YEAR 2019 FALL ISSUE www.arttourinternational.com
Meet our Cover Artist!
Jodi Simmons "Symbiosis At The Border" The Reality Of Climate Change
Global Warming in the Antarctica
Greta Thunberg
In Simple Words
The Voice Of Change
"Perhaps one day, it will dawn on humankind that squandering our resources is not the answer, and instead, we will work in harmony with nature appreciating the beauty and grandeur of our world by caring for it as we should." - Maribel Matthews
www.maribelmatthews.com
Maribel Matthews
“Strange Night” By Maribel Matthews
Promoting Creative Ideas For The Conservation Of Our Natural Resources Promoting Creative Ideas For The Conservation Of Our Natural Resources
Artists and joins joins the the green green cultural culturalrevolution revolution ArtistsFor ForAAGreen Green Planet Planet takes takes aa stand stand and that mission is is to to inspire inspireyou youto tochoose choosean an thatisistransforming transforming lives lives worldwide. worldwide. Our Our mission eco-friendly of ecological ecological integrity. integrity. eco-friendlylifestyle lifestylewith with aa high high degree degree of
"The exploitation exploitation of of natural natural resources resources for economic growth "The growth has has resulted resulted in in environmental environmental degradation.Oil and gas exploration, road constructions and mining hinder many degradation.Oil and gas exploration, road constructions and mining hinder manyaspects aspectsofof the natural natural environment, environment, like like the the degradation degradation of the of forests forests and and water water pollution. pollution. As As the the world world population keeps rising and economic growth takes center stage, the depletion of population keeps rising and economic growth takes center stage, the depletion of natural natural resources affected affected by by the the unsustainable unsustainable extraction extraction of resources of raw raw materials materials becomes becomes an an increasing increasing concern. Our goal is to protect our environment from inappropriate development concern. Our goal is to protect our environment from inappropriate development by by utilizing art as a vehicle to bring social awareness and personal responsibility." utilizing art as a vehicle to bring social awareness and personal responsibility." Viviana VivianaPuello Puello- -Founder Founder
Sustainability Sta ts w w ith St a rr ts ith you you!!
Find out out how how you you can Find can help, help, visit visit www.artistsforagreenplanet.org www.artistsforagreenplanet.org
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS
Yadira Roman, Simpson, Smith, Yadira Roman,Paul Realk Wriart,Selas Dean Kab,James SteveTailor, Joel Aser Jameson,
Katrina Sevilla katrina@arttourinternational.com
ON THE COVER
Get Featured! ArtTour International is delighted to feature artists who are making a difference. We have several ways for you to get featured. Email info@artTourinternational.com for more information.
988 Columbus Ave
“Mexican Sunflower: Symbiosis at the Border” by Jodi Simmons "Stardust" Oil On Canvas By Jerry Venditti
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A Message from our Editor-in-Chief
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Dear reader, Scientific research demonstrates that climate change is the most critical threat to our planet in current times and that we must act now to avoid further damage. From the Arctic to Africa, the Earth is feeling the effects of climate change. The environment is deteriorating. The ocean, the land, and the air are suffering a process of degradation with unpredictable consequences. The exploitation of n a t u ra l re s o u rc e s h a s c a u s e d d e f o re s t a t i o n , desertification, oil depletion, greenhouse gas increase, water pollution, the extinction of species, and the list goes on. We must take a stand to steer humanity away from irreparable harm. Our action is not optional, it's essential.
television studios of Manhattan Neighborhood Networks El Barrio Firehouse for the ARTYA AWARDS (Artivists of the Year Awards), and they will record a special episode to share with you. Stay tuned for more news of the broadcast in the ArtTour International TV Show to hear their heartfelt messages. I hope that this issue inspires you to choose an ecofriendly lifestyle with a high degree of ecological integrity. Join us today in our work for an environmentally, economically, and culturally restored planet.
