Thierry Noir: The Artist Who Painted the Berlin Wall
My 6-year-old loves. the portraits of Berlin-based, French artist Thierry Noir. I discovered this when she brought home a portrait she made at school, inspired by his work.
Christine Wilkinson: The Alchemist of Digital Photography
Few artists capture the essence of light, color, and form as Christine Wilkinson does. A British digital photographer with a distinctive style, Christine brings a unique vision to her craft. A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of working with her on a project that required two large works.
Understanding Gestalt in Art: How Our Brains See
Gestalt psychology, developed in the early 20th century by German psychologists Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Köhler, helps us understand how we perceive patterns and wholes in the visual world. "Gestalt" means "shape" or "form" in German, and in art, these principles help artists create works that naturally engage viewers.
Yvonne Robert: Exploring Color and Form
Yvonne Robert's work is characterized by its vibrant use of color and fluid shapes. She skillfully blends abstract and representational styles, creating a dynamic effect. Typical of her work are the shapes and lines that seem to move, giving her pieces a spontaneous feel.
Paul Kuntze: Bridging Baroque and Abstract Expressionism
I’ve been following Paul Kuntze’s work on Instagram for quite some time. Recently, I had the chance to catch up with him. During a brief call, we chatted about his work, which is a unique blend of abstract expressionism and classical baroque influences.
The Significance of Sculpture in Human Society
Let’s take a look at sculptures this week, shall we? These three-dimensional works of art are created by shaping or combining materials such as stone, metal, glass, wood, plastic—or even paper. They vary widely in size and purpose, ranging from tiny pieces to monumental statues. What do they mean to us, and why are they important in the context of our world?
Joey Bates: The Master of Paper Sculptures
The first time I saw Joey Bates's work was while doing research for a Serafina project, which called for a giant paper sculpture. I was immediately drawn to the intricacies of Joey's work. He creates paper sculptures with meticulously cut elements, all held together by a hidden paper structure, resulting in phenomenal texture and visual depth.
Jonah Dichter: The Art of Transformation
You might think that I’m not always looking to meet artists everywhere I go. Maybe I’m not, but we find each other nonetheless. This year, I met Jonah Dichter at Krav Maga. Jonah is an emerging artist whose focus is on ceramics. As we were training for our next belt—I was going for blue, Jonah for purple—I asked him if I could see some of his work. He invited me to his house, where he had a few of his non-functional sculptures laid out on his kitchen counter. The more he told me about his work, the more intrigued I became.
The Indelible Contributions of the LGBTQ+ Community to the Art World
The contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the art world are vast and varied, encompassing a range of styles, themes, and mediums. Through their work, LGBTQ+ artists have expanded our understanding of identity, representation, and aesthetics. As we continue to celebrate Pride and honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the impact LGBTQ+ artists have had on the art world.
The Multifaceted Talent of Katie Reidy
There is nothing Katie Reidy can’t do. I’ve heard her sing with an incredibly powerful voice, seen her on stage delivering a comedy routine, and witnessed her elegance as a communicator. She seamlessly chats in Spanish and captivates large groups of children with ease. Katie is a Swiss Army knife of communication skills.
Discovering the Vibrant World of Kim Leutwyler and Victor Gadino
Both Kim Leutwyler and Victor Gadino bring unique perspectives to figurative art. Kim’s vibrant portraits and commitment to social themes make her work impactful and relevant, while Victor’s elegant and emotionally charged images highlight his exceptional talent and versatility. Their contributions to the art world, particularly in representing LGBTQ+ themes, are of the utmost significance.
The Impact of Faces in Art and Social Interactions
Human faces are gateways through which we interpret emotions, intentions, and social cues. This fascination with faces is deeply rooted in our biology.
Lore Frias: A Vivid Journey in Portraiture
I'm constantly on the lookout for new talent, and as I mentioned, I've developed a new understanding of portraiture. My search through social media led me to the work of Mexican artist Lore Frias. In a recent conversation, I explored her ever-evolving work, which boldly examines color and intimate portraiture.
Alex Kiessling: Creativity, Change, and Curiosity
After a few days of back-and-forth, I finally sat down with Austrian artist Alex Kiessling. Known for his vibrant and dynamic approach to figurative painting, Alex has always intrigued me. Recently, I've been looking at figurative art with fresh eyes and developing a new appreciation for it. Eager to learn more about the thoughts and processes of figurative artists, especially those creating portraits, I reached out to Alex for his insights.
The Germans are exceptionally skilled at abstraction. Why is this the case?
A couple of articles ago, I mentioned that I systematically categorize the artists I admire, and one of these categories is “Contemporary German Abstraction.” The reason for such specific category is the remarkable proficiency of German artists in the realm of abstraction. Maybe I'm overgeneralizing, but every time I find a work of abstract art I love, it often falls into this category. It might be something that resonates with me personally, but I don’t think I’m alone in this sentiment.
Daniel Man: Insights and Artistic Process
Daniel Man is an artist I have long admired. He is not only incredibly talented but also genuinely nice. What can I say? He’s “The Man.” I was thrilled when he recently agreed to catch up, and this week, we connected via Zoom. Set against the backdrop of his studio in Augsburg, Germany, our conversation offered a glimpse into his current projects and his approach to his work.
Tomislav Topic: Insights and Artistic Evolution
I met Tomislav Topic several years ago. I still remember the first time I saw one of his installations—it was so cool I knew I had to meet the person behind it. His work thoughtfully explores how we perceive colors and their profound impact on us.
Reductive Art: Simplicity as Sophistication
A focus on simplicity and refined elegance. You might wonder why these pieces are so compelling, even though they seem simple. Let’s explore the world of reductionist art, where less really is more.
Peter Demos: The Power of Contrast
This is the work of artist Peter Demos—a great example of contemporary abstraction. I first discovered his work a few years ago through my then-business partner, Michael Souter. Michael has a thing for pure abstraction, so it wasn’t a shock that he loved Peter’s work.
Andrew Faris: Bold Hues and Abstract Narratives
Andrew's journey into art is rooted in his design background, which has significantly shaped his approach from the start. In our conversation, he shared how he's moved away from the way he began creating art—meticulously planning his compositions—to embracing a more spontaneous interplay of colors on the canvas. It's less about starting with a concrete idea and more about letting the paint flow and evolve naturally.