers can find not just aesthetic pleasure but also a profound connection to their own experiences and dreams. In her hands, ordinary scenes become sacred, reminding us of the
“The Goddess of Playing Violin” Oil Painting
“The Sky Pot” Pastel
wonder that surrounds us each day and waiting for us to see it anew. Her art doesn’t just ask for admiration; it invites you to fall in love with the world again.
Discover more about SHU-YA-HSU in this exclusive ICON Magazine edition visit:
My work has been an expression of social conscientiousness veiled by the inspired playfulness of Josef Albers’ experimental work with his interaction of color.
- Wendy McNally
www.wendymcnally.net
WENDY MCNALLY “Art That Captures the Essence of Presence”
by Viviana Puello
Wendy McNally’s art profoundly explores human connection and existence’s raw, unfiltered essence. Her pieces resonate with an intense depth, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of the human form and spirit in an intimate and universally relatable way. McNally’s ability to capture tender and powerful human relationships is masterful, and her work engages the viewer in a dialogue about identity, vulnerability, and unity.
Each painting is a conversation in color and form, where abstraction melds seamlessly with figuration, creating a magnetic visual language. Her brushstrokes are deliberate, bold, and fluid, giving life to her subjects through carefully considered lines and a striking interplay of hues. In her work, we witness the dance of lines that define yet liberate the figures, emphasizing their individuality and interdependence. The nuanced detailing around the eyes, the subtle tension in gestures, and the raw energy in her compositions create an emotional narrative that transcends the canvas.
McNally’s work is more than just a visual feast; it is an emotional journey. Her use of color is evocative, often contrasting warm and cool tones to highlight the multifaceted nature of human emotion. This dynamic approach to color and form pulls viewers into an immersive experience, where one can feel the warmth of an embrace or the subtle tension between two figures. In every piece, she strikes a delicate balance, making the subjects feel deeply personal yet enigmatic enough to resonate with each viewer’s experiences and interpretations.
The honesty in her work is a refreshing divergence from conventional representations of the human body. McNally does not shy away from the vulnerabilities and imperfections that make us human. Instead, she celebrates them, rendering them with a gentle reverence
“Birth” Hand Rubbed Linoleum Monoprint/Crayon on Mulberry Paper, 24”x24”x1” “Dancers”
that is both powerful and deeply touching. Her art prompts a reflection on our relationships, encouraging us to embrace our strength and fragility.
Wendy McNally’s art invites us to pause, reflect, and connect. Her work leaves an indelible impression, inviting us not only to view but also to feel. Through her profound artistry, McNally establishes herself as a remarkable voice in contemporary art who speaks directly to the soul.
The mission of ICON Magazine is simple: to honor the artist. With every edition, we delve into the depths of an artist’s process, their challenges, and their triumphs. This collector’s edition amplifies that mission, presenting a curated selection of brilliance that has graced our pages throughout the year. Thank you for joining us on this artistic journey.
Closing Reflections
As we close this book, let us remember that art is a living force, forever evolving, forever inspiring. To every artist featured in this collector’s edition, thank you for sharing your light with the world. And to every reader, may you carry the spirit of creativity with you, always.