We cannot be silent in this defining moment. We need to call on U.S. and foreign leaders to stand firm on climate change. We are in the midst of a planetary emergency. Standing at the center of the green innovations are the spirited individuals who are speaking up and building global consciousness. These visionaries are the pillars of sustainable development. This community of artists is rising to create social awareness. We stand by them and call on the international community to support them and encourage sustainable, climate-safe energy for all. In this issue, we share the works of the creative minds that are taking their love for our planet a step further, producing art from recycled materials or creating a strong statement through their work. ArtTour International and our network of artists in over two hundred and five countries take a stand and join a peaceful green revolution. On December 13th, 2020, Artists For A Green Planet will unite in New York City at the
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Viviana Puello CEO/Founder ArtTour International Publications, Inc. Artists For A Green Planet Create4Peace.org
Artists For A Green Planet is a division of Create4Peace.org, a non-profit organization that promotes freedom of self-expression through the arts. Our mission is to reduce the transgenerational transmission of pain and suffering, utilizing art to impact the imagination and creativity of people to transmit love, peace, and personal responsibility.
www.create4peace.org
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INDEX
2019 fall ISSUE
Meet our Cover Artist!
Back Cover Artist
Page 10
Jodi Simmons - “Symbiosis At The Border”
Ric Conn
Page 60
Feautered Artists -
Amarnath Viswanath Anastacia Drake Angelina Damenia Antonella Laganà Armen Sarvazyan Barbara Tyler Ahlfield Bente Halvorsen Betty Collier Brigitte Thonhauser-Merk Carla Kleekamp Carole St Germain Charlie Lim Dan McCormack Darlene Kaplan Des Kilfeather Diane Kline Dominique Albinski Eric Wiles Ganga Duleep Gunilla Klemendz
P-16 P-16 P-17 P-19 P-18 P-32 P-19 P-21 P-20 P-28 P-29 P-20 P-22 P-22 P-34 P-23 P-23 P-30 P-30 P-31
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Hema Thakur Henrik Saar Howard Harris Janice Alamanou Jason Bryant Jeong-Ah Zhang Jodi DeCrenza John Nieman José Ángel Palao Julia S. Rasor Kari Veastad Kimberly Berg Kina Wolfe Kyra Belan Laurence Lher Lawrence R. Armstrong LeRoi Mary Morgan MaryBeth Timothy Natalia Orlowski
P-31 P-35 P-38 P-39 P-35 P-36 P-46 P-47 P-36 P-37 P-37 P-40 P-17 P-48 P-40 P-41 P-54 P-50 P-50 P-51
Maria Isabel Matthews
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Nicolás Lucociero Nora Komoroczki Oleg Lobykin Ovidiu LebeJoara Parul Srivastava Pia Buxbom Rosalyn Engelman Shifra Levyathan Steve Lyons Sveta Long Varda Breger Viral Padiya Wendy Cohen William Johnston
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P-52 P-52 P-53 P-53 P-58 P-58 P-55 P-59 P-59 P-64 P-64 P-65 P-65 P-41
Special Issue
Page 8
The Reality Of Climate Change Global Warming in the Antarctica
In Simple Words
Greta Thunberg
The Voice Of Change
Page 24
Page 56
Events “Heads Up”
“A solo Exhibition by Helene DeSerres”
“Romance With Colors”
P-66
“A Solo Exhibition by Subodh Maheshwari”
P-70
The Reality of Climate Change A
by Viviana Puello
lthough some people still remain skeptical about climate change, it is a truly global crisis that has a lot of support from very reputable sources. For example, NASA (together with NOAA and USGS) is currently conducting research, using breakthrough technology to observe all aspects of the Earth's ecosystem. There are satellites and other complex instruments orbiting the Earth right now that are studying the oceans, land, and atmosphere, with more to launch soon. The gathered information provides scientific evidence that proves global warming is really happening and that human activity is responsible for its progress. Earth's temperature has continuously changed throughout its history. The end of the last glacial age (about 7,000 years ago) more or less matches the beginning of human civilization, which could be a factor to determine how much it affects us. Although global warming could be understood as the opposite of a glacial age, there is scientific proof that shows that it is mostly caused by excessive CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. This situation could get out of control and create a global catastrophe.
The emission of carbon dioxide and other gasses from machines has caused a rise in the planet's temperature of 0.9 Celsius since the 19th century. Consequently, the Earth is experiencing changes: the oceans are warming, the ice sheets of the poles are melting, the glaciers are retreating, and the amount of snow is decreasing. Furthermore, the sea level has risen eight inches since the last century; there are more records involving hot temperature records than cold ones, and the acidity of the oceans is increasing due to CO2. Concerned with the global warming problem, the art community is taking a stand by sending strong messages through art. There are two main ways: through practical solutions and through persuasive ideas. In either case, artists are trying to change the world into a better place. The themes and concepts that sculptors and painters (as well as a few architects) use in their works reflect their thoughts regarding the global warming problem. Some of them believe that scientific observations are not changing people's behavior. They, therefore, intend to create art that creates a better understanding of the problem on the part of viewers and persuades them to look for a solution.
Washington, DC - April 29, 2017: Thousands of people attend the People's Climate March to stand up against climate change. - Image by Nicole S. Glass. Copyright © 2019.
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New York, NY - October 22, 2019: Climate change activists gathered outside Manhattan Supreme Court. - Image by Alan Grimandi. Copyright © ArtTour International Magazine 2019.
Israeli artist, Shyfra Levyathan, alters her photographs with digital technology to create impressive surrealistic images, which she associates with climate change. In her work, "The Haunted House," she puts an elegant house in a barren landscape that could be related to Mars, and that contains strange weeds and flying creatures around it. Maribel Matthews is an artist from Gibraltar who wants to raise consciousness about the problems that our planet is facing. She has started to use more abstract forms and vivid colors to represent scenes with natural disasters (fires, hurricanes, etc.), as well as painting with different mediums (other than oil), to help in this task.
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In "Underwater HOA, Marker 8," Xavier Cortada put a sign in front of a house, indicating the altitude at which the sea level will rise if global warming continues. He believes that, through this sign, people will be able to visualize the true extent of the terrible problem. Climate change is a reality, and we all must act now before it is too late. We stand by and support the voice of the artists sending their message through the pages of this special issue of ArtTour International Magazine.
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Jodi Simmons “Symbiosis At The Border”
T
by Viviana Puello
he mesmerizing cover image of this special issue of ArtTour International Magazine, dedicated to our planet, is an original painting by award-winning artist Jodi Simmons. Using soft brushstrokes, Simmons explores themes like peace, beauty, harmony, nature, and the mystical through imagined luminous scenes. Applying rich natural pigments—yellow and orange ochres, navy blues, and glistening golden hues—she captures the light and emotional force of her subjects. Simmons' skillful use of color creates simultaneous contrasts and defined lines that give a sense of depth and tridimensionality, in which her figures appear to burst beyond the canvas.
into a handmade wooden frame, making each piece one of a kind.
Jodi Simmons is known for her icon-sacred images and her masterful application of gold leaf. She uses natural pigments and egg tempera to infuse the canvas with vibrant imagery. The skillfully executed result is then water gilded and placed
Jodi Simmons with her dog Luna Llena. Photo by Alan Grimandi. Copyright © ArtTour International
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“Mary Magdeline” Egg Tempera and 24k Gold on Wood, 24”X18"
Simmons meticulously arranges a variety of forms, figures, and symbols to create a dialogue surrounding her subjects. Her compositions emerge with delicacy out of a golden background in order to provoke and inspire the viewer with themes of faith, love, peace, life, mortality, and the sacredness of nature. Each painting is a provocation, prodding its viewers to reexamine their relationships with their subjects.
At first glance, Jodi Simmons' works seem to reveal classical training and mastery. However, she is a self-taught artist who has developed a style that is all her own and that she has mastered as the result of diligent artistic practice, innate talent, and extensive research. Simmons started painting these historically admired figures following a near-death experience; these modern versions, however, cross theological boundaries. Simmons's icons Cont. Next Page
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Barbara Tyler Ahlfield
"Copper And Cheeto” Oil On Canvas, 50”X50”
B
by Yadira Roman
arbara Tyler Ahlfield, a successful fashion illustrator and established visual artist, renders larger than life realistic portraits that have a classical quality to them, with a contemporary twist. Skillfully executed and deeply thoughtful, her extravagant settings bring her audience into a lavish and contemplative world. Luminous colors and luscious brushwork add a lively sense of nostalgia coupled with her acute attention to detail; every aspect of the image is captured from all ends. The textures she creates with paint seem to emerge from the surface with radiant clarity. Ahlfield uses natural elements
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to complement the essence of the mood of her subjects; creating an overall transcendental experience for her audience. Her background as lead fashion illustrator for Lord & Taylor allowed for years of experience in tapping into what is both alluring, and relatable to her audience, partnered with the inspiration she receives in her surroundings. She describes her home in Baltimore, Maryland, as a place that still carries the historical and classical elements that drove an American era of romanticism and elegance that is captured in her work.
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“Sugar Rush” Oil On Canvas, 48”X48”
Ahlfield’s love for the natural environment is echoed in many of her works. Through her creations, Ahlfield strives to remind the world of the connection we have with the natural environment and our innate role as the man to preserve our environment and endangered species form decimation and extinction respectively. As a fashion illustrator turned visual artist, Ahlfield conveys an unmatched mood of elegance that reflects the gentle grace of nature that almost highlights nature’s helplessness. She reminds us that it is up to us to undo the damage that we have caused.
www.barbaratylerahlfield.com
"Shrimp Taffeta” Oil On Canvas, 60”X36"
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Maria Isabel Matthews
“New Autumn” Oils and Acrylics, 30”X40”
"For me, painting is a necessity and has become my passion. I love starting a new piece – the anticipation and excitement of creating something new, something from the soul, a piece of art that may give pleasure to others but more importantly, fulfills me"
M
by Viviana Puello
aria Isabel Matthews utilizes a wide range of techniques and styles to create artworks that explore perceptions of threedimensionality. She predominantly works with oils, but also uses collage and acrylics to capture light, color, and shadow, and create an exciting experience of movement for the
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viewer. Textured surfaces, lights, shadows, warm earthy tones, and cool hues emerge from layered textures of vibrant pigments—all dancing in harmony on her canvas. Focusing on her profound interpretation of life’s fleeting moments, she applies soft textures with a dreamy color palette in order to capture the romanticism from abstraction and impressionism to landscapes and cityscapes. Matthews brushstrokes give us a glimpse into her mind and the movement of her thoughts and feelings. Cont. Next Page
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“Strange Night” Acrylics on Card, 11”X16”
“Early Winter” Oils and Acrylics, 30”X40”
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Kyra Belan "In my book, titled Earth, Myth, and Eco-feminist Art, I record several decades of my social issues artworks. They center on my concerns about Mother Earth, climate change, animal abuse, and the women's fight for equal rights. Women struggle to keep their freedoms even in a democratic society, here in America. My recent paintings on canvas, drawings on paper, and installations feature women's struggles to pass ERA, women's marches, and the plight of the people of Puerto Rico after the hurricane. My mythical women in these series are Lady Liberty, Colombia, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. "
F
By Yadira Roman
illed with a pulsating mix of color, text, and figures, Kyra Belan swiftly tackles topics related to race, gender, and politics. With a plethora of different styles -such as acrylic on canvas, graphite or colored pencils on paper- Belan vividly portrays-with a touch of popping realistdepictions of inspiring women such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Hillary Clinton. Other models heavily featured in her art are important democratic symbols such as the Statue of Liberty. Her other mediums of expression outside of drawing and painting include performance art and mixed media art, among others.
“ERA NOW” Acrylic on Canvas, 40”x30”
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“Puerto Rico Es America” Acrylic On Canvas, 40”x30”
“Women’s March 2018” Acrylic On Canvas, 43”x33”
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“Global Climate Strike” Acrylic on Canvas, 40”x30”
Belan has an active role in one of the defining movements of our time, the ERA -or Equal Rights Amendment-. Her involvement has gone as far as to donate one of her paintings to be used as the official image of the Virginia State ERA campaign. In this painting, the Statue of Liberty is holding the Equal Rights Amendment. Blazing in warm hues, with the symbolic use of color, this painting reminds us that we cannot have a democracy unless we have equal rights. “It is the official image for the campaign in Virginia to ratify the ERA, which will make the amendment the law of the land when ratified in November 2020."
www.kyrabelan.com
“Demand Democracy” Acrylic on Canvas, 40”x30”
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Greta Thunberg
EDMONTON, CANADA – October 18 2019: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks to a crowd at a climate change rally at the Alberta legislature building. Photo by Chris Kolaczan Copyright 2019, All rights reserved.
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by Viviana Puello
hen it comes to this publication, I usually stick to my subject: Art. But as an environmental activist, I could not help but take this opportunity to share a message with our audience, particularly since this issue is dedicated to our planet. As both a mother and grandmother, I do confess to having a sensitive heart for children. However, when children are the ones who call us to action, I think we all need to open our hearts and receive their message. It seems that the world needed a teenage activist to wake us up to the consequences of global warming and climate change. That's precisely what Greta Thunberg has done. She has managed to awaken humanity to a new awareness through her strong message and persistence. Greta Thunberg has stood up for her cause and refused to stop gaining respect from leaders, activists, artists, children, teenagers, millennials, and older adults all around the world. She is a reminder that
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we should all stop for a second and think about the world that we are leaving to our children and grandchildren. Along with her message, Greta has traveled the world, always choosing to use eco-friendly means, thus making a statement with her every move. Recently, she was in Alberta, Canada, where she led a climate strike rally. Her following stop was a climate strike rally in Vancouver. September and October were mostly dedicated to speeches in North America. But Greta does not plan to stop there. She plans to participate in the COP25 meetings. Last month, the UN announced that Spain would be the host for November's COP25, since Chile gave up plans to hold it due to deadly anti-government protests. Some 25,000 delegates are expected to travel to the event. The Swedish teenager is currently seeking help getting back to Europe following the
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The Voice Of Change
Brussels, Belgium. 21st February 2019. Sixteen year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg attends in the European Economic and Social Committee event. Photo by Alexandros Michailidis Copyright 2019, All rights reserved.
meeting's move from Chile to Spain. Abstaining from flying due to the carbon emissions involved, Thunberg has been traveling by boat, train, and electric car. Greta Thunberg arrived in New York for the UN climate summit in August, after a fourteen-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean in a sailing boat. Since then, she has moved via train and an electric car borrowed from Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her speech at the summit made headlines for her scolding of world leaders due to their inaction on the climate crisis "...You all come to us young people for hope. How dare you. You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words. And yet, I'm one of the lucky ones."
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Greta has been an inspiration for many artists around the world. British artist Michael Pinsky invited her to visit his latest work called Pollution Pods, which has been influenced by Greta's message. Pollution Pods have been installed in front of the United Nations building. They consist of six chambers that represent air quality in big cities such as London and Beijing. Artists around the world have joined to help her and make her cause more visible. Art often speaks louder than words, and it is excellent when artists support such an important cause. Young Greta Thunberg has acted as a very much needed wakeup call, as well as a call to action. She has inspired many people who are now thinking of ways to contribute to stopping climate change, managing to do it all thanks to her commitment, honesty, and persistence.
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Ric Conn
“Straight Jacket” Oil on Canvas, 28”x20”
A
by Viviana Puello
merican artist, Ric Conn creates expressionistic works that focus mainly on figurative depictions of women and that address various social themes of human rights and female empowerment. Working with provocation, Ric Conn creates scenes in which the viewer is confronted and challenged to reconsider his or her positions.
These dramatic compositions, painted with bold colors and loose brush strokes, often portray
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beautiful women and their emotional journey through life, with a particular focus on the experiences women face in Western culture. Utilizing oil, acrylics, gouache, charcoal, and ink, the artist paints loosely and freely. Fluid brush strokes create the forms and textures of the female body, and a soft and muted palette allows his audience to focus entirely on his subjects. Cont. Next Page
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“Into the Light” Oil on Canvas, 36”x24”
“Still Standing” Mixed Media on Canvas, 36”x24”
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“Quicksand” Oil on Canvas, 36”x24”
“Miss Jolly Roger” Oil on Canvas, 36”x24”
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“Planet d’Eau” Mixed Media On Canvas, 30”X30”
DeSerres' work has been recognized all over the world through many exhibitions and galleries in countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Canada, Portugal, Mexico, Tunisia and the Czech Republic. The versatile artist has also embarked on a mission that will delight every nature conservationist - exhibiting artwork in such a way as to draw attention to the need to preserve and protect nature. Fragile Coral and Vanishing Elephants are just some of the pieces that are part of her "Environment My Life My Heart" collection. DeSerres says that she has always loved animals and sees the need to protect them, and that painting for them has become part of her life.
www.hdeserres.com
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“MUTED DISCOURSE” Silence Screams The Loudest A S olo E x hibi t i on by S o u t h A f r i c a n A rt i s t
Raymond John Westraadt Grimandi Art Gallery Dec 17th - Jan 15th
988 Columbus Ave. New York, NY 10025 Tel (929) 351-7934 www.vividartsnetwork.com
OPENING RECEPTION www.arttourinternational.com DECEMBER 20th 7:00 PM
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“EMERGENCE”
BE YON D E A RT H a n d sk y A S olo E x h i bi t ion by m as t er A rt i s t
Barbara Tyler Ahlfield
Grimandi Art Gallery Nov 30th - Dec 14th
988 Columbus Ave. New York, NY 10025 Tel (929) 351-7934 www.vividartsnetwork.com
OPENING RECEPTION DECEMBER 6th 7:00 PM
“The Statue of Liberty in Kevlar” By Ric Conn